How to Add an External Hard Drive to a Playstation 3

If you're an avid PS3 gamer, then you know the importance of saving your progress for future game play. Since the 20GB PS3 is no longer in production, an external hard drive is the most viable and cost-effective solution for increasing memory. Assuming you're using a PC and own an external PS3 hard drive, here are a few simple steps can follow to set it up properly.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• External hard drive compatible with PS3
• USB cord

1. Connect the external hard drive to your computer using your USB cord.

2. Open your "Start" menu and click on the following string of menu options: "Control Panel," "Administrative Tools," "Computer Management" and "Disk Manager."

3. Select the external hard drive and give attention to the type of "File System." If it reads "NTFS," then right-click it and choose "Delete Partition." This will ensure the partition you use is "FAT32." If it's not "FAT32," then proceed to Step 4. If it is "FAT32," then move on to Step 5.

4. Run an Internet search for "CompuApps Swiss Knife." You'll find the official website within the first few search results. Simply enter the site and download the free application. Once downloaded, install the program and run it. When you're inside the program, choose the external hard drive that needs to be partitioned. Configure the settings in the following manner: "Partition Type–Primary," "File System–FAT32" and "Volume Label." Choose "Create" and your FAT 32 partition will be set up. Proceed to Step 5.

5. Open "My Computer" and click twice on your empty external PS3 hard drive. Right click within this area, move your cursor down to "New," and select "Folder." Name this folder "Photo." Repeat this process to create three more new folders: "Music," "Video" and "Game." This will ensure the folders on your external hard drive are identical to those on your PS3.

6. Click the green arrow in the bottom right corner of your screen to remove and choose "Safely Remove." Unplug your external PS3 hard drive once a message appears indicating it's safe to do so.

7. Connect your external hard drive to your PS3 and enjoy.

Tips & Warnings

• Choosing a proper external hard drive won't be difficult because most are compatible with PS3.
• Avoid using a NTFS formatted hard drive because your PS3 won't recognize it.
• Don't place your external hard drive near your PS3's exhaust fans. The hot air could damage the drive.

[blackmamba17]

on 1/30/2009 This worked great for me but the size of my external hard drive went down from 1 TB to 500 GB, any reason why this is, and how I can fix it?

[KG-Learner]

on 12/31/2008 Yeah that's Great but i can't put any of my movies i downloaded from the PSN store on it... and those are what are killing space... is there anyway to format the drive to be seen by the PS3 as system hardware?

[superrob88]

on 10/8/2008 I just want to thank you personally, i would not have been able to enjoy my movies and tv shows on my ps3 if this awesome tutorial hadn't existed. thank you, and have a great day.
-RoB-