PS3 Error 80010514 Explained
Posted on 10. Apr, 2008 by Reckless in News
Gamerevolver.com recently had an interesting article regarding the dreaded 80010514 error. I hope many of my loyal visitors never have to encounter it. Their is a known issue with the PS3, simply known as error 800010514 which doesn’t happen often but when it does, it’s darn right nasty.
The error in question is mainly seen within the first month of use, or to put it bluntly, it has the error right out of the box, however, we have seen this occur at almost a year into service as well.
“An error occurred during the start operation. 80010514″
Gamerevolver.com recently ran into the the dreaded 80010514 error shortly after installing a new game they had purchased off the PlayStation Store and decided to document it. Here is what the have to say…
Since this error occurred, we obviously contacted Sony Support. We were informed that the code is not common, and a simple reset of the system, and restoral of factory settings should do the trick. Unfortunately, after the restoral, the error still occurred.
The error code is actually one of two things, a) a faulty sector on the internal hard drive, or b) a faulty installation of software/firmware, both iterations actually coincide with eachother. If the hard drive suffers a faulty sector ( a section of damaged space on the drive that data may have been written to that no longer is readable), an installation may still be processed, and even work, but the error can cause some serious side effects, such as option b. If your PS3 has installed an item incorrectly, including firmware, it is in high risk of receiving this error.
Basically, what is occuring is the corruption of game disc recognition and execution. If you will notice, in 90% of all cases, the drive will still play DVD and even Blu Ray movies with no problems. When trying to start a game however, the title, sooner or later, will receive the error.
1) Ensure that your internet connection is stable. If you are using a wireless connection, make sure your signal is at least a solid 80%. If not, make the proper adjustments until it is.
2) Dust your machine regularly. Any PS3 owner will tell you that the Playstation 3 is a dust magnet. Just run a dry cloth over it every couple days, and you should be fine. This will help prevent heat issues and shorts that may occur.
3) When installing firmware and/or software, make sure you follow the instructions. Even if you have installed 6 versions prior, each one is different, and may require additional steps. Save yourself the headache and just follow them, it only takes a minute or so longer to do it right.
Lets sum it all up, the error is not hardware related and is caused due to corruption of firmware. Restoring you PS3 will not roll back the firmware, and unfortunately will not fix the issue 9 times out of 10. If you are receiving this error, contact Sony for a replacement unit. Again I hope none of my readers have to see the dreaded 80010514 error and by following Gamerevolver.com‘s simple steps your bound to prolongue the life of your PS3 indefinitely.
(Update) Eurogamer.net contacted a SCE UK spokesperson which told them “”I’ve spoken to our Customer Services department and they aren’t aware of this issue with the PS3.” So take that as you will? Is the dreaded 80010514 just a myth? or an error that Sony is not aware of?
(Update 2) Try this before replacing Blu Ray drive (Last Resort)
Undertakerza updated a game, Warhawk and his system froze, got it rebooted it could no longer access any discs (cd, dvd, blu ray, games) he was ejecting and re inserting disks when I realized that the drive wasn’t making any noise and also … not spinning disks anymore they come out the exact same way he put them in.
Here is how he did it:
Ok so I’ve fixed my issue. I will run through what you will need to do to fix yours if you are having issues with the blu-ray drive and general PS3 system operations like the XMediaBar this is totally worth a shot … I doubt this will fix any other issue. If not then your blu-ray drive/ PS3 is probably dead and needs replacement via the method listed above or by sony.
If you can, I suggest you back up your PS3 first. The menu that you will access to can fully erase your PS3 if you choose the wrong option! I do not take any responsibility! Please proceed at your own risk! If you read and follow the instructions exactly you should not loose any data! Feel free to ask questions if you are confused so you don’t make a mistake!! Sorry, I had to say it, I don’t want anyone mad at me if they make a mistake, don’t back up their data and erase it, and then blame me…
The current version of the ps3 firmware has a “recovery console”.
You access it by
1. Start with having the system in standby (redlight is on)
2. Hold the power button down; the system will turn on and turn off once again.
3. Press and hold the power button again and keep holding, it will beep as it turns on and then it will double beep. When you hear the double beeps immediately take your finger off the power button (if your system turns off before you get a double beep just try again and hold the button, it should double beep the 2nd time you try)
4. You will be prompted to plug in your controller via USB and then hit the PS button
You will now have a screen with these options (I have attached a picture of this screen below)
1. Restart System: Restarts the PLAYSTATION®3 System.
2. Restore Default Settings: Reset all system settings back to default.
CHOOSE THIS ONE 3.Restore File System: Checks for corrupt/missing system files.
