Backup PS3 OS?

[Sederior]

I just had a thought, if I had a system that totally bricked on me, could it be possible that all I need to do is swap out the old HDD with a newer one that has the usual PS3 system OS, just a few versions of FW back, so all that would be required is a simple update?

Or would the system be so out of whack that it would definitely require a fresh new system?

[Sparc]

Isn't the bootstrap for the PS3 on the ROM? I didn't think it was located on the hdd (although I am not 100%). In any case I feel sure you could just do what you do when you upgrade the HDD on the PS3 (format all for PS3)

[bubano]

The ps3 os runs on the rom yesh! So you can format the disc, remove the disc and insert a blank unformatted disc, and still be able to format your new one from the ps3 os.

[Sederior]

Oh sweet, I should get a backup made.

[Zodia]

I just had a thought, if I had a system that totally bricked on me, could it be possible that all I need to do is swap out the old HDD with a newer one that has the usual PS3 system OS, just a few versions of FW back, so all that would be required is a simple update?

Or would the system be so out of whack that it would definitely require a fresh new system?
If the PS3 ever bricks, the only way to bring it back to live, is to send it to Sony to get the OS flashed, the operating system is not on the HDD it is flash based and can not be access except by a Sony tech.
But it is always a good idea to back up all your PS3 content.