Best way to back up PS3 stuff?

[CliffyBiro]

DPD will be here tomorrow with a refurb for the console swap and I'm preparing for it today.

What's the best way to backup my files?

Use the built in backup tool or copy them over manually?

Is there anything I need to remember to do?

Can I copy Game Data to prevent having to download updates again?

 

[Streeteh]

Use the backup utility, some savegames are protected against copying unless you use this approach. If you use the backup ultility and then restore to a new system it will return it to exactly the same state the old one was in, this includes settings, game data, DLC, videos, music, pictures, savegames, literally everything.

I always recommend that after they have backed up people deactivate thier PS3 (iirc can be found in the PSN settings), format the harddrive and delete all users. This may be a little overkill but it'll take all of 5 mins and give you peace of mind.

The deactivating refunds you the used PSN download credit that your current PS3 had taken when you downloaded PSN stuff, you have 5 credits so it's not the end of the world if you forget to but it's a good idea.

 

[andshrew]

I'd make a manual backup of your save games just in case - had a bad experience with the built in backup tool myself where it wouldn't restore all the files (it would just error out half way through the restore).

 

[Dutch Guy]

manual backup of saves on a USB stick and a full backup on an external drive (or USB stick if it is big enough) is the way to go.

If you do not have nough free space you can delete game data that is installed by the games as that is usually lots of GB's (But do not delete your savegames)