4. Rebuild Database: Rebuilds the OS for the PLAYSTATION®3.
5. Restore PS3 System: Fresh restore; Deletes everything and starts from Scratch.
6. System Update: Update the PLAYSTATION®3 SystemIT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU DO NOT CHOOSE THE WRONG OPTION HERE OR YOU WILL LOSE ALL YOUR DATA. The one that fixed my blu-ray drive is option 3: RESTORE FILE SYSTEM
I REPEAT CHOOSE RESTORE FILE SYSTEM
After this, it is going to restart and bring up a screen reading something like “you have Corrupted System Data. Your PS will now replace this data” Then you choose continue and that should be it.
This option reinstalls the system files and drivers inside the PS3 with the original ones that are stored on your hard drive. In this case, it replaced a corrupted driver for the blu ray drive thus fixing my issue and hopefully yours!! This option will only replace all system files thus saving you from loosing any data that’s stored on your hard drive. Again this option does nothing to your hard drive it reads a file from the drive and rewrites it to the PS3 system.
If you want a more technical understanding of what this is really doing continue reading. DO NOT NEED TO READ THIS TO COMPLETE REPAIR. The PS3 does not boot from your hard drive as a computer does. It has a flash memory like a cell phone that stores all system files and system firmware updates that you get when the PS3 updates. This is why reformatting your hard drive will not fix your problem, none of the system files are stored on your hard drive (ex. XMB, system firmware, etc.) nor do they run from the drive.
However, your hard drive does contain a full backup of your SYSTEM files and thus when you choose option 3: RESTORE FILE SYSTEM it rewrites the original system files from your drive (which aren’t corrupted) back to the flash memory which is corrupted thus fixing the problem
UPDATE: With the new firmware 3.10 you may be able to report the error code directly to Sony via your PS3 console. Have a look here, please note that this has not been tested for this error code yet.

serge
30. Jun, 2010
The File Restore worked for a quick bit and then it crashed again with this error 80010514. I tried full restore, same thing (after backing everything up of course). I think replacing the internal disk player is the only option, other than spending 150 on replacement. I truely think its the dust that caused this. I will look into getting one off eBay and will post back if I do it and the rsults. One other tidbid you need a wierd key to open the PS3 its behind the “do not ever remove this sticker” sticker….if removed your warrenty is done, but i’m sure its already done since you are readingthis, otherwise you just bring it to Sony for replacement. So pop out the plastic plug and you’ll see its a hex star wird looking thing…..
Need a special home depot trip for that one. ok gents/ladies gl
RebelNev
18. Aug, 2010
Not all errors are software related, a lot are hardware related and this one in particular is hardware related. the best thing to do is have the laser replaced and give the unit a service by a reputable dealer/agent.
ramasamy
02. Jul, 2010
I tried this but i still have the same problem.I am going to send it my one to sony.but i have to wait 4 weeks.anyhow thanks for the nice post.
Courtney
04. Jul, 2010
I did the option 3 many times and its still wouldnt red my disc!
derran
09. Jul, 2010
I’ve had mine since they first came out and it just happened and im very upset i was 7th prestige and ive tryed everything plz tell me how to repair it cause i have all the tools and know how i just need instructions
enlilenki
26. Aug, 2010
I received the 80010514 error over a month ago and was able to fix the problem by replacing the Blu-ray diode. It started while I was playing COD MW2. The game would freeze after a multiplayer match and I could not eject the disc without first turning off the PS3 using the switch on the back. I have the 80gb MotorStorm bundle edition. The early models have the cheap diode with only one laser and has since been replaced by a dual laser. I was able to play everything on my hard drive, but no Blu-ray games or movies. Before replacing the laser I was able to “rebuild the file structure” and this would allow the PS3 to recognize the disc again and I could play an online match. It would freeze in the same spot every time. I ordered my part from the Ebay seller gamepartswarehouse and I used the instructions from the Blu-ray.com thread entitled (Un-Official) PS3 Laser Replacement Manual & Video (Google it). This particular instruction only applies to the 80gb MotorStorm bundle model. My PS3 was out of warranty and $150 was too much to pay Sony considering I could get a brand new slim (not a refurbished PS3) for double the price and I would lose all of the movies I downloaded from the PSN. I believe Sony is completely aware of the cheap laser and is just refusing to own up. There is a class action lawsuit in this regard filed in California. The repair wasn’t extremely difficult, but it wasn’t easy. You can get it done at a local repair shop for around $100 (I paid $50 for the laser alone). I hope this helps. I was excited when I was able to prove that the 80010514 in my instance was due to a bad diode. And at the same time mad at Sony for allowing such a cheap part to be put in their machine. I will probably still buy a PS4. I will just wait until the 3rd or 4th generation before doing so.
