Folder structure

Reference for the folder structure used on a removable USB storage device (flash drive, external hard-drive). The correct structure is essential when copying certain files to the PS3.

  • MUSIC
    • Album Name (when copying whole album to drive)
      • Song title 01.mp3
      • Song title 02.mp3
    • Song from another album.mp3 (when copy individual songs)
  • PICTURE
    • CIMG1387.JPG
  • PS3
    • EXPORT
      • BACKUP (created via PS3 backup feature)
        • 200911131808 (date backup was performed, format=YYYYMMDDHHMM)
          • archive.dat
          • archive_00.dat
          • archive_[XX].dat
          • archive2.dat
          • archive2_00.dat
          • archive2_[XX].dat
      • PSV (PS1/PS2 game saves)
        • BESLES-544543032.PSV
    • SAVEDATA (PS3 game saves)
      • BCES00001_PROFILE
        • ICON0.PNG
        • PARAM.PFD
        • PARAM.SFO
        • PROFILE.SAV
      • BCES00078-GAMEAUTOSAVE
        • ICON0.PNG
        • ICON1.PAM
        • PARAM.PFD
        • PARAM.SFO
        • PIC1.PNG
        • SND0.AT3
        • USERDATA.DAT
    • THEME (new in firmware 2.0)
      • themename.p3t
    • UPDATE (firmware update file)
      • PS3UPDAT.PUP
  • VIDEO
    • Name_of_video.mp4
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  • Tyrell

    im having a really problem adding save game files from the internet…to my card and then compying the computer… im not understanding the filenames and im getting confused…could someone please help ? i already have the folder structure set up correctly i just dont understand the files with” BCES00001_PROFILE ” and the other one ” BCES00078-GAMEAUTOSAVE “…do i have to make these ? or how do i unzip a save game file that i downloaded off my pc to these folders correctly…thanks for the help

  • http://ps3explained.com/ Flame

    Tyrell: Those folder names above (e.g. BCES00078-GAMEAUTOSAVE) are just examples, every game will have a different code.

    All the files related to a game save need to be inside one of those appropriately named folders, so if the zip does not contain the folder then perhaps the name of the zip will indicate what folder you will need to create.

  • Justin

    I have discovered that you can have as many folder depths as you like on the external hdd. You then go to the music icon of the playstation, select the drive and press the green triangle then select “Display All”.
    from there you can navigate to all folders on the drive (you have to be in the music option to find the music files, picture for jpeg etc…)

  • shamear

    i have pes 2009 and im trying to get the update files via usb stick onto my ps3, i have created the “PS3″ and “SAVEDATA” files on the usb stick and extracted the files into the savedata file but when i try to access it on my ps3 it shows corrupted data. PLEASE!!! can you tell me what i need to do!

    • Kostyacoffee

      Did you ever fix this ? I have the same problem :(

  • http://www.freeangel.eu freeangel

    Hi,

    another question is how to play dvd structure ? there is written that PS3 can play dvd (vob) copied on usb. but the ps3 doesn’t recognize the structure (audio_ts video_ts).

    how ???

    thanks
    free

  • http://www.3xhelix.net JDS

    If you google a ps3 game and type in wiki it’ll give you the save folder code layout. or if you just look at the side of the case ur games come up right under “1″ Region code you’ll see BCES########## and stuff like that. thats the folder the game understands as its own for saves and etc.

  • billylee8

    How about including folder structures for downloaded PSN Video and PSN Games (and their add-ons)? That’s really what I needed to know the most. I wanted to see if it was like the PSP…

    • http://ps3explained.com/ Flame

      billylee8: It’s not possible to copy games or add-ons to external drives, so there’s no corresponding folder for it. With PSN Video are you talking about the TV/movies for purchase? We don’t have that in Australia so I don’t know if they can be copied around either. If they can be copied, I’d guess they just go into the VIDEO folder.

