PS4 Error CE-35888-2 [6 Easy Fixes 2023]

Users of PlayStations are likely familiar with the PS4 Error CS-35888-2 messages that say something like “Cannot access system storage” or “an error has occurred (CE-35888-2)”. These notifications generally show because of the error code CE-35888-2, and it is due to an issue with a system hard drive or system storage. But there is no need to worry because you will find every feasible solution here. 

Key Takeaways

• PS4 Error CE-35888-2 is an error code that appears when there is a problem with the system software or the hard drive and hinders all console usage.
• This error can occur when the system software is corrupted, the hard drive is not installed correctly, or the hard drive is damaged.
• To fix the PS4 Error CE-35888-2 issue, you need to check the hard drive connection, rebuild the database in safe mode, or perform a factory reset of your console.

What Is The PS4 Error CE-35888-2?

When PS4 error CE-35888-2 arises, messages like “cannot access system storage” or “an error has occurred (CE-35888-2)” appear on your screen.

Why Does The PS4 Error CE-35888-2 Occur?

CE-35888-2 error occurs for various reasons, the most common are:

• Improper installation of a hard drive
• Damaged hard drive
• If the hard drive is dropped, bumped, or not seated correctly in the console
• The hard drive is incompatible with the PS4

Furthermore, the use of non-original drives can cause problems. CE-35888-2 error occurs if you’re using a non-original purpose incompatible with the PS4, either because it doesn’t meet the technical specifications or because it’s not formatted in a way that the PS4 can recognize. Also, make sure to read about how to fix PlayStation Vue Error 5001.

How To Fix The PS4 Error CE-35888-2?

The error is generally related to your hardware. Therefore we’d mainly focus on fixes that target your hard drive. Here’s a list of the potential spots:

1. Checking the hard drive status
2. Running a diagnostic test
3. Checking the hard drive connection
4. Rebuilding Database in Safe Mode
5. Factory reset
6. Swapping the hard drive

These steps are pretty simple and have been deducted after rigorous testing. Therefore, without further adieu, let’s start!

Checking The Hard Drive Status

It’s wise to start by seeing if the hard drive shows up. To check the complex drive status on a PS4, you can follow these steps:

1. Turn on your PS4 and go to the home screen.
2. Select the “Settings” icon, which is located on the top row of the home screen and looks like a toolbox.
3. Scroll down and select “Storage.”

   

4. Here you will see the hard drive’s status, including the amount of free space, the file system, and the complex drive type.
5. If the problem persists, then the issue lies with your hard drive, and it will be necessary to check the connection or format it.

Running A Diagnostic Test

Next, we’ll try to utilize the built-in software we’re given and run this diagnostic test. To run a diagnostic test on the hard drive of a PS4, you can follow these steps:

1. Turn on your PS4 and go to the home screen.
2. Select the “Settings” icon.
3. Scroll down and select “System.”

   

4. Scroll down and select “System Information.”

   

5. You will see the option “Test Connections” Select it and follow the on-screen instructions.
6. The diagnostic test will check the hard drive for errors and may take a few minutes to complete.
7. After the test is complete, you will be presented with the results. If the hard drive will pass the test, you should be able to continue using it without any issues. If the hard drive fails the test, you may need to replace or repair it.

It’s important to note that this diagnostic test will check for problematic drive errors, but it may not be able to detect all issues with the hard drive. For that, you can move on to the next fix.

Checking The Hard Drive Connection

Next, we must move on to the hardware. However, before you start this, here’s a disclaimer:

It’s important to note that if you’re uncomfortable opening the PS4, you should contact Sony Support for assistance. Tampering with the device can void the warranty and damage the device if not done correctly.

If you want to proceed nonetheless, you can follow these steps:

1. Turn off your PS4 by holding the power button for at least 7 seconds until the power indicator light turns off.
2. Unplug all cables from the PS4, including the power cable, HDMI cable, and any other wires that may be connected.
3. Open the PS4 by removing the screws on the bottom of the unit and lifting off the top cover.
4. Locate the hard drive; it should be a 2.5-inch hard drive; make sure it is correctly seated in the hard drive bay, and the connectors are securely attached.
5. Replace the cover and screws, then reconnect all cables to the PS4.
6. Turn on your PS4 and check the complex drive status; you can check it by going to the PS4’s settings menu, then selecting “Storage.”
7. It will be necessary to format the hard drive or try another one if the problem persists.

Also, make sure to read our guide on PlayStation error WS-37431-8.

Rebuilding Database In Safe Mode

It’s important to note that rebuilding the database will not affect your saved games or other data, but it will improve the performance of your PS4. This process can help fix issues with the system software and can also use to fix problems with the hard drive. To rebuild the database in Safe Mode on a PS4, you can follow these steps:

1. Turn off your PS4 by holding the power button for at least 7 seconds until the power indicator light turns off.
2. Press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps; this will start the PS4 in “Safe Mode.”
3. Connect a controller to the PS4 using a USB cable.

   

4. Select “Rebuild Database” using the controller.

   

5. The PS4 will now begin to rebuild the database, which takes a while, depending on the amount of data on the hard drive.
6. Once the process is complete, the PS4 will restart, and the database will be rebuilt.

Factory Reset

One of your last options is to wipe out all memory. To factory reset your PS4, by following the:

1. Turn off your PS4 by holding the power button for at least 7 seconds until the power indicator light turns off.
2. Press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps; this will start the PS4 in Safe Mode.
3. Connect a controller to the PS4 using a USB cable.
4. Next, we select “Initialization.”

   

5. Select “Initialize PS4” using the controller.

   

6. Select “Full”

   

7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initialization process. Initialization will erase all data from the hard drive and restore the PS4 to its original settings.

It’s important to note that factory resetting the PS4 will erase all data on the hard drive, including all games, saved data, and personal settings. It is recommended to back up your data before initialization using an external hard drive or cloud storage.

Swapping The Hard Drive

Finally, if wiping out all possible data didn’t help, then you’d have to look for new hardware. The PS4 uses a 2.5-inch Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive between 5400 and 7200 RPM with a storage capacity between 250GB and 8TB. It must also be formatted in a specific way, which can be done by the PS4 during the initial setup.

If you’re using a non-original drive, it’s possible that it does not meet the technical specifications required by the PS4. Using the original hard drive from Sony or a well-known brand that you know will be compatible with the PS4 will most likely fix the issue.

Bonus Fix

If none of these measures resolve the error, it’s better to contact PlayStation Support or get help from a qualified expert. They can offer additional advice and aid in PS4 console hardware-related problem diagnosis. You can do this by clicking on this link and following the instructions on their website.

Conclusion

So, if a PS4 CE-35888-2 error occurs, it means there is a problem with system storage or hard drive, and it may stop the PS4 from correctly starting up or result in game and application crashes. It also happens following a system software update or when we attempt to install a game or application. You can fix this error by checking the hard drive status, running a diagnostic test, rebuilding the database in safe mode, factory resetting, and swapping the hard drive.

I have tried to give you all possible solutions to the PS4 Error CE-35888-2. Hopefully, after employing the fixes in this article, PS4 Error CE-35888-2 is no longer an issue for you.

Here’s a list of other articles that can help you start this diagnosis:

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• PS4 Share Play Not Working
• Media Remote Not Working On PS4?
• Minecraft Not Loading On PS4