PS3 software update v4.46 released; How to fix PS3s frozen by v4.45 update

Those who didn't install the v4.45 system update can get the new update the same way as ever. For those who did apply v4.45, and ended up being unable to reach the XMB on the console, here are the instructions on how to fix your console.

For these steps you will need a USB Mass Storage device (USB flash drive etc.) with at last 168MB of free space. You will also need to manually download the PS3 System Software v4.46 from the link below.

http://dus01.ps3.update.playstation.net/.... (right-click and save as)

After you have the Update, there are three stages to go through; Step 1 - Preparing the Manual Update, Step 2 - Activating Safe Mode on your PS3 and Step 3 - Manually Update PS3 Software.

Step 1 - Preparing the Manual Update

1. You will need a USB Mass Storage device such as a USB flash drive with at least 168 MB of free space. If your PS3 is either CECHA00/CECHB00 series model, you can also use Memory Stick, SD Memory Card, and CompactFlash.
2. Create a folder named "PS3" on the storage media or USB device. (all letters UPPERCASE)
3. Within the PS3 folder, create a folder named "UPDATE". (all letters UPPERCASE)
4. Using your computer, click the following hyperlink to begin downloading system software 4.46
5. Download the update data from the webpage and save it in the "UPDATE" folder.
   • Location: Save in the "PS3" folder > "UPDATE" folder
   • File name: Save as file name "PS3UPDAT.PUP"

Step 2 - Activating Safe Mode on your PS3

1. With the PS3 off (power light should be red), touch and hold the Power button, you will hear the 1st beep indicating that the PS3 is powering on.
2. Continue to hold the power button, and after approximately 5 seconds you will hear a 2nd beep.
3. Continue to hold the power button and after 5 more seconds you'll hear a 3rd beep, and system will power off (Power light goes red).
4. Release power button.
5. Touch and hold the Power button, you will hear the 1st beep, again for PS3 power on.
6. Continue to hold and after approximately 5 seconds you will hear the 2nd beep for video reset.
7. Continue to hold and after 5 seconds you will hear a quick double beep. At that point release power button.
8. If you succeeded in activating Safe Mode, you will see a message on screen saying, "Connect the controller using a USB cable and then press the PS button".
9. Connect a controller to the PS3 with a USB cable.

Step 3 - Manually Update PS3 Software

1. Connect the storage media to PS3 system.
2. Select [6 - System Update] and Press X.
   • Please note: Data and settings may be deleted if you choose any of the first (5) options. Please make sure to only choose option [6 - System Update].
3. Press Start and Select at the same time.
4. The PS3 system will restart and recognizes the update file in the storage media.
5. Press right on the d-pad to scroll through the update description and user agreement.
6. Press X to confirm the update.
7. The system will now install the new system software and restart automatically upon completion.

If the PS3 does not recognize an update then you need to be sure you followed Step 1 correctly, as if the data is not saved in the correct way, the PS3 will not recognize it.



If you were unable to boot into Safe Mode, or for any other reason the software update will not apply, then click this link to get in contact with Sony.