      • casey

        so what u r saying is that they did not at least keep the same folder structure as psp ? but how does the ps3 know where to transfer stuff over to psp maybe has to be the way the bianary wa writin fot the ps3 xbm? mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

  • hamildad

    Apparently firmware 3.0 allows sub folders within music & Video

  • Gareth

    When connecting to my office PC via wireless access pont, do i need to restructure my PC folders in order for the PS3 to recognise them, and if so, how should they be arranged/what formatt?

  • chad davis

    I am clueless about how to save to my hard drive disc! I know very little about computers. Can someone tell me if I have to have a pc to save to hdd? If so, what do I need to do? I have the 120g and have att ethernet service. PLEASE HELP!

    • http://www.freeangel.eu marek

      I suppose you mean a standard internal PS3 hdd. However, what kind of data would you like to save and what is generally the source of the data ?

    • casey

      dude, i had the same ? when i first got mine and all i do now is coppy everything to a usb way faster then media server from pc and plug it in ps3 usb then go to musci photos or video and press triangle then display all and there u have it. also fir all of you that is like me and only wants more room the blue series of the western digital HDD r a good replacement in both the phat/slim ps3 i got a 2tb (2000gb) HDD in my phat 40gb model and it works like a charm all from 20gb drives to mine works with all ps3′s thx!!!!!!!!!!!

      • God Send

        Just as a side note 1 TB = 1024 GB. so 2 TB = 2048 GB (all values in pc’s are base 8. That is why they are 32 and 64 bit OS’s, ram steps up 64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB (1024). Resolutions are the same and so forth) :D

        Happy computing

  • rz19

    I have created a theme using PS3 Theme Creator from freewebs.com and I have created the .p3t file using the p3tcompiler provided. I have saved it in my usb drive under PS3>>THEMES but once i go to THEME SETTINGS>>>>INSTALL on the ps3, nothing shows up. I have tried and tried and tried over and over again. I am completely stupped. PLEASE HELP!

    • http://ps3explained.com/ Flame

      It’s PS3/THEME not PS3/THEMES. Unless that was a typo in the comment in which case maybe the theme is not validly compiled or something?

  • clynton

    hi i just backed up to eternal hard drive. Got a question…manually trf save games to get external hard drive to show up on save games…some were denied trf…assume they are in bulk back up folder…now created game data folder to do the same no joy ps3 does not show this present…did work though creating bd data folder any suggestions? hope this makes sense… ps i like to see external hard drive in each folder on ps3 system so i can keep track of making space on ps3 hard drive when i need to for download and new games the game data is the only one i have not been able to manually link and then see…if thats a little clearer???

  • Zvonimir

    Can i make a backup of my trophies or maybe transfer them to second acount? tnx

    • Stefanvanzadelhoff

      Thropies are on you PSN if im right so you dont have to ;)

  • Flemming

    Backup problem. I have formatted and added folders to a external drive. Everything works except backup. After 1 sec into the backup writting, I get the message: “Could not access the USB device.”?????

  • JT71

    Hi all. I’m new here but would really appreciate some help. The file structure thing is driving me crazy.
    I have the folders on my NAS box like this:
    Photo
    Video
    Music

    (actually in caps though)

    But when i open them up on the ps3, ie: goto movie icon, go down to the nas box icon and click x it goes to the nas box, but shows all the folders within the folders in a big long list, which means I have to scroll down through all the photo folders before i get to the video folders. help. please.
    I just want to see the list of folders, unexplanded, until I click on it.

    kind regards Joe

    • Bfair

      Press triangle and at the top there should be a section called “group content”

  • stranger

    please I need help, ok I have got an external HD Seagate teribite,

    when I plug it in to my phat PS3 nothing comes up I have red a lot on how to do it but from what I am getting is u need to delete all your. things from yr HD I have 600 gig of stuff on it so that’s not an option how do I get my HD to recognise on my ps3.

    • http://ps3explained.com/ Flame

      Hi stranger. I’m fairly sure that the external harddrive needs to be formatted in “FAT32″. Yours might be “NTFS” which the PS3 does not read.

    • WhoKnows

      How to Setup an External HDD (up to 2TB) inorder to work on PS3:

      Follow these guidelines and everything should be readable.