GMLemming
11. Jul, 2010
You can undo the ‘weird star’ screw with a normal flat-head screwdriver.
After opening a PS3 to fix it I am disgusted at Sony for the poor build quality and fact that they charge over £100 to provide a replacement part even though they know the Blu-ray drives are going to fail en-mass.
I guess that’s what happens when things are made in China.
The time has come to boycott Chinese crap and stand up to greedy companies like Sony.
rorz
14. Jul, 2010
add me to the list!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hahaha ok i tried option 3 and got 1 hour gaming , but error came back.
i dont know what to do really get new ,repair, my ps3 is a fat 60gb , bought on launch day , so it is old now . another thing is everyone who has writen here is AFTER 3.40 UPDATE WEIRD THING ????????????????
AntBanks
15. Jul, 2010
Option 3 worked for me!!! Lets see how long it lasts….
pissed off
21. Jul, 2010
my ps3 says it has corupted files i did all the opions and its not working im pissed i called sony and they told me to send it in f u c k that for 150$ and the waiting time ill buy a new one
StillTrying
23. Jul, 2010
I just tried option 3 but it did not work. I have 40GB CECHH01. Anything blu-ray, games or movies, will freeze within 15 minutes sometimes less. I have to use the eject button in front, then I’ll get a “corrupted data” icon at the GAME xbar menu. When I pop it back in, it won’t even recognize it. DVDs and online stuff is ok.
Kev
25. Jul, 2010
I get the 80010514 with Tekken 6 only. All my other games work fine. Its really weird though, because when I got the game, I got the error only a couple of times, but them it worked a couple of times after a quick turn off and turn on. Although it hasn’t worked ever since and yeah, I’m really annoyed and have no idea what to do!!
george
27. Jul, 2010
im really annoyed i have tried all options apart from replacing it but why the hell would i give away the whole of my game data just for a dlc?
i would just forget about it, its just a game and its not like it matters.
Aj_KD_Drummer
05. Aug, 2010
it worked for me! my problem was that my PS3 would sometimes read my Modern Warfare 2 disc, but at the end of matches, or in mid game, or on a loading screen it would freeze. and only sometimes it wouldnt read the disc. i backed up my memory, and tried what you said in all the steps, its working better now, i just hope it will last. thank you so much for this
Aj_KD_Drummer
05. Aug, 2010
well…..it didnt last…as soon as i got through 2 matches, and it was fine, i played a third match, and its freezing again. do i have to get a replacement???
Gunni
05. Aug, 2010
I only get the error when I’m trying to play The Godfather 2…. that’s my best game! shit! -.-
LEn
08. Aug, 2010
Have tried option 3 restore file data, but it wont let me out. when you restart it it goes straight back into the restore files screen of op3. I have tried different modes of on/off buttons but no success.
Anyone help.
THE_PS3_DOC
11. Aug, 2010
I repair ps3 system in my area and I ve seen the code a hand full of times and even with all the tricks I know and the ones listed in this blog it always seems to come back even with a new blu ray drive&HHD as well as a full system restore
so to same you some time if you Have 80010514 and op 3 did not fix it you are screwed
sorry Guys
enlilenki
26. Aug, 2010
I fixed my PS3 that received the 80010514 error by replacing the Blu-ray diode myself about a year ago and things are still running smoothly. I was able to keep all of my downloaded media and didn’t have to pay Sony $150 for a refurbished PS3. They key is making sure you get the diode with the brown clip and not the white one. (as is mentioned here: http://forum.blu-ray.com/blu-r.....video.html)