Deleting games via FTP or manager does not free up space

**cerebr_al** · 01-18-2011,04:05 AM

@XeviouSV1910, yes I think I did that to no avail.

I have an update that's a bit concerning. I went into recovery mode and selected rebuild files instead of database (which I read had been tried in another similar post). A message came up saying there were corrupt files and did I want to fix. I selected yes. Loading bar filled up and went back to XMB but the 'less than 500mb of space' message popped up again.

Now, I tried to get back to recovery mode but guess what? It doesn't appear to be there anymore. All I get is a black screen!! I've done it countless times repeating the same process I got to the recovery menu previously.

That is: PS3 switched off, press and hold power button until PS3 first powers on then off. Let go of button and then press and hold until you hear two beeps in quick succession at which point you let go of the button and screen asks you to connect controller with usb cable.

Anyone know of a possible solution to getting the recovery menu back?

**cfehunter** · 01-18-2011,05:51 AM

just a thought but you're not using multiman and just deleting shadow copies instead of the acctual data are you?

**cerebr_al** · 01-18-2011,09:07 AM

@cfehunter, I don't know.. once 'deleted' (and I've tried with multiman and Open Manager), there is no semblance of the subject game folders anywhere on the drive, whether you look via FTP or Comgenie or (obviously), with the managers.

I have an update however. I deleted the one of the last games I uploaded using the exact same payload and manager that I copied the game to the HDD with and it deleted, freeing up enough space for me to use the console again.

Makes me think that unless you pick exactly the same payload and manager for deletion that you did for adding the file to the PS3 HDD, you'll just corrupt either the data or the file system and get the problem described.

Problem is, over time I've used so many payloads and managers installing various games that I've got no idea which is which.

At least my console works now so what I'll do is play through what I've got then format the drive and start again - making sure I log each addition's payload etc. Lesson learned.

**cerebr_al** · 01-20-2011,05:47 PM

Another update:

Downloading a few mb of game data has brought the 'less than 500mb left' window so I thought that I would get into recovery mode and select 'rebuild database'.

Did that but to no avail, ,500mb message still came up.

As I had the first release of fw3.41 I'd reinstall the latter 'silent' release.

Did that but when the process completed I got a black screen. Rebooted the PS3 and a message appeared to the effect, "HDD corrupt, would you like to Recover?" selected yes, another loading bar filled up. Returned to XMB, everything was there, including that damn <500mb message!

Checking further I note that some selections from the xmb seem to be missing. I think my HDD is screwed up and I will be reformatting.

Just to recap - in my experience at least, the only way to recover HDD space is to use exactly the same payload and manager that you did to install the game, otherwise, you're leaving corrupted data behind on your HDD.

Recovery mode, rebuild files and/or rebuild database does not help.

Re-installing fw does not help.

Only solution (if you can't recall which payload/manager), is reformat, sorry to say.

Again, this is only my experience - your experience may be different or the above may save you some time and stress.

**jeremyc9** · 01-21-2011,06:14 PM

Ok I had this same problem, I ftp'd a rather large game to my hard drive and it didn't work so I deleted it with my backup manager and tried ftp'ing it again, but as it was about to finish it gave the less than 500 mb warning, but i had almost 40 gb when i started. I didn't notice that it didn't free up hdd space the first time I deleted it, but thankfully the second time it deleted the game, but only the second copy, the first copy of the game was lost and could not be found with backup manager or ftp client. I went searching on google and came across this thread, which is already on my favorite site to begin with lol. Anyway, I tried the Rebuild Files option in recovery mode as recommended in this thread, and thankfully it worked for me. I used Gaia manager with Kmeaw's 3.55 CFW for both transfers by the way, so the same payload and manager were used both times. Hopefully this quick fix can help some of you, but if you're having as much trouble as cerebr al is having, I feel for you, it sounds like a complete mess. Thanks guys for the help.

**ReconHope** · 01-21-2011,08:58 PM

I deleted my game backups through the backup managers(not sure which one). Im missing 19gb even though i formatted it. The full format gets stuck on 0% Am i suppose to reinstall ofw 3.55 and than format? This is giving me a headachache. Im on kmeaw btw.

**ReconHope** · 01-21-2011,09:03 PM

what is a payload? i have a feeling im going to get flamed. Is payload the same thing as a lvl2 pkg?

**LoonieTuned** · 01-31-2011,09:56 AM

Originally Posted by jeremyc9

Anyway, I tried the Rebuild Files option in recovery mode as recommended in this thread, and thankfully it worked for me. I used Gaia manager with Kmeaw's 3.55 CFW for both transfers by the way, so the same payload and manager were used both times. Hopefully this quick fix can help some of you, but if you're having as much trouble as cerebral is having, I feel for you, it sounds like a complete mess. Thanks guys for the help.

I have the same problem as the OP and cannot restore that lost HDD space. I used multiple programs to rip my games to my PS3, and tried using Comgenies Awesome File Manager to delete a couple I didn't want on my HDD anymore and was left with absolutely zero space.

On a brighter note, it still allows me to transfer items onto the PS3... All I have to deal with is that annoying "Less than 500mb" message, Oh well.

**cerebr_al** · 01-31-2011,10:17 AM

@ReconHope a late reply I know but a payload refers to the hex code installed on a dongle. Since they came out, there have been two - Hermes and PL3 but many versions/updates of each.

Also, if you want to re-format your HDD properly, you have to take it out and format it via a PC. I would also used a specialised formatting software (Google it), and then reinstall into PS3 and let it reformat again to PS3 format before re-using again.

**exx22** · 02-17-2011,07:08 PM

i'm having the same problem
i have 250 gb hdd
and free space is 65gb
although i have only 3 gmaes on my internal hdd
meatl gear - vanquish - red dead redemption
when i try playing prototype the message
not free space to install game data
i deleted a game on my internall hdd
but the same space 65 gb

my 3 games +game data +savegames =never exceed 120 gb by any way
so if any one know how to recover all the free space

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