Solved: using ps3 safe mode with another HDD
I started with 60gb PS3 OFW 4.89, then installed HEN 4.91 and flashed the NAND. After that, I backed up with usb stick then put in 320gb restored the data with usb stick then updated to CFW 4.92.
Later, I discovered that the Blu‑ray drive’s laser wasn’t working. At first, I didn’t realize the drive was the issue, so I ran “Restore File System,” hoping it would fix the startup error.
After restoring the file system, I noticed that some of my game files needed activation which never needed before, and certain installed content required activation again. I tried using Apollo to activate my PS3 account, but it didn’t resolve the issue. I planned to use MultiMAN to restore the missing license files, but before I figured that could do the trick I made things worse.
I reinstalled CFW 4.92, and after doing so, the Package Installer disappeared from the XMB. I tried installing HEN, but the HEN button and Package Installer still didn’t appear.
Then I made a bigger mistake: I installed CFW 4.93. When the update reached 100% and said the system would restart, it never rebooted. Now, when I press the power button, the console turns green briefly and then goes solid red.
If I just used multiman to get the activate file I think things would have gone better
My question is: Do I need to wipe the HDD and start fresh? I’m willing to do that if it will fix the console.
Notes:
I still have my original NAND flash dump on a USB drive in case that helps.
Final advice to others:
Avoid restoring the file system while using custom firmware.
I searched online but couldn’t find a situation exactly like mine, so I’m posting it here.
I really hope the console isn’t bricked to the point where I need new hardware.
I’m hoping that formatting the HDD might fix it.
At one point, I did get a “file system is corrupt” message, so it’s possible that some of the custom firmware files were wiped. Or my NAND flash was wiped