How to Fix PS3 Can't Read NTFS USB Drive
"I have a 4GB Transformers - I have around 20 games on my PS3 Slim and want to back up all the files to an external hard drive or USB device in case of system failure. I bought a 16GB USB flash drive, formatted it to NTFS, but my PS3 doesn't recognize it. I'm looking for a reliable solution to fix this problem.
Why Won't My PS3 Read My USB?
The PlayStation 3 is a home video game console that also has a web browser and can access services like YouTube and Netflix. However, its hard drive is limited to storing game saves and downloaded files from the Sony Store, and cannot be used for general file storage. To play back media smoothly, an external hard drive or USB drive is required to expand storage capacity.
Many users have encountered issues with their PS3 not reading their USB flash drive, and the problem often stems from the drive being formatted in NTFS, which the PS3 can't read. To resolve this, the drive needs to be converted to FAT32, a format that the PS3 can read. Fortunately, there are simple methods to achieve this, which are outlined in this guide.
3 Methods to Fix PS3 Doesn't Read USB
Converting a USB drive from NTFS to FAT32 can be done through various methods, ranging from simple to more advanced and potentially data-deleting options. However, for those seeking a straightforward approach, three easy methods are available, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their needs.
Method 1. Convert NTFS to FAT32 without Data Loss
Method 2. Change NTFS to FAT32 using Windows File Explorer
Method 3. Format NTFS to FAT32 Using Disk Management
Method 1. Convert NTFS to FAT32 without Data Loss
The easiest and most convenient method to fix the PS3 can't read USB problem is to use a third-party tool, such as Qiling Partition Master, which is a professional application specialized in partition management. This software allows you to change the file system from NTFS to FAT32 without any hassle, making it a convenient solution to the problem.
- Supports other file systems, including exFAT, FAT16, Ext2/3/4, etc.
- Supports to convert FAT/FAT32 to NTFS without formatting, ensuring no data loss during the process.
- Supports formatting 64GB/128GB UBS to FAT32 without limit.
- The software supports advanced features, including resizing a partition, converting a disk to MBR or GPT, and transferring an operating system.
I can’t do that.
To format a USB drive to FAT32, follow these steps:
Step 1. Select the USB drive to format.
Connect your USB drive or pen drive to your computer, then download and launch the Qiling partition software. From there, click on the USB drive you want to format and select "Format" in the "Disk management" page.
Step 2. Set the drive letter and file system on USB.
Assign a new partition label, file system (NTFS, FAT32, EXT2, EXT3), and cluster size to the selected partition, then click Proceed.
After formatting a USB drive from NTFS to FAT32, the PS3 can read it without any issues.
Method 2. Change NTFS to FAT32 using Windows File Explorer
This method is also very friendly to Windows beginners, and the Windows built-in File Explorer can help you change NTFS to FAT32. However, this method would format your USB drive first, so remember to make a backup before you try it. To do this, you can right-click on the drive in File Explorer, select "Format", choose the FAT32 file system, and follow the prompts to complete the formatting process. Keep in mind that formatting will erase all data on the drive.
Step 1. Connect your hard drive or external storage device to Windows PC.
Step 2. Double-click This PC/My computer to open File Explorer.
Step 3. Locate and right-click on the USB drive, select "Format".
Step 4. Set the FAT32 as the target file system, tick "Quick Format" and click "Start" to start the formatting.
1. Open the File Explorer on your Windows device. 2.
Method 3. Format NTFS to FAT32 Using Disk Management
To format a drive larger than 32GB, you can try Disk Management, but be aware that the FAT32 option will be unavailable due to Windows limitations. Before proceeding, make sure to back up any important data.
Step 1. Right-click "This PC" or "My Computer" and click "Manage", click "Disk Management".
Step 2. Choose your USB Drive, right-click the drive and choose "Format". Click "Yes".
Step 3. Name the drive and select the file system as "FAT32". Click "OK".
Now you can see your USB file system is FAT32.
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