How to Get a Flash Drive to Work on a PS3 V.1

NTFS is the default file system for the Windows operating system. As such, many flash drives and external hard drives come pre-formatted in this format. Sony's PlayStation 3 is capable of utilizing external USB drives for game saves, media storage and media playback. Before the PS3 can access these drives, though, they must be formatted properly. This means formatting them in the FAT32 file system format. This can be done easily using your Windows-based computer for drives with up to 32 Gb of capacity.

Instructions

1. Connect the flash drive to your computer by inserting it into an open USB port.

2. Open the Start menu and select "Computer." Right-click the connected flash drive, select "Format..."

3. Set the "File System" drop-down menu to "FAT32."

4. Enter a volume label, if so desired. Select "Quick Format." Click "Format" to format the flash drive. Once finished, the flash drive is properly formatted to work with the PlayStation 3 game console.

Tips & Warnings

• Larger drives than 32 Gb can be formatted using third-party software such as Swissknife.

References

• SanDisk: Formatting a Memory Card, Flash Drive or Device Using a PC
• PS3 Pad: How To Add An External USB Drive to the PS3