If you experience problems while updating the PlayStation 3 system software, this article should be able to help you.
What do I do if system software update will not download correctly?
If you are attempting to update your PlayStation 3 system software via a Wireless Internet connection using the XMB Menu’s [System Update] function, check the network connection. Try using a Wired Internet connection instead of a Wireless Internet connection.
If the problem persists, try updating the system software via a PC and a mass storage device.
What do I do if the system software update will not install correctly?
If you are attempting to update your PlayStation 3 system software via a Wireless Internet connection, cancel the current installation and attempt to install again via a Wired Internet connection.
If you are unable to cancel the installation process, start the PlayStation 3 system in Safe Mode and choose option 6 from the Safe Mode Menu to install the update via a mass storage device.
If you are unable to update the system software via a mass storage device, check that the folders on the USB storage device are correctly named and structure. The update should be saved in a folder named UPDATE, which should be located in a folder named PlayStation 3.
If the problem persists, start the PlayStation 3 system in Safe Mode and choose option 6 from the Safe Mode Menu to install the update via a mass storage device.