PS3 "Restore Default Settings" Accident: Recovery Checklist

"Restore Default Settings" (Settings → System Settings → Restore Default Settings) **wipes user data but keeps firmware**. Here's the recovery plan:

Immediate Steps

1. Don't panic. Hardware is fine; only the internal HDD partition for user data was reformatted.
2. Sign in to PSN → re-download purchased games from Library → Purchased.
3. Check Cloud Saves (PS Plus): Settings → Application Saved Data Management → Saved Data in Online Storage → Download to System Storage.
4. Reinstall Game Data: Disc games reinstall patches automatically on launch; digital titles re-download fully.
5. Reconfigure: Network, display, audio, controller, notifications, privacy.

If You Lack PS Plus / Cloud Saves

• Local saves are gone. No recovery unless you backed up to USB (Settings → Saved Data Backup).
• Some games (e.g., Destiny, FFXIV) store progression server-side—just log in.

Future-Proofing

• Enable Auto-Upload (PS Plus required).
• Monthly manual backup to USB (FAT32, MBR).
• Consider PS Plus for cloud + monthly games.

You'll be back up in an hour or two—just the tedium of re-downloading.