PS3 dead after failed firmware update

[Shadow_Zero]

Got my 60gb US PS3 yesterday (with EE chip) and after trying the firmware update I got the error:
"An error occured during the update operation. Contact technical support for assistance> (8002F1C1)."

Called Sony NL and the only tip they could give was to try to format the hdd in another system. Hooked the hdd in my PC, formatted it but it had no effect (be it fat32, ntfs or unallocated) and now my PS3 doesn't even output audio/video and goes into standby again after a few secs. Later I realised since the error occured during flashing, so this was a friggin' useless suggestion of Sony NL. Of course they don't give support on import systems, so now I'm on my own.

Found a suggestion on the Sony PS3 forum: http://boardsus.playstation.com/play...252645#M252645

Today i´ve tryied to update my system from FW 1.80 to FW 2.30. My wireless connection wasn´t working well, it gives me a message that wasn´t finding any wireless network on the area. So my controler wasn´t connecting by bluetooth, only via USB. I thoght my wireless board was fried, so i didn´t care about it and continued to do the update.

Firstly i downloaded the UPDATE on the internet in my PC and copied it on a memory stick using my PSP. Then i have put the memory in the PS3 and started to update the system. in the middle of the process, on 70%, it gave me the 8002f1c1 error message...

The system tryied and re-tryied it 3 times. then i got the error message... i turned off the system and turned back on.. the system automaticaly re-started to try to update it.

It always stoped at 70% and gave the error message.

I decided to take the PS3 apart because i live in Brazil and here Sony doesn´t distribute oficialy the PS3 so, there is no oficial service.

I unmounted all the system, and saw that the FLAT CABLE from the wireless board was released. I decided to take the motherboard Batery off, i thought that maybe the system will erase it´s memory and start everything from the beggining.

Then i have mounted it back and made sure that the FLAT CABLE from wireless board was firmly locked.

I turned the system on and it completed the update work 100% mileyvery-happy: now i have my PS3 back.

i think that this 8002f1c1 error message shows you that therre is some part of the system (hardware) failature diruing the update process.

thanks for everybody,

i hope that i helped you guys.

Here's a nice tutorial for disassembling the PS3: http://www.llamma.com/PS3/repair/PS3...y_tutorial.htm
I opened it up a bit, but not sure if I dare to venture further on my own

http://forum.beyond3d.com/showthread.php?t=45069 has some pics of various PS3 motherboards, but I'm not sure at the moment where to find the battery on the 60gb US PS3.
This might be a shot of the 60gb mb, but not 100% (it has the EE chip in any case):

http://pocketnews.cocolog-nifty.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2007/11/11/071111_20.jpg

Anyone here that can help me out?

EDIT:
Aditionally found this info:
"Firmware is located in the flash, not the hdd. Deleting the update info on the hdd doesn't reset the firmware (theres a backup flash chip to reset it.)"

and

"The 2.40 update is downloaded then stored on a flash chip which is dedicated to storing the firmware, the firmware is then installed from the flash to the HDD, replacing the HDD with force the 2.40 firmware to reinstall itself to the new or formatted HDD. This is officially what Sony have said to do in the event of you experiencing this bug, it is very inconvienient for some as they do not have a backup of their gamesave."

Though since my PS3 won't boot at all, that last quote doesn't apply to me I guess. I will try an other hdd to see if that has any effect.

EDIT:
Nice overview: http://techrepublic.com.com/2346-10877_11-41891-84.html

[Jei]

Have you tried turning it on by pressing the power button on the machine and holding it down?

I'm just wondering if the failed flash messed up the V-Output settings...doubtful but worth a try!

[Shadow_Zero]

Yep, tried that and no effect alas

[C']

I'm not technically minded at all, so I probably don't know all in the ins and outs, but why do the current generation of consoles, which require regular firmware updates, not have some kind of backup system in place, so that if an update does fail your machine isn't bricked?

What is the warranty position on this too? The fact that you are prevented from using any online functionality of the the consoles if you don't update, you are essentially forced into doing so, so is it covered outside of the warranty period if bricking occurs?

[Shadow_Zero]

Found the battery: http://i.techrepublic.com.com/gallery/41955.jpg

Will give it a shot, together with another hdd just in case.
*prays to the Gods*

[charlesr]

@C', yeah I totally agree. It can't be difficult to have a fall back rom surely? With really basic stuff on like "get the latest firmware".

[Salsa Party Animal]

Need an option to reset the whole console to default settings. Shame

[Shadow_Zero]

Found the battery: http://i.techrepublic.com.com/gallery/41955.jpg

Will give it a shot, together with another hdd just in case.
*prays to the Gods*

Tried it, but didn't work for me unfortunately

[JP]

Mine has just gone permanent sleepies now.

I had the green light then it flashes yellow before continually flashing red. Phoned them up and they'll pick it up on Tuesday and leave me a new 60GB model with the same backwards compatability as mine and also a new warranty. Apparently the yellow light signifies a software problem so I suppose it may be connected to the firmware update but it was updated a while back.

I think people with launch models must ask about the BC if they have problems as she seemed to be making a point that it would be replaced with a new PS3 which did have it. I don't use it often but it would sort of be annoying if I'd lost it.

I did have a few scratches on mine so it'll be nice to have a nice shiny new one in mint condition I suppose.

I'll have to dig out the old hdd now to return it but luckily I'll not lose any saves or anything as they are all stored on the hdd. It's lasted quite well really, I've had it since launch and the majority of days it'll be on for between 4 & 8 hours with games, films, music etc so although I'd rather it hadn't gone I do think it's done well really.

I was a bit worried at first that they'd send a courier to pick it up and but I'd have to wait a couple of weeks or so to have it returned like I used to have to do with my 360s.

I wasn't sure if they'd replace it as it's nearly a year and a half old but the woman I spoke to said that the PS3 is supplied with a flexible warranty so replacements due to things like this will be free.

The only real negative about this was that I was around 3 hours away from my first Platinum Trophy in Uncharted and I was looking forward to getting that sometime tonight.

[capcom_suicide]

The only real negative about this was that I was around 3 hours away from my first Platinum Trophy in Uncharted and I was looking forward to getting that sometime tonight.

I just can't stand the reliability issues this Gen! I have an NTSC (US) Ps3 and if it goes tits up then that's the last import console for me.

[Shadow_Zero]

Mine has just gone permanent sleepies now.

I had the green light then it flashes yellow before continually flashing red. Phoned them up and they'll pick it up on Tuesday and leave me a new 60GB model with the same backwards compatability as mine and also a new warranty. Apparently the yellow light signifies a software problem so I suppose it may be connected to the firmware update but it was updated a while back.

I think people with launch models must ask about the BC if they have problems as she seemed to be making a point that it would be replaced with a new PS3 which did have it. I don't use it often but it would sort of be annoying if I'd lost it.

I did have a few scratches on mine so it'll be nice to have a nice shiny new one in mint condition I suppose.

I'll have to dig out the old hdd now to return it but luckily I'll not lose any saves or anything as they are all stored on the hdd. It's lasted quite well really, I've had it since launch and the majority of days it'll be on for between 4 & 8 hours with games, films, music etc so although I'd rather it hadn't gone I do think it's done well really.

I was a bit worried at first that they'd send a courier to pick it up and but I'd have to wait a couple of weeks or so to have it returned like I used to have to do with my 360s.

I wasn't sure if they'd replace it as it's nearly a year and a half old but the woman I spoke to said that the PS3 is supplied with a flexible warranty so replacements due to things like this will be free.

The only real negative about this was that I was around 3 hours away from my first Platinum Trophy in Uncharted and I was looking forward to getting that sometime tonight.

You're from the US, or talking about the EU 60gb PS3??
I read various stories that people had to pay $150 for replacement. But I don't recall if this was in or outside of their warranty... (guess it should be outside the warranty).
Haven't got a reply from Sony US to my last e-mail yet. They said I could send it back, but they also said warranty is void if it leaves the continent. So I wonder if they fix it/replace (for a price).

[JP]

Mine is a UK console and I'm based in the UK which probably simplifies things.

[Sane]

Wouldn't Sony have to give service regardless of the region of the console?

[buster_broon]

Wouldn't Sony have to give service regardless of the region of the console?

Nope

A UK warranty is only good for UK machines, etc, etc

the best option would be to have a friend in the states who will take delivery and send it off to Sony that way

But in recent years Micorsoft took Japanese machines and replaced them when they went faulty, with UK machines. they probably didnt check