What causes data corruption on a PS4 external drive?
There are several potential causes of data corruption on an external drive connected to a PS4 console:
File system errors – The file system manages how data is stored on a drive. If this becomes corrupted, it can cause issues accessing data. File system errors can occur due to improper device removal, power outages, drive failure, etc.
Improper device removal – Removing the external drive from the PS4 without properly ejecting it first can lead to data corruption. Always use the “Safely Remove Hardware” option to disconnect external drives.
Power surges – If the power supply is interrupted while data is being written to the external drive, it can cause file corruption. Using a surge protector can help prevent data loss.
Drive failure – External hard drives can suffer mechanical failures or bad sectors leading to data corruption. This is most common with older drives.
System software bugs – Rarely, bugs in the PS4 system software can cause data corruption on connected drives. Keeping your system updated may help avoid this issue.
So in summary, sudden power loss, disconnecting too soon, faulty hardware, and software bugs are the main culprits of external drive data corruption on PS4.
How can I tell if my PS4 external drive data is corrupted?
There are a few signs that may indicate your PS4 external hard drive has corrupted data:
- Games freezing or crashing unexpectedly, especially during loading screens when data is being read from the external drive (1).
- Error messages related to being unable to read data from the external hard drive (2).
- Inability to access save data, settings, or screenshots stored on the external drive (3).
Essentially, any issues related to reading or writing data from the external drive likely indicate some corruption. The PS4 may have trouble recognizing the external drive or lose connection to it during operation (3).
Testing the external drive on a computer can help confirm corruption. If the computer has issues detecting the drive or reports errors, it’s a sign of physical damage or corrupted data (1).
Sources:
(1) https://www.reddit.com/r/PS4/comments/cmjvdp/how_do_i_fix_corrupt_data_on_my_external_hard_disk/
(2) https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/691087-playstation-4/75471929
(3) https://www.partitionwizard.com/disk-recovery/ps4-external-hard-drive-stopped-working.html
Try restarting the PS4
A full reboot can often fix minor software issues that may be causing problems with the external drive (Easeus, 2022). Restarting the PS4 system will rebuild the database file system, which can correct errors with connected drives.
To properly restart the PS4:
- Fully power down the PS4 by holding the power button on the front of the console for at least 7 seconds until you hear two beeps.
- Unplug the PS4 power cord from the electrical outlet.
- Wait at least 30 seconds before plugging the power cord back in.
- Power up the PS4 normally and check if the external drive is now working.
This restart process will rebuild the PS4’s database file system and has a chance to correct any software bugs or glitches that may be preventing the external drive from being recognized. If the drive still doesn’t work after a full restart, move on to further troubleshooting steps.
Check external drive connections
A loose USB cable can often be the culprit behind an external drive not being recognized by the PS4. The cable may appear securely connected, but even a slightly loose fit can interrupt the data transfer between the console and external drive.
Before trying any advanced troubleshooting, first ensure the USB cable is firmly inserted into both the external drive and the PS4. Try removing and re-inserting the cable on both ends to get a tight connection. Also inspect the physical cable for any damage that could impede the transfer of data.
If the drive still isn’t being recognized, the next step is to safely eject the external drive from the PS4 and then re-insert it. On the PS4 home screen, go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices and select the drive. Choose Stop Using This Extended Storage to safely eject it. Once unmounted, physically disconnect the drive and reconnect it after a few seconds. This can reset the drive and potentially fix any software issues preventing the PS4 from reading it.
As a last resort, you may need to try connecting the external drive to a different USB port on the PS4. Though uncommon, some USB ports can become damaged over time and fail to transmit data properly. If the drive works in another USB port, the original connection may need to be repaired.
Sources:
https://iboysoft.com/data-recovery/ps4-external-hard-drive-not-recognized.html
Scan and repair external drive
One option to try and fix corrupted data on the PS4’s extended storage is to scan and repair the external drive using the PS4’s built-in drive repair utility.
This utility will scan the external drive for any errors and attempt to recover and repair corrupted data [1]. Here are the steps to try this:
- Connect the external drive to your PS4.
- Go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices and select your drive.
- Select “Repair” to begin scanning the drive.
- The PS4 will scan the drive and attempt to repair any errors.
- After completed, check if the corrupted data is now accessible.
