Rebuilding the database on a PS3 is a Recovery Menu troubleshooting option. Rockstar says it may help with console or game problems and that game progress and trophies are retained, but messages, playlists, music, videos, and certain system settings may be lost. It is not the same as Restore PS3 System, which deletes all content in system storage.
What Rebuild Database changes—and what you could lose
Rockstar’s PS3 troubleshooting guidance describes Rebuild Database as an option that may help with problems without wiping all game progress. Its guidance says game progress and trophies will not be lost, but warns that messages, playlists, music, videos, and certain system settings may be lost. It also notes that altered data-file names or edited MP3 track information may revert. These are support guidance, not a guarantee for every console or storage condition.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
PlayStation 3 Slim Console 120GB (Old Model) (Renewed) | $160.33 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Sony PlayStation 3 Slim 320 GB Charcoal Black Console (Renewed) | $210.81 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed) | $184.22 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Sony Playstation 3 320GB PS3 Console Only (Renewed) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31vLAVLBc+L._SL160_.jpg)
|
Sony Playstation 3 320GB PS3 Console Only (Renewed) [video game] | $199.39 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Sony PlayStation 3 - 80GB System (Renewed) | $217.22 | Buy on Amazon |
The support pages do not explain the database’s internal workings or establish that rebuilding will fix a particular fault. They also do not give a rebuild duration or a data-loss probability.
Rebuild Database is not Restore PS3 System
Check the menu label before selecting an option. Sony says Restore PS3 System deletes all data in system storage and restores system software settings to their defaults. That destructive operation is different from Rebuild Database. Sony also warns not to turn off the PS3 while a system restore is underway, because interrupting it may damage system software.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- HDMI + Bravia Sync functionality that provides both 1080p output resolution.
- A new 33% slimmer, 36% lighter PlayStation 3 entertainment system that is also more energy efficient.
- Includes a Dualshock 3 wireless controller and a built-in 120GB HDD for storing games, music, videos, and photos.
- Built-in Wi-Fi for connectivity anywhere and multiple media format compatibility.
- Free membership and access to all the events, as well as game, movie, TV and other media content available on the PlayStation Network (PSN).
Back up first if you want an extra safeguard
Sony’s PS3 Backup Utility can copy system-storage data to storage media or USB mass storage and restore backed-up data. A USB hard disk must be formatted as FAT32 for the PS3 to recognize it. The utility cannot back up trophy information, so Sony recommends syncing trophies to the network server. Sony also cautions that some data may not back up or restore correctly; a backup is not complete protection.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Built-in Wi-Fi access for easy connection to gaming services and the Internet
- Built-in Blu-ray player to give you the best high-definition viewing experience and pristine picture quality
- 80 GB of hard disk storage for all your games, music, videos, and photos
- This product is NOT backwards compatible
Rank #4
- New slimmer, lighter PS3 system
- HDD for storing games, music, videos, and photos
- Streams thousands of movies and TV shows instantly from Netflix
- Built-in Blu-ray player with 3D capabilities. HDMI output for 1080p resolution
Rank #3
- Internet Ready With Built-in Wi-Fi with a Cell Broadband Engine Advanced Microprocessor
- When starting up the system for the first time, hold the power button until a "screen display" message shows up on screen. Select the desired output, and the system will startup normally.
- 160GB system
- Blu-ray player to give you pristine picture quality
- The best high-definition viewing experience available
Rank #2
- New slimmer, lighter PS3 system, Wireless controller
- 320GB HDD for storing games, music, videos, and photos
- Streams thousands of movies and TV shows instantly from Netflix
- Built-in Blu-ray player with 3D capabilities. HDMI output for 1080p resolution.
How to rebuild the database
Rockstar’s Recovery Menu directions are:
- Turn off the PS3.
- Hold the power button until the system turns on and then turns off again.
- Press and hold the power button again, then release it after two consecutive beeps.
- When prompted, connect the controller to the PS3 with a USB cable.
- Press the PS button to open the Recovery Menu.
- Select Rebuild Database, taking care not to select Restore PS3 System.
- After the rebuild finishes, connect the console to the internet so it can download game updates, then launch the game.
Sources
- Rockstar Games Customer Support, “Basic Troubleshooting for the PlayStation 3 Console” (updated March 7, 2024).
- Rockstar Games Customer Support, “General Tips to Keep Your Console Running Well” (updated December 13, 2024).
- Sony Interactive Entertainment, PS3 User’s Guide: Restore PS3 System.
- Sony Interactive Entertainment, PS3 User’s Guide: Backup Utility.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
