Quick Linux related question

[TimmyJ]

I was just wondering if it's possible to format the PS3's HDD in preparation for installing linux at a later date?

The reason that I ask is that, as far as I'm aware, a bluetooth/usb keyboard and mouse are necessary for linux installation and I'm currently without a PS3 compatible keyboard. This means that I'm unable to install Linux atm but it's certainly something I want to do, ideally without having to format my 500GB HDD after a hefty amount of gubbins has been placed on it.

Any replies are much appreciated, cheers :smile:

[Coded-Dude]

Prepare the PS3 harddisk

Originally the harddisk of the PS3 has one big partition for the Game-OS. If we want to run Linux on it, we need to create a separate partition for Linux. this chapter describes the steps to take:
WARNING: These steps will destroy ALL data that is currently installed on the harddisk and that is used by the Game-OS, such as downloaded games and personal game-save data. So, backup everything first on an external flashdisk/harddrive before continuing here!


* Turn on the PS3. After initializing, you can see GameOS menu. You select "Settings -> System Settings".
After selecting "Format Utility" from sub menu, following messages are displayed.
o Format Memory Stick
o Format SD Memory Card
o Format CompactFlash
o Format Hard Disk

* To allocate a Linux partition on the Hard Disk, select "Format Hard Disk".

* After following message is displayed. you select 'Yes'.
Do you want to format the hard disk?

* You can see following message.
Select a partition setting for the hard disk.
* Use All for the PS3 System
* Custom
To allocate a Linux partition on the Hard Disk, select "Custom".

* After selecting "Custom", following messages are displayed.
Select a partition setting for the hard disk.
Use All for the PS3 System
Allot 10GB to the Other OS
Allot 10GB to the PS3 System
To allocate a Linux partition on the Hard Disk, select one of following items.
Allot 10GB to the Other OS
Allot 10GB to the PS3 System
If your hard disk size is 20GB, you have to select 'Allot 10GB to the Other OS'. (Notice that a default Linux
install takes about 5GB, so if you do not plan to store lots of data on the Linux partition, 10 GB should be enough. Later the Linux partition can be extended by means of a USB drive, or connecting to a fileserver)

* After selecting the item, following messages are displayed.
Select the hard disk format method.
Quick Format
Full Format
You can select either 'Full Format' or 'Quick Format'.

* After following message is displayed. you select 'Yes'.
If you format, all data will be deleted.
This data cannot be restored.
Are you sure you want to continue?

* After selecting 'Yes', format process is started.

* After creating a Linux partition, following messages are displayed.
Format Complete.
Press the X button to restart the system.
After pressing the X button, restart the system software and you can see GameOS menu.


Everywhere says backup your data as it will be destroyed, but I still firmly believe that I didn't have to restore anything.(maybe I was just drunk or high) :shrug: