I'll be careful vorchiel (I don't know how except by not playing gta iv as often) because mine was freezing for the last few days (see my previous posts above), which i was able to fix by reinstalling. And today within 5 minutes of being in game it just froze my system and I wasn't able to restart. 10 minutes ago I was in call of duty and battlefield fragging people; it doesn't make any sense how software can break a system. And yes I had the latest version of the firmware and yes I patched GTA to 1.01.

Strange...

ahahaha I was just explaining how useless numerical ratings are

Heres some more info if any of you run into the problem. I will be giving them a call through skype later in the week.

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Update: 5/9/08, 0949 hours.

I just got off the phone with Sandra #47020 with Sony Computer Entertainment of America regarding the continuing lockup/freeze issues being experienced across consoles. She actually had a few interesting things to say, which I will relate here. I will be addressing specifically the PS3 version of GTA 4.

Sandra told me first off that Sony, Rockstar and Take-Two are all fully aware of the existence of the problem. She also confirmed that indeed, there is nothing wrong with my console (60 GB Release model), as a few quick questions regarding its functionality revealed that the problem is not with the hardware. This is confirmed, per Sandra #47020 of SCEA.

Are you with me so far? Great. There's more.

Sandra also indicated matter-of-factly that although they are acutely aware there is a problem, because almost NOBODY is calling SCEA (Sony) to report it, they still haven't definitively identified the source of the problem. Everyone is calling Rockstar and Take-Two screaming for blood when they need to be calling Sony and giving them the details. She indicated the quicker more console owners start opening trouble tickets, the quicker Sony will be able to narrow the problem down to the source. You can quote her on that too. She indicated that they understand our frustration, but that until it's properly reported to the right people, speculation will continue to run amuk and it will just take them longer to identify the problem and put out a fix.

So here it is folks, everyone needs to call SCEA (Sony) at 1-866-345-7669 and report the problem to the Technical Support Department immediately, if you haven't already. They are anxiously awaiting our calls, and after learning all of this, I completely understand their frustration as well. They want to help, but they need us to REPORT THE PROBLEM DIRECTLY TO SONY so they can get a fix out quicker. I want to experience this game just the same as everyone else.

To the XBox360 owners who are also experiencing problems, I'm sorry I can't address your particular issues, but I would strongly urge you to call Microsoft and report it, as I suspect that they are probably experiencing the same problem.

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Added on June 9, 2008, 3:11 am--

FIX NEWS:

5.3.08 - according to engles08 the problem has been found, he says:

"Just got off the phone with T2 support. The issue that is causing the freezing is actually two separate issues. One is the network problem that the newer PS3's are encountering however the older model, launche units are experiencing an entirely different problem. The launch version of PS3's used a different chip that could run PS2 and PS1 games without emulation. This chip is conflicting with the game code and cause GTA4 to freeze. The T2 representative told me that the fix will indeed not be exclusively in the form of a patch. There will probably be a patch for the issues relating to the network and things that the newer PS3's are facing however.. the older launch 60GB versions and possibly the 20gb, i didnt ask, will require a firmware upgrade that will allow GTA4 to run on the older chip. This firmware upgrade, he said, could be available anytime between tomorrow morning and "as soon as possible" as he put it. The issue is deffinately being adressed and it seems as though they have found what the problem is. So guys lets hope this works and spread this around because this came directly from my 25 minute conversation with T2 support that I just got finished with."


This post has been edited by OmniAtlas: Jun 9 2008, 03:11 AM

um, speaking of blinking red lights, i hav once experienced it when i was playing gt5 and it crashed and all i see is the blinking red lights - just happened on last week, kind of scared got into the same case like mentioned here.....

This post has been edited by jasjas: Jun 9 2008, 03:27 AM

ironic. the one thing that sets the 60GB PS3 a cut above from the rest is the one cause of the hardware problem. At least now we know. But since ur ps3 refused to even start, I hope it isnt anything permanent. Sending it to sony to fix may mean u will get a replacement PS3 that is not the 60GB version since 60GB is discontinued. No spare parts.

well they may have a spare unit stashed in the store room somewhere .. you never know though

wow..so the bugger was the EE chip? this is new..

