Worry not, PlayStation gamers, it's safe to connect your PlayStation 3 back to the internet now. It's been a few days since Sony pulled the update 4.45 that had effectively bricked so many PS3 systems, but now, a fix is upon us.
Here's how it works. If you were one of the lucky few who heard about the faulty update early, and avoided the update, you're safe to download 4.46, and finally have that option to turn your trophy messages on or off.
If you were part of that other group, the one whose console refused to load past those god forsaken "ribbons," you'll have to manually download the update, and load it in via a USB drive.
Here are the directions courtesy of PlayStation Support:
1. First, you'll need a flash drive with a least 168 MB free. Depending on the model of your console, you can also use a Memory Stick, SD Memory Card, or CompactFlash. Load up the device on a computer, and create a folder called "PS3" on it. Inside of that folder, make another folder named "UPDATE."
2. Download system software 4.46 from this link, and make sure you save it in the "UPDATE" folder. Save the file under the name "PS3UPDAT.PUP" This is not a name guide to make everything easy to find, it's actually required to name it as such if you want your console fixed, so name it like it's written exactly. All caps and everything.
3. Once you have your update info all saved, the next step is to activate the console's safe mode. To do this, first make sure your console is off. Once it's off, touch and hold the Power button. You'll hear the 1st beep indicating that the PS3 is powering on. Continue holding it, and after about 5 seconds, you'll hear a 2nd beep. Keep holding, and after an additional 5 seconds, a 3rd beep will follow, and the system will power off. Let go of the power button.
4. With the console off, touch and hold the power button again. Repeat the same process until you hear a quick double beep, and release. If you did everything correctly, you'll see a message on screen saying, "Connect the controller using a USB cable and then press the PS button." Follow the instructions and "connect a controller" to the PS3 with the cable.
5. At this point, connect your flash drive, or whatever storage device you're using to the system. Select the System Update option (and ONLY that option), and press X. Then press start and select at the same time. The system should restart, and recognize the file in the drive. From here, it's all a matter of going through the description, agreeing to the usual bit of legalese, and you should be home free as soon as you confirm the update.
Despite offering a fix, which is great, Sony still hasn't provided an explanation as to what about the original update was giving so many players grief in the first place. But with a fix finally here, why look a gift horse in the mouth? We'll keep you posted if Sony provides an official explanation, but for now, go get your game on.