How do I reset/reformat the ps3 to its default state?

[TrueGameZ]

My ps3 is partitioned for two OS's. How do I reset/reformat the ps3 to its default state? It seems as if when I reformat, it erases everything but still keeps the partition. What did I do wrong?

[Sparc]

Seems to be a bit of an issue. I found this which I hope helps. I haven't tried it myself.

Source (http://www.ps3news.com/forums/ps3-linux-chat/delete-ps3-linux-partition-94628-2.html)

Ubuntu is good, though it doesn't work so well on a SDTV, boxes appearing off screen etc (though that's the same problem for any OtherOS).

In regards to formatting, what I did was to go to the game (http://www.ps3news.com/forums/#) OS, plug in my external hard drive, choose the backup tool (which backs up all ps3 contents: demos, save data, music (http://www.ps3news.com/forums/#), pictures, video, though not messages), then to choose "allocate all to ps3" under formatting. this clears the HD of everything (even the linux partition), leaving you to restore your backup. It could take a while depending on how many videos/demos you have, but that's the way I've got it working.