Sony is aware about the problems it has created with the faulty firmware update for PlayStation 3 that the company released last week. However, amends have been made with Sony replacing it with a fully-functioning new version.
Sony only recently pulled down the bugged update 4.45 after there were complaints that the update was bricking some users' consoles. Following all such complaints and problems, Sony released update version 4.46. This new update is said to allow users to hide Trophy notifications without making the console inoperable.
The company has also issued a step-by-step guide to install the new firmware in PS3's hidden safe mode for those who are most affected by last week's faulty patch. The method required the user to download the firmware update via PC and saving it to a USB stick, then restarting the PS3 in safe mode and apply the patch manually.
“If you updated your PlayStation 3 Software to version 4.45 and the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) menu is not displayed, please follow the steps below to manually update your PS3's Software and restore your system's functionality,” the official page states.
Check below for a step-by-step guide
Step 1: Manually Download System Software
- 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.
- Create a folder named "PS3" on the storage media or USB device.
- Within the PS3 folder, create a folder named "UPDATE".
- Using your computer, click the following hyperlink to begin downloading system software 4.46
- 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"
Note: If the data is not saved in the correct way, the PS3 will not recognize the update data. The folder name must be in all uppercase letters.
Step 2: Activate Safe Mode
- 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.
- Continue to hold the power button, and after approximately 5 seconds you will hear a 2nd beep.
- 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).
- Release power button.
- Touch and hold the Power button, you will hear the 1st beep, again for PS3 power on.
- Continue to hold and after approximately 5 seconds you will hear the 2nd beep for video reset.
- Continue to hold and after 5 seconds you will hear a quick double beep. At that point release power button.
- 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".
- Connect a controller to the PS3 with a USB cable.
- If you were not able to get into Safe Mode, your system may need service. Please contact us for further assistance.
Step 3: Manually Update PS3 Software
- Connect the storage media to PS3 system.
- 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].
- Press Start and Select at the same time.
- The PS3 system will restart and recognizes the update file in the storage media.
- Press right on the d-pad to scroll through the update description and user agreement.
- Press X to confirm the update.
- The system will now install the new system software and restart automatically upon completion.