PS3's Yellow Light of Death (YLOD) and Saved Data Loss

While not as common as the Xbox 360's Red Rings of Death, PS3s can get the Yellow Light of Death (YLOD). PS3 owners with the YLOD have an additional problem not seen with the 360. Unless the data on the hard drive was backed-up before the crash, it might be lost. When my PS3 got the YLOD, it wouldn't turn on and my data was in jeopardy. Here's some tips and ideas on how you can keep your data after the YLOD.

YLOD- what data will be saved and what will be lost
If you have online game data on the PSN, that will be safe. If you buy a new PS3, you can log into your account and retrieve all stats, DLCs, and anything else purchased through the PlayStation Store. You will need to download your items again, but at least you don't have to spend money. Unfortunately, all single player data, trophies, music, and pictures that were saved directly onto the hard drive will be lost when you purchase another PS3. Since it formats every hard drive installed, the data will be erased if you tried to put your old drive into a different console. Backing-up data before the YLOD with a flash drive or external drive is the only way to be sure it won't be gone.

Fixing the YLOD and keeping your data
First, check the power supply. About 20% of YLOD is caused by a fixable supply problem. After you determine the console has true hardware failure, you can send it back to Sony. You will need to send the hard drive as well. Sony will then ship you a different console with a different hard drive. In order to try and save the data, you must either attempt to fix the YLOD yourself or send it to a third party repair shop. Fixing the problem yourself is very tricky if you're not familiar with electronics. To reach the motherboard of an older model (fat) PS3, the entire console must be taken apart. Instructional videos on YouTube will take you through the process, but without the right tools, you might wind up doing more harm. These videos show how to reflow the motherboard by heating it and repairing the damaged chip. Remember, if your PS3 is still under warranty, opening the console will void it.

A better option is trying to find a repair shop that will fix your PS3, not just give you a refurbished one like Sony will. There maybe a local repair shop in your area or you can find one online. Ebay is a great resource for finding console repair services, just be sure to read previous customers' feedback. Make sure it is an actual business and not a guy using a hairdryer. Professionals can also perform what is called reballing. This is a more permanent fix and replaces the solder. Reflow and reballing services are usually cheaper then the expired warranty fee Sony charges. Most repair services will help you trade in your console or give you cash if they can't fix it. A reputable store will also include a warranty. Using a professional repair service is the best way to try to recover your data and your console after the YLOD.

The future of backing-up data on the PS3 before YLOD strikes
While it is just a rumor, reports are surfacing that cloud saving will be available for PlayStation Plus subscribers with the next firmware update. Sony is supposedly calling this "Online Saving." Players will be able to save data to a server and not just the hard drive. While it's best to back-up your data now, this will be a great relief for gamers worried about YLOD.

Nobody wants to think about their console failing. If you didn't back-up your PS3 data chances are it might be gone forever. While there are a few ways to try and fix it, nothing is guaranteed to be a permanent solution. At least in the future, PS3 owners will have the option to save data online without worrying about hardware failure.

Sources:

How to tell if you have YLOD on PlayStation.com

Reflow and reballing the PS3

PS3 online saving on kotaku.com

YLOD fix on youtube.com