My PS3's usb ports have burned out for some reason. I am going to try to "Restore PS3" to see if it fixes the ports. Is there anyway to backup my PS3 saves, etc. via the network connection?

You would probably have to pull out the 2.5 sata drive and make a clone of it on your PC using norton ghost..Then once you get a replacement PS3 (or the restore works and your ports start to work again), you take the 20Gb back out, connect it to your PC and restore it.. You will have to re-enter your login information since the user info is stored on the Ps3's flash memory (only if it is a replacement)...However all yor games and files will be there... All you need to remove the sata is a philips micro screwdriver..the blue screw... If you buy an enclosure to connect to your PC that would be the best way to go..

If you have a 60GB you should be able to backup to one of the flash media ports.

If you have a 60GB you should be able to backup to one of the flash media ports.

nope, 20gb model. total suckfest. I can't do all that other stuff with removing the drive and all. only computer i have is a powerbookG4. damn it i should have backed up my **** sooner.

From what you've said of your problem, I don't think formatting the hard drive will do anything. The system software is in no way affected by the format/restore. You will still have the same version of software after the format. Formating has the same effect as putting a brand new PS3 hard drive in your system. I doubt hard drive replacement will fix your USB ports. Did you try the restore settings? That will reset flags in the software (the only hope of getting your USB ports back with a software fix) and it doesn't format the drive. You will have to go through the registration stuff again, but you'll still have the current software version. Make sense?

hmmm...okay, ill try when i get home from work. I hope something works. It really doesn't seem like it is a major hardware failure, i just think it hit a glitch while "folding" at some point (the controller was charging over a period of days when the PS3 was folding).

hmmm...okay, ill try when i get home from work. I hope something works. It really doesn't seem like it is a major hardware failure, i just think it hit a glitch while "folding" at some point (the controller was charging over a period of days when the PS3 was folding).

At least on mine, the controller lights turn off after the controller is fully charged..

I would call Sony if the full format system restore doesn't work.. They have to fix your Ps3 since it is still under the manufacturers warranty. You may have to pay shipping though however I was able to manage having them pay for shipping on my DVD player a few years ago... I just kept on complaining and asking to speak to their supervisors until finally one gave in..

Well the system settings restore didn't fix the usb ports. I am unsure what to do since other than the usb ports the system still does all I want it to. I bought a external charger for the controllers already. I think I will wait for the next update and see if it does anything for me. argh!

Well the system settings restore didn't fix the usb ports. I am unsure what to do since other than the usb ports the system still does all I want it to. I bought a external charger for the controllers already. I think I will wait for the next update and see if it does anything for me. argh!

Call sony, don't let this slide. The USB slots are very important....You will get your PS3 back within a few days of sending it...

my only hesitation is I dont want to lose my data but i cant backup anything. im fuct. I'll try calling customer service tommorow...hooray.

Well the system settings restore didn't fix the usb ports. I am unsure what to do since other than the usb ports the system still does all I want it to. I bought a external charger for the controllers already. I think I will wait for the next update and see if it does anything for me. argh!

If your USB ports don't work, you won't be able to complete any firmware update since you have to attach a controller by cable to finish the update. Call Sony now.