      *Purchasing the right external HDD for computer and ps3*
      1) The External HDD MUST be a FREE AGENT. — If it doesn’t say the product is a Free Agent on the box at purchase then dont waste your time.

      2) The External HDD size MUST be 2TB or smaller. — This only applies to the entire HDD availablity to be seen on PS3. A bigger HDD can be purchased but, Multiple partions up to 2TB must be performed and is not recommended for fast speed and long term use. When in doubt, buy many different HDDs up to 2TB vs a 2TB+ HDD.

      3) Make sure the external HDD has a 2.0 or 3.0 USB to Sata & an adapter the hooks to an outlet from the HDD. — Most if not all External HDDs have these components.

      Recommended: Seagate Go Flex/Home 500GB-2TB or Similar
      (Has all 3 listed requirements for PS3)

      *Setting up the External HDD*
      1) Remove the HDD and contents from the box and hook up adapters as instucted.

      2) Plug in the HDD USB to Computer.

      Windows users…
      3) Click START, COMPUTER, right click on external hdd file. Example- Seagate (E:)

      4) Click FORMAT, keep defult settings and check Quick Format, START.– This will format the HDD to NTFS and registar the device before it is reformatted to FAT32. *Reminder: Fat32 can only Partition up to 2TB hense as stated above tips when purchasing the item.

      5) Once the HDD is finished formating… Download fat32formatter. This can be easily done by Goggle searching fat32 formatter and downloading from website or clicking on this posted website I have provided and recommend.
      http://tokiwa.qee.jp/EN/Fat32Formatter/

      6) After downloading, Find and RUN the FAT32FORMATTER.EXE file. DO NOT extract the file. It’s unnessesary as to contradict what other’s have posted.

      7) Once the program is running, Click on the down arrow under Physical Drive, Click on the HDD. Click inside the Large rectangle to select region, DELETE PARTITION.

      8) Click the Large rectangle again and Type in your selected VOLUME LABLE NAME, CHECK THE QUICK FORMAT BOX, START.

      9) Once the Formating has finished. Click START, COMPUTER, right click external HDD file, PROPERTIES. Be sure the HDD was sucessfully formatted to Fat32.

      10) Return to COMPUTER and Left click on the HDD. Create the folder names as follows in CAPS: PICTURE, VIDEO, PS3, MUSIC. — All four must be listed for PS3 to recognize.

      11) Disconnect HDD USB and connect to PS3. (No need to securely eject the device. External HDD come equipt with a program that doesnt allow files to be erased if disconnected from computer or like.

      *HDD on PS3*
      12) Go to PS3 home menu & Connect the HDD USB.

      13) Go to VIDEO, the USB DEVICE (as shown), hit TRIANGLE, DISPLAY ALL.

      It’s that simple. It seems like alot to do but in the end you will be able to know how and perform it in 5 min or less in the future to any External HDD!!!

      If extra questions or help is needed just ask.

      • CarlosGSB

        Dude this was a great explanation…but now I have a different issue. I have my PS3 connecting to the external HD (WD My Book Essential 3TB) through a wireless router (Belkin Play N600). The Ps3 recognizes it as a media server but I am unable to view the content. Since the idea is for me to have wireless access throughout my home is there something I am doing wrong?

        Appreciate any help!!

        Carlos

      • CarlosGSB

        EDIT: I have formatted FAT 32 and artitioned the drive so as to not exceed 2 TB…

  • http://non3 Steven

    I downloaded a game save for a ps3 game I have, when I unzip the file it shows the windows icon on the game saves file and on a few others to. I thinks its a DAT file. I cant find anything to convert the file so I can put it on my flash drive to put it on my ps3. I hope you can help because I’m about to pull my hair out of my head lol.

    • XKaitoX

      How’d you transfer a PS3 game save? I’ve been trying to find out for awhile now and I can’t figure it out. If so can you reply?

