How do I get my HD space back before CFW install?

[GamesMasterVide]

I know this has been an issue and I want to avoid it myself. I have a 320GB Slim that is on 3.41 and using a dongle. I am going to upgrade it start using CFW 3.55...already know how to do that so no questions about that. My question is this...I have around 12 games installed on my internal HD and a BUNCH of loaders, etc. and before the upgrade I want to completely remove all internally installed games, loaders, etc. and get ALL my HD space back...like it was when it was new. I have all my originals and have no problem with having back them up again. I just have a bunch of garbage and tons of loaders installed right now and want to start fresh with the new CFW.

So...how do I properly format or remove all existing data on my 320GB internal so I get all my HD space back like new? I have so many loaders that I have no idea which loader I used to install each game...so this is not an option.

Thanks in advance for the help!

[amp2006]

well i always use Windows to format my HDD in NTFS then back to PS3 and PS3 do the rest .

[GamesMasterVide]

ok...so your saying to pull out my 320GB HD and connect it to my windows based PC and simply format it in NTSC correct...then put it back in the PS3 and select Format and it will run its course and the end result will be back like the PS3 HD was new.

A few questions...one..since I have never pulled the HD out, what is the interface type...in other words...how will I be hooking it up to my PC...I am assuming via a common SATA card and SATA cable? Also...when I format it via my PC...is a "Quick" format sufficient or do you recommend the time consuming "Full" format?

Thanks for the help!!

[amp2006]

ok...so your saying to pull out my 320GB HD and connect it to my windows based PC and simply format it in NTSC correct...then put it back in the PS3 and select Format and it will run its course and the end result will be back like the PS3 HD was new.

yeah something like that .lol

A few questions...one..since I have never pulled the HD out, what is the interface type...in other words...how will I be hooking it up to my PC...I am assuming via a common SATA card and SATA cable? Also...when I format it via my PC...is a "Quick" format sufficient or do you recommend the time consuming "Full" format?

well yeah you need sata cable

and i always use Quick lol

[Dracari]

you can also use the format utility under System,

[GamesMasterVide]

you can also use the format utility under System,

Will this truely wipe the HD clean and ALL available HD space be available?? I thought I seen people stating that this method did not fully and properly delete all existing data?!?

[arvinder]

Will this truely wipe the HD clean and ALL available HD space be available?? I thought I seen people stating that this method did not fully and properly delete all existing data?!?

Don't know about that but I think the original Xbox has a super quick wipe.

[flo]

I had a 3.15 with OtherOS installed on a 10gb partition then I updated to 3.55 via internet, then installed CFW . But now i only have 64GB free out of 74 . Can i get my 10gb back ? I tried all kinds of formats and restores on PS3, nothing worked .

[amp2006]

10gb is for PS3 system .

[GamesMasterVide]

I got my 320GB HD formatted successfully! Its pretty sad that from a 320GB harddrive I end up with only 263GB that is usable. The 320GB has 298GB free after a format...then the PS3 system files take up around another 24GB!