[sinteger]

Ok so my 80gb Fat model (2 usb ports) wouldn't boot, so I went into recovery mode and tried several options, ending at Restore PS3 System. I got this message:

The system software cannot run correctly. Press the PS button to attempt to restart the system.

If the system cannot be restarted, the system partition of the hard disk must be reformatted and you must reinstall the system software. Connect storage media that contains update data of version 3.56 or above and press Start + Select.... blah blah blah.

So I did, I put the 3.56 OFW update on a USB stick, plugged it in, and then I got this message:

The system partition of the hard disk will be formatted. During the format operation, all data on the hard disk may be deleted... blah blah blah.

So I let it format, which it said afterwards it would restart the system and begin installing the system software. It went to 100%, "restarted", and now it just gives a black screen.

It will not do anything if any hard drive is connected, however, if I try starting it with NO hard drive installed, I get the Recovery Mode version of the message screen with "Cannot start. The correct hard disk cannot be found."

Any ideas?

[haz367]

simular issue here, mine kept after installing firmware >>> 100% reboots and again...The system software cannot run correctly blablabla

mine tho didn't give the "format" wich it normally should, used HDD Low level format tool(free) with option "perform quikwipe ( just remove partitions and MBR)

after this, format on PS3 and firmware install went fine..give it a shot..its free

[sinteger]

Thanks for the tip. It works to the degree that it gets me back to the "The system software cannot be run correctly" message, and/or I can get to the Recovery Mode again. But still, nothing works. i've tried multiple hard drives, no go. I'm going to try 3.60 OFW.

[svenmullet]

Personally, I think it's the dreaded 3.56v1 bug As far as I know, if you're affected by this, you can't reinstall system software or update, the only fix appears to be flashing/downgrading. Or call sony and demand that they fix it/send you a replacement for free. Make sure you read everything there is to know about this bug before you call them. Be prepared and don't take no for an answer. It was their fault this happened, not yours.

[haz367]

eh..bummer man..atleast it got u a little further

this is just guessing, as svenmullet brings up the 3.56v1 f*ckup

u tested this>> since u can get to Recovery menu
http://community.us.playstation.com/...art=0&tstart=0

its about fixing this,afraid it wont work, give it a shot as usual, otherwise consider a hardware downgrade





edit @sinteger :

could be a hit or miss..if cheap why not..

about hardware flash, it aint bad to have a e3 laying arround, it's easy, and just try it, dump it,verify, patch it and maibe it show u the good old "connect ps controller" screen and proceed downgrade, but me just guessing as usual

damn this 356 screwing up ur system...the crooks
goodluck with the fix

[sinteger]

I am under the impression that a hardware downgrade isn't possible without a backup of the firmware from the system while it was in good working order. Is that not true? Because if not, then its definitely worth me getting a flasher because I have another fat model with the 3.56 FSM RSOD...
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I just tried the method posted above, and to no avail. Looks like a hardware flash is the only possibility to get this thing working again.

[sinteger]

Question @haz367 : having formatted the hard drive already, would that blow my chances of being able to dump it, or does it only need to dump the NOR chip?

[svenmullet]

It only needs the stuff on the NOR, your PS3 ain't bricked, it just won't allow you to install the rest of the firmware on the formatted HDD. You should have no problems getting a dump and downgrading.

[haz367]

the nor on board.

hdd isn't important, old new, if u format both for example with formatter they wil install and install req firmware later on, a hardware flasher, e3 being the easiest and like @svenmullet also recommends this should work for this, no other way it seems

this 356 is a nasty one..never had to deal with it, anyway goodluck man

edit> he beat me to it..yes a e3 will do just fine

[sinteger]

I'm trying to figure out which is the better investment for these sort of devices: E3 or Progskeet. I feel like the Progskeet is going to be the best because it has NAND and NOR compatibility, as well as being able to be used with pretty much anything with a NAND/NOR/EEPROM. Any thoughts?