      • Bfair

        1. Go to the icon 2-3 spaces above the disc icon and select it.
        2. Highlight the desired file and press triangle.
        3. Make sure you have your flash drive inserted and select copy to device “name”

  • naser

    GREAT REFERENCE POINT

  • phanggah

    what would be the structure of the video file?

  • Cameron

    Does anyone know how i can access the ps3 Hard drive via the built in web browser.
    I am running NMTServer in conjunction with YAMJ to stream my movies to the ps3 but would love to copy all the movies to the ps3 hard drive as streaming HD movies is sometimes slow.

    I need the actual link, like: file:///dev_hdd0/Video/movie.avi

    so if i click the link in the browser it will start playing the video.

    any ideas?

  • ShadowFist75

    I go to stagevu.com, select a movie then moved the arrow icon over the download button. Press triangle, then select to save to hard drive then you’re good.

    • Cameron

      I dont necessarily want to save to the hard disk but rather open files on the disk.
      Like in windows if you type you can access files on your disk.
      Im trying to eliminate streaming my movies over the ethernet. Still host my webserver YAMJ files on a pc.

      any ideas?

  • darryn

    hi there. please can someone help me. i’ve downloaded my ps3 updates to my flash stick but my ps3 doesnt find it! its a .pup file and even my computer cant read it! please help

    thanks

  • Ricky

    When im updating my ps3 with a flash drive can there be other files on the flash drive?

    • http://ps3explained.com/ Flame

      Yes I have a lot of random files on my flash drive. The PS3 just ignores them.

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  • Smithson

    Hi I have the basic 40gb, my question is do I have to save every game to the HDD or is there a way to get past it because I’ve used all my memory and now have gad to start deleting games to play new one cheers.

    • http://ps3explained.com/ Flame

      Yes you need to install if the game requires it. Only a few games have an optional install (e.g. I think Valkyria Chronicles was optional). You’ll have to keep deleting the older games, or buy a larger sized PS3.

  • Rockr97

    Thanks a lot for the info. Very helpful.

  • Dragcanada

    How about games??

  • Prstud484

    how do I SAVE MY GAMES FROM MY OLD PS3 AND OPEN IT UP TO MY NEW PS3

  • Ronaldinho

    I’ve downloaded PS3 game and i don’t know the steps to copy it in my PS3 .. can anyone help please ?? thanks

  • BlkMamba4.6

    I was trying to copy music files from my ps3 to a removable flash drive but they saved on the flash drive as video files and will not open on my computer as music files, what do i do?

    • Bfair

      Make sure the files are .mp3 format, not .mp4

  • Going Mad

    can someone help i have been trying for days to get themes on my ps3 and i have done it 10 different ways the whole PS£ folder and THEMES folder doesnt work for me my ps3 still doesnt read the .p3t files when i put the flash drive in its like the ps3 doesnt see them >.< please help do i need an update or something? my ps3 is no longer on line as its not wanting to connect not able to find the ip address if anyone can help with that it would be awesome if you can please send ideas to the_god_of_war@hotmail.co.uk
    thanks …….

  • badboy

    hi
    i hav an external hard disk and i want to save all my future games saves on the external hard disk.but my ps3 (60gb)
    isn’t allowing me to do so.cud any1 who know how to save game file in external hard disk please let me know.My 60 gb is
    totally full and i am not able to play any more games.Please help.

  • XKaitoX

    Hi, I have 2 saved game files on a Flash drive and tried to transfer it into my PS3 but it’s not working, can I get some help please? I’m so fustrated by it and want to play again.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Renato-Cuatlatl/100002150923498 Renato Cuatlatl

    oiga y que pasa con el network que ya no lo van a reglar porque ya me desespero para jugar……..

  • William

     Does it have to be a flash drive? It can’t find my Seagate///

  • bob

    playstation sucks my hairy balls

  • bin lardin

    your mum is so hairy the only language she speakes is wookie
     

  • bob

    your mum licks my salty ballsack

  • Qwerty123

    hi every one im bob i live in san francisco do you like cheese?? 

  • Qwerty123

     Can i have some ice cream??

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