So GTA4 hates the 60GB model for now... that's a relief for the rest of us "other" variant owners.

Let's hope Rockstar gets it right with the patch/fix soon.

there is a such rules for any electronic brand to keep the spare part at least more than 5 years or u can see them in court.....
same goes to ps3....

Try replacing the harddisk with another new HDD and see if your PS3 boots up.

If you're able to bootup with another harddisk, it is most likely corrupted data in the HDD ?

never knew that! I learnt something today

Okay, so I managed to talk to Sony Singapore.

The way it goes is you take it into their service center, they check what the problem is, and they'll give you a new system because they'll have to ship it back to Hong Kong. So there isn't really a 'service' center in Singapore, everything is done back in Hong Kong. The good part is, the guy I talked to said they'll be able to do everything wiithin one day, and they'll replace it for free.

So if you're ever having a problem, just go to the singapore service center and they'll fix it for you.

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Added on June 9, 2008, 7:22 pmI told the Sony guy my problem and he said it wasn't a hard drive problem, but a power (?) problem.

This post has been edited by OmniAtlas: Jun 9 2008, 07:22 PM

No harm trying the HDD method dude.

I would like to backup my hard drive though, anyone know where I can get this service done? I don't mine sending my system in because I'll be getting a new PS3 in the end, but my data will be missing of course.

same thing happened to me. Earlier this year, my PS3's wifi cant detect shit. So I sent mine to the service center in Wisma Atria, Orchard Road. The just checked my serial number, went back and brought out a BRAND NEW PS3!So they took mine and gave their new thing. Of course I have to take the thing out of the box, if not malaysian customs will be all over my ass. Placed the PS3 inside my back pack.rode my bike all the way to Tuas.One happy and satisfied customer here. Good to know they dont give refurbished unit all yellowish etc back to the customers. Sony service center ftw!

You can do this by using a software called Norton Ghost and save a snapshot of your HDD image somewhere.

hmm i'm not so sure bout dats...
my friend bought my PS3 in japan since December 2006 & I'd intense playing my unit even wiv pirated DVD...it has been 1 year & 6 month old now since i'd lay my hand on her...
and if its due to the over heating problem...I'm daring anyone to come to my old wooden house here in Kuala Besut to play my console at my house here by noon time & i doubt which one of YOU or the PS3 will be OVERHEATING on the first place...sincerely my house were truly hot at noon time that you can touch the roof above your head by hand...

IMO:
PS3 can endure in an extreamly HOT environment of game play.
Pirated DVD does not effect the machine medium drive. (BD I haven't test it out yet since i didn't own any of it yet)
Some of these died console was due to the defect or faulty hardware. (not all peeps lucky diz day)

P/s: To the TS I hoping that your unit was having a normal game crash. Cheers m8...

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Added on June 10, 2008, 10:22 ami'd dare it to hate my unit

This post has been edited by monyetbesi: Jun 10 2008, 10:22 AM

Its a rockstar problem. They sent me an e-mail confirming it.

We have carried out a thorough investigation to the causes of the problems you have been experiencing with GTA IV in association with Sony. In order to resolve the issue we would recommend that you contact Sony's local support team directly who have additional information that will resolve your problems.

For Sony's North American support team:

SCEA Consumer Services
1-800-345-SONY (7669) - Careline hours of business - Monday - Saturday 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM PST and Sunday 7:00 - AM 6:30 PM PST

Or contact customer support online using the form at: http://www.us.playstation.com/corporate/ConsumerServices

For Sony's UK support team:

SCEE Consumer Services
Telephone us on 08705 99 88 77 (calls charged at standard BT National Rate) Careline hours of business - 8am to 10pm weekdays and 10am to 6pm weekends and public holidays.

Email customer support at - help@uk.playstation.com


Thank you for your patience and continued support.

Blinking red lights is in the manual . Anyways you're lucky you're ps3 seems to be doing great BD failure could also be due to the lense being exchanged from the original by those conman/conwomen sellers. Anyhoo, why tempt fate when you don't need to?

There was another person that had this problem also from playing GTA4 a few weeks back. IIRC his unit was the 40GB one.

This post has been edited by aphrael: Jun 10 2008, 11:51 AM

I don't think that Norton Ghost can recognize PS3 filesystem....