Originally posted by xTehProx
It was functional yes. And I'm trying to restore file system but it's stuck on preparing
Ok if it freezes during any options in recovery mode, i usually assume the hard drive has taken a dump. Try another known working one.
1. Insert the new hdd into your ps3
2. select option "restore ps3 system"
This will format the drive to your ps3 and wipe everything (games,saves,homebrew etc)
When it is finished, you will be brought to a black screen, asking for your last syscall(last cfw installed)
3. follow prompt and try to install one of those downgraders from there.