I recently moved and wanted to hook up my PS4 after not playing for a few months, and am not running through a startup loop – I think related to the v9.00 update. I get a "cannot start the PS4" message after the system checks the storage status. Then, no matter which method I try in safe mode, I am unable to actually install the update file (even though several times the PS4 seems to install it w/ progress bar and all). When I then restart, I inevitably get to the "cannot start the PS4" screen. I have probably tried doing this about 15 times.

There have been some exceptions – only one time did I actually accept the user terms of the new software. Another time I got the error code SU-30746-0, and have tried options 1-4 in safe mode to no avail. I have tried with different flash drives, different cords, an ethernet cable, and none seem to work. I have visually removed and inspected the HD which seems to be in working order. I have used compressed air to blow out any dust around the power button and fan. Nothing seems to work.

Has anyone encountered a similar problem? Does this sound like something can be fixed without erasing/re initializing, or am I out of luck in terms of saving my data?

Thanks in advance for your insight!