PS3 Purchased PSN game - how to backup to avoid huge re-download?

[Ju Smee]

I purchased a pinball game from PSN and downloaded it. On first run, it found an update and is currently downloading it - but it is 3.3 GB so it will take a while.

My question is how do I backup this game so I do not have to download this all again? I am running a PS3 with the latest Hen, and have an attached hard drive. I just need to know the procedure/directory names/data, that needs to be saved and can be restored if, for example, my PS3 dies, or I upgrade it's hard drive.

 

[esc0rtd3w]

all PSN games get installed to /dev_hdd0/game/

each one is in a folder with the NP ID

you can just backup the whole dev_hdd0 directory, but for HEN, you will need to use the "Disable Remap on Next Boot" option under HFW Tools->Maintenance. When you reboot and enable HEN again, you will not have HFW Tools or any other plugins loaded, but you can launch homebrew, and load something like rebug toolbox for ftp access.

If you just backup the game directory or all directories other than the /dev_hdd0/hen/ directory, then you can just copy the files over ftp and thats all

 

[Ju Smee]

all PSN games get installed to /dev_hdd0/game/

each one is in a folder with the NP ID

you can just backup the whole dev_hdd0 directory, but for HEN, you will need to use the "Disable Remap on Next Boot" option under HFW Tools->Maintenance. When you reboot and enable HEN again, you will not have HFW Tools or any other plugins loaded, but you can launch homebrew, and load something like rebug toolbox for ftp access.

If you just backup the game directory or all directories other than the /dev_hdd0/hen/ directory, then you can just copy the files over ftp and thats all

Thanks for the info.
There is enough data on hdd0 to make a complete backup not something I would want to do often. Also, chances are I would just want to restore this one or two games, not all the others.

Are you saying I can just enable hen normally, then copy /game directory for the pinball game, to a locally attached external USB drive using a filemanager? Then, if I need to, I can just copy that directory back again later to restore the game? Or do I need all that remap stuff? Sorry but I am new to ps3 (but not computers). I don't know what "Disable remap" means or why I need it.

 

[esc0rtd3w]

Thanks for the info.
There is enough data on hdd0 to make a complete backup not something I would want to do often. Also, chances are I would just want to restore this one or two games, not all the others.

Are you saying I can just enable hen normally, then copy /game directory for the pinball game, to a locally attached external USB drive using a filemanager? Then, if I need to, I can just copy that directory back again later to restore the game? Or do I need all that remap stuff? Sorry but I am new to ps3 (but not computers). I don't know what "Disable remap" means or why I need it.

Yes, you can just backup anything except the hen folder (it may backup but won't restore)

 

[aldostools]

Thanks for the info.
There is enough data on hdd0 to make a complete backup not something I would want to do often. Also, chances are I would just want to restore this one or two games, not all the others.

/dev_hdd0/game stores the PSN games (NP*), the disc game updates (BL*, BC*) and the DLC for the games installed (in the same game ID)

/dev_hdd0/home is another important folder. It stores your save data, trophy data, licenses (exdata), messages, etc.

Backup of games are stored in GAMES, PS3ISO, PS2ISO, PSXISO, BDISO, DVDISO

Installers (PKG) are found in /dev_hdd0/packages

The other folders are generally installed by HFW/CFW, HEN or homebrews

 

[Ju Smee]

/dev_hdd0/game stores the PSN games (NP*), the disc game updates (BL*, BC*) and the DLC for the games installed (in the same game ID)

/dev_hdd0/home is another important folder. It stores your save data, trophy data, licenses (exdata), messages, etc.

Backup of games are stored in GAMES, PS3ISO, PS2ISO, PSXISO, BDISO, DVDISO

Installers (PKG) are found in /dev_hdd0/packages

The other folders are generally installed by HFW/CFW, HEN or homebrews

Great list. It helps me a lot understand what is stored where, and so choose the important bits which I need to backup regularly (the games I am currently playing and care about the progress data - for example)

I am currently copying some of this stuff. The old PS3 is amazingly slow at copying to a USB drive I have noticed. Not very fast using ftp either. I have to be patient.