The built-in PS4 drive repair utility is designed to scan external drives and fix some data corruption issues [2]. However, it’s not guaranteed to work in all cases. But it’s worth trying before exploring more advanced data recovery options.
Initialize PS4 system software
Initializing the PS4 system software will reinstall the console’s operating system and reset all settings to default. This process erases all user data and restores the PS4 to its original out-of-the-box state. According to Sony’s support article “Reinstall PS5 console and PS4 console system software…” (https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/reinstall-playstation-system-software-safe-mode/), initializing the system software may resolve corrupted data issues caused by software faults rather than hardware failure.
Initializing will wipe the PS4 drive and reinstall a fresh copy of the system software. If the external drive data corruption issues persist after initializing, it’s likely a hardware problem with the drive itself or its connection. But initializing the system software is worth trying first, since it can potentially fix software-related corruption without deleting data on the external drive.
Back up data and format the drive
Formatting the external drive will erase all data stored on it. Before formatting, it’s essential to back up any important data you want to keep. You can back up game saves, screenshots, and video clips to either the PS4 internal drive or a separate external drive.
To back up data, go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Copy to USB Storage Device. Select the data you want to backup and copy it over.
Once you’ve secured your important data, you can format the external drive. Go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices and select your drive. Choose “Format as Extended Storage” to complete the process. This will wipe the drive and restore it to a clean state.
After formatting, you can reinstall games, apps, and media content. Any saved data that was backed up can also be transferred back to the external drive. Formatting should resolve any corruption issues and give you a fresh start (Source).
Replace the external drive
If attempts at repairing and recovering the external drive data have failed, it’s likely there is an issue with the hardware itself. External hard drives can fail over time due to mechanical or electronic issues. If the drive is making clicking or beeping noises, files can’t be accessed, or the PS4 doesn’t recognize it at all, the drive itself may be defective and need replacing.
The best solution when external drive repairs don’t work is to replace the drive with a new PS4-compatible external hard drive. Be sure to get one with sufficient capacity and a USB 3.0 connection for fast performance. Popular models include the WD My Passport, Seagate Backup Plus Slim, and Toshiba Canvio.
Once you get a new external drive, you’ll need to format it for PS4 use. In Settings, go to Devices > USB Storage Devices and select your new drive. Choose “Format as Extended Storage” to set it up. This will erase all data on the drive and optimize it for PS4 game storage. You can then re-download your digital games and apps.
Replacing a failed external hard drive is the best solution when repairs don’t work and allows you to restore your PS4 data storage. Just be sure to get a reliable, compatible drive designed for PS4 use.
Contact Sony PlayStation Support
If you’ve tried the troubleshooting steps above and are still unable to access your data, contacting Sony PlayStation support directly can provide additional options for resolving the issue. Sony’s support team specializes in PlayStation hardware issues and can help diagnose problems with external drives.
If your PS4 is still under warranty, Sony may be able to facilitate a replacement for the external drive if they determine it is defective. They can run diagnostics on the drive and check if it qualifies for a warranty replacement.
Sony also offers paid out-of-warranty repair and replacement services. If the drive is damaged but no longer under warranty, you can pay to have it repaired or replaced by Sony’s repair technicians.
To contact Sony PlayStation support in the US, visit https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/playstation-support-contact-guide/ or call 1-800-345-SONY. Support is available 24/7.
Data recovery specialist
If you have irreplaceable save files or data on your PS4 external drive that cannot be recovered through other methods, you may need to turn to a professional data recovery service as a last resort. Companies like Geek Squad and DriveSavers specialize in recovering data from storage drives, even in cases of severe corruption or physical damage.
Data recovery specialists have access to advanced tools and techniques that can retrieve data from drives that are inaccessible through conventional means. This includes rebuilding drive directories, repairing corrupted filesystems, and salvaging data from failed drives. The process is complex and labor-intensive, which is why it can be quite expensive. Costs often start around $300-500 but can exceed $1000+ for more severe cases.
The main benefits of professional data recovery are the very high success rates for recovering data, even when all else has failed. For irreplaceable save games, trophies, and other PS4 data, the high costs may be worthwhile if it means restoring lost game progress and memories. Just be sure to shop around and read reviews, as quality can vary significantly between data recovery firms.