What data does the PS3's backup utility preserve?

My PS3's Blu-Ray drive died yesterday, and I will probably just end up getting a new console.

I plan on using the Data Transfer Utility as outlined in this question's answer to preserve all my data. However, I would also like to backup everything first using the Backup Utility just to be on the safe side.

When I tried running the utility with a 4GB disk-on-key plugged in, it said I need around 14GB of additional storage. The only thing I really want to preserve are my save-files which probably take less than 20MB (I don't want to copy them one-by-one manually for fear of leaving something behind), so I was wondering just what it is that the backup utility is trying to back up other than save files. Assuming it's nothing I care about, I'll be able to delete it and proceed with the backup.

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5 Answers

The Backup Utility will backup everything, the only limitation is that copy-protected items will not restore on a different PS3 machine than the machine they were backed up from. (Reference)

So to use the Backup Utility on a 4GB USB key you would probably need to first delete everything except your game saves, i.e. all your music, videos, photos and game installs/patches.

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However, I would also like to backup everything first using the Backup Utility just to be on the safe side.

Be aware though: Apart from using the Data Transfer Utility, the only way to copy copy-protected saved games is by using the PSN+ cloud service. If you're a PSN+ member, I recommend using this feature to ensure your important saved games survive to your new PS3.

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Somewhere on my CECHC PS3 it says I can back it all up for transfer to another PS3 and it will also copy copy potected stuff. I do not think you can use this though because it will most likely format your PS3 HDD after it finishes backing up the whole system and everyting onto your backup Flash/USB/HDD. Never tried it but it the only solution I know of, if you want trophy info and save games just use the normal backup procedure, trophy info has to be synced using PSN. I have PSN+ so not sure if this can be done without sub to +. Hope this helps.

You CAN transfer everything, but deleting everything that way you only keep it once, not a copy - Sony doesn't want you to be able to copy stuff since hackers have found ways to unlock stuff or cheat by just copying save game files. You can find this in the System Settings, Transfer Utility I think it's called - which will allow transfer from one PS3 to another. I am not sure if it can transfer to an external HDD or USB Flash Drive.

The Back-up Utility will most likely NOT transfer copy-protected files to your external HDD/Flash Drive. The PlayStation Plus subscription of any kind allows you to access a Cloud where you can save ALL save games files even if copy-protected and that way keeping it on your online profile. Beware some files allow only to be copied once every 24 hours. You can get a PS+ subscription of 3 months for about $18 in the PS Store. The Cloud is in the GAME section where you find the folder of save game files. You have 1024Mb aka 1GB so that's PLENTY of space. I use 200Mb with over 100 save game files many that use up to 10Mb or more per save like Fallout 3.

I have a better instructions for you on how to copy game saves. Go to PS3 or which ever games you want backedup. Then once in that game save folder press /\ Triangle button and options will show up, select multiple copy and it gives you the option to select all of just your own chosen ones. Select all by right click on that button that says select all. Then select backup device either PSN+ or your USB stick/HDD. Good luck!