Quick question: external PS3 HDD enclosure

[CreativeWriter]

So now that I've upgraded my PS3's HDD to a 250 GB one I've decided to use the old PS3 HDD as an external HDD for data storage/transfer, etc. I understand that the PS3 needs FAT32 for its format, but when I plug in the old HDD (which should already be FAT32, no?) to the PS3 using the correct SATA-enclosure I get nothing. Same thing when I plug it into my WinXP system. I'm perfectly happy to use the PC to wipe the drive (with Swiss Knife), but I can't seem to get the PC to acknowledge the old HDD exists at all. Anyone had this problem or know what I'm doing wrong?

Mods can lock or move to tech if that makes sense. Thanks!

[GTAce]

Dont you need to format it to use it in other devices?

[CreativeWriter]

Dont you need to format it to use it in other devices?

Yeah, that's the problem. 1) I want to use it with the PS3, so shouldn't it already be a FAT32 drive, even though it has all the PS3 OS crap on it? 2) How can I format the drive if my PC's format utility doesn't even recognize there's an external drive plugged in to the USB? I understand that WinXP won't format to FAT32, but if it doesn't even see the drive at all (or ask me what to do with the new USB connection!) then what do you do?

[Coded-Dude]

Did you buy an external enclosure to place it in?
Is the drive spinning up?

[CreativeWriter]

Did you buy an external enclosure to place it in?
Is the drive spinning up?

Yes (macally).

I think so, at least the case is getting warm, though I can't really hear it spinning...

[frosty]

try to pop the drive in your ps3 to be sure it is still working.

[CreativeWriter]

try to pop the drive in your ps3 to be sure it is still working.


Think I'll try to take it out of the enclosure and plug it in first. I had a hell of a time getting the HDD out in the first place. I'd rather avoid opening up the PS3 again if I can...

[CreativeWriter]

So now that I've got the enclosure off I can tell the HDD is making a low-grade hum, a slight buzz, but it doesn't sound like it's turning... Does that sound familiar to anyone? There's also a small, electronic beep that I hear every few seconds when I put my ear to the drive. These are very faint. Otherwise the HDD sounds quiet. Should it be loud?

Now both the buzz and the beep have stopped, while the drive is still getting warmer...

[Segitz]

I am quite sure, the PS3s native OS is NOT Fat32...

Reformat it to Fat32 with a pc (interestingly, this is easier done in Linux than in Windows, as MS put some restrictions on FAT formatting) and you are good to go.

And your last post CW... Todays HDDs are quite quiet^^ You should feel however the platter revolving inside (a very slight vibration)

[Sephiroth_VII]

If the HDD is still ,functional, the PS3 should be able to format it. It should be able to read FAT32 as well, though...