If your PlayStation 3 fails to read games or Blu-Ray discs it could be because of a number of reasons (see below). There are only a few options you can try from home to resolve the issue, but the worst case scenario involves sending it off to Sony to get it repaired (which will cost you money). Before you send it off to Sony, follow this guide and try to resolve the issue yourself.
We’ve received many emails and YouTube comment about how to access the PS3 recovery menu, so we though we would write up a detailed walk-through to help you out. The PS3 recovery menu is available on firmware 2.50+ and allows you to preform various operations on your PS3, including restore factory settings and reinstall firmware. You can read our original coverage on the PS3 Recovery Menu (including video) too.
You can update the firmware/system software in two main ways: using Wired/Wireless Internet or using an external storage media. If you have internet configured, the PS3 can download and install the update for you. If the PS3 is not connected to the internet, a USB device can be used to install the update.
If you use a USB device, the “PS3UPDAT.PUP” file should be stored in the folder “/PS3/UPDATE”, i.e. there should be a folder called “PS3” on the root of the device. Within the PS3 folder, there should be another folder called “UPDATE” which should contain the “PS3UPDAT.PUP” file.
Warning: Do not switch off your PS3 or remove the external storage media during an update. Doing so may damage the system software, rendering your PS3 useless. You should use the Recovery Menu if your PS3 fails to start correctly.
