I turned my PS3 on a few minuets ago and received a error message saying: Cannot start system. Correct hard disk cannot be found.
I was using it a few minuets before this happened. I was checking a Blu-Ray movie and when I went to quit playback, the entire system turned off. When I fired it back up to get the disc out, that error message displayed. Has this happened to anyone on here? If so, is this a problem I could fix myself, or would I have to send it to Sony?

Edit: This may or may not be of interest, but the Blu-Ray I was checking was Superman: The Movie.

Update: I powered it on 2 times with the controller plugged in and both times it loaded the menu. However, the second time, as I was scrolling through the menu, the system shut off on me. I checked the plug and it is firmly connected to the system and outlet.

If you've had the PS3 less than 30 days, I'd just take it back to the store you bought it from and ask for an exchange. If you've had it for more than 30 days; you'll probably be waiting 2 weeks for Sony to fix it.

I've had it since about mid-january of this year.

I guess you'll have to send it to Sony, sadly. Unless you want to pay $399 for a 40GB PS3 (which I'm sure you don't), that's about your only option.

Did you buy a "PSP" (product service plan) with your 80GB PS3?

No, I got mine from Wal-Mart and I don't recall the cashier saying anything about a service plan. Do you have any idea how much it will cost to have Sony fix it?

Doesn't Wal-Mart have a 90 day return policy? You may still be able to return/exchange it.

Is it in an enclosed space? Its sounds like the system is auto-shutting down to prevent internal overheating. If it's in a confined shelf or something....

It should be under warranty @ Sony, so there will not be a charge, if not in warranty it is 150.00 to repair. Sounds like the hard drive is bad, you can swap out the hard drive with out voiding the warranty, but try what starseed said and move it to an open area.

It’s on a shelf in my entertainment center, but there is plenty of space behind and above it for the air to circulate. And it’s been in the same spot since I got it and this problem just recently occurred.

People return/exchange things they didn't even buy at Wal*Mart, so I don't think he'll have a problem exchanging it.

I would probably need a receipt to do that and I no longer have mine. I used it for the 5 free Blu-Rays offer. I probably should've made myself a copy to keep.

Did you pay with a credit card? If you did they can print you out a new receipt with your credit card.

Also if its past the 90 day return period just return it without a receipt and tell them you bought it a month ago and it stopped working they might give you store credit. Then use that credit to buy a new one.

But in all likelihood they won't have another 80GB unit to replace it with.

Tru dat. The 80GB units are getting WAY scarce. However if they give him store credit, he could grab a 40GB for less $$$ and use the remaining credit for something else - like more Blu-ray discs!

I called Sony’s customer service the other day and the system is still under warranty with them, so I’m letting Sony deal with the problem.