More fun with the game console
In this country Sonys appeared PlayStation 3 in March 2007. This video game system is still popular today, especially for multimedia aspects. One external hard drive can be connected to the home console via USB, but the data medium usually does not work with the system ex works. This is due to the FAT32 file system, which the PS3 needs to be able to read an external hard drive.
In these instructions, we explain how to use your Windows computer to make the data carrier fit for the PlayStation 3. However, we would like to point out that all files stored on the external hard drive will be lost with the formatting. So if there are important files on the Drive are located, they should be backed up before the process.
Format external hard drive in Windows XP
Formatting is easiest via Windows XP. This operating system was mainly intended for handling data carriers based on FAT32. Therefore - unlike the following Microsoft operating systems - there is no limit to the drive size. So you can also format hard drives that are larger than 32 GB.
First, the workplace, which is usually located on the desktop, must be clicked on. Alternatively, the workplace can also be called up via the start menu. Now all connected to the computer drives listed, of course also the external hard drive. A right-click on the data medium finally opens a selection menu. All you have to do is click on the “format” option.
Now you get to a window in which you can give the hard disk a name under "Volume label". The selection of the file system is also important. You must make sure that FAT32 is selected here. Windows XP can now easily format the external hard drive, but there is a small flaw. Due to the limitation of the file system, no files larger than 4 GB can be placed on the drive.
Formatting the external hard drive on newer versions of Windows
To set up an external hard drive for use in a Sony PlayStation 3, you need an additional tool under Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10. We recommend the program H2format. The application is only 25 kilobytes in size and available free of charge. It can be used to format SSDs and HDDs with a size of up to 8,8 terabytes.
Download the tool and open Windows Computer Management. This can be found in the control panel. Then the "Disk Management" tab must be called up. Right-clicking on the external hard drive brings up a menu where "Erase Volume" is clicked. A drive letter must then be selected. The data medium is now ready for the H2format program.
Right-click the application and select "Run as administrator". Now H2format gets the necessary permissions for formatting. Now a black window, the command prompt, should open. Here just type in h2format d: or any other drive letter that matches the external hard drive.
More notes on formatting for the PlayStation 3
During the process, the external HDD or SSD should not be disconnected from the computer and the computer should remain switched on. After formatting is complete, the external hard drive is ready for use with the Sony PlayStation 3. Now you can transfer your photos, videos and music to the appropriate folders. The folders must be named as follows:
- VIDEO
- MUSIC
- PICTURE
Additional folders should be created for using themes and games.
- EXPORT
- SAVEDATA
- THEME
Make sure you put the files you want in the correct folders, otherwise the PlayStation 3 will not be able to read them. Incidentally, it does not necessarily have to be an external hard drive, a USB stick can also be operated on the PS3.
