Formatting storage

Formatting your Memory Stick

A fresh format clears a card for first use, fixes file-system corruption, and is the recommended step after fitting a new microSD adapter. The PSP prefers cards formatted by the console itself, so it can lay down the folder structure it expects.

When to format

• You have just bought a new card or adapter.
• The PSP reports the card as corrupted or unreadable.
• Files behave oddly or saves fail to write.

1. Back up first
   Copy everything off the card to a computer so saves and content are safe.
2. Insert and open settings
   Seat the card, then open the System Settings on the PSP's main menu.
3. Format the card
   Choose the Memory Stick format option and confirm. The PSP rebuilds the file system.
4. Restore your data
   Copy your backed-up saves and content back onto the freshly formatted card.

If the PSP cannot format it

Should the console refuse, format the card on a computer as FAT32 and try again. note Very large cards sometimes default to a file system the PSP cannot read, so FAT32 is the safe choice. After formatting, confirm the PSP creates its standard folders before adding files.