backing up PS3 data?

[kenshin-dono]

So my older ps3 (40 or 60 gig i think, im not sure which, doesn't say hd space anywhere in menu) is starting to make loud fan noises sometimes, usually when i play Red dead.

I need to try to figure out if my warranty is still good. if not i plan on opening it up and vacuming it out. if it is still good i wont do that, and will just stick to vacuming it from the outside

But regardless, i think i better back up my saves and data. How exactly do i do that? I know i can put saves and junk on a USB stick but what then? Can i put it on a folder on my computers HD, then transfer it back over as needed? or does it have to stay on just the USB stick? Id like to just leave a section on my computer for backup in the event of a YLOD. I recently went through my 3rd 360 and had to buy a new one. I actually wound up losing some data messing with USB sticks with that, but thats with the glitchy 360 software. PS3 has seemed pretty solid as far as USB transfers go so far

[Breetai]

So my older ps3 (40 or 60 gig i think, im not sure which, doesn't say hd space anywhere in menu) is starting to make loud fan noises sometimes, usually when i play Red dead.

I need to try to figure out if my warranty is still good. if not i plan on opening it up and vacuming it out. if it is still good i wont do that, and will just stick to vacuming it from the outside

But regardless, i think i better back up my saves and data. How exactly do i do that? I know i can put saves and junk on a USB stick but what then? Can i put it on a folder on my computers HD, then transfer it back over as needed? or does it have to stay on just the USB stick? Id like to just leave a section on my computer for backup in the event of a YLOD. I recently went through my 3rd 360 and had to buy a new one. I actually wound up losing some data messing with USB sticks with that, but thats with the glitchy 360 software. PS3 has seemed pretty solid as far as USB transfers go so far

Check your PS3 user manual, or at least take the time to look through the menus on your PS3 dashboard. It would've been a lot faster for you than making your post.

[Anayo]

Vacuuming electronics creates an electrostatic discharge that murders all the solid state inside. You will kill your PS3 if you use a vacuum cleaner.

Use canned air or a fine-bristled brush instead.

[countcowden]

Settings/system settings/system information - this will tell you how much space you have used.