One of the most common problems within the PS4 system occurs when a user receives a message on the screen telling them that their PS4 cannot start up, as it is one of the most difficult problems to solve.

A similar error message appears twice:

• Cannot start the PS4. Connect the Dualshock 4 via USB to your PC, then press the PS button.

• Cannot start the PS4. The system storage cannot be accessed. [CE-34335-8]

Here, we’ll fix both issues and restore the PS4 system to its normal working state.

Are you able to determine what the cause is for “the PS4 cannot start”?

There are a number of reasons as to why the PS4 cannot start due to its hardware functionality. This means that either there is an issue with the PS4’s hardware or there is a peripheral connected to it. Before you can determine what’s really causing this error, you should test everything possible.

Also, the PS4 Cannot Start problem can be caused by:

• When users attempt to update their PS4 system software version unsuccessfully, this issue occurs.

• The PS4’s system software is outdated: If the PS4’s system software is outdated, this error will appear.

• This error may occur if your controller is not connected to your console via USB.

• The PS4 controller might be malfunctioning as a result of some sort of failure.

• A defective internal hard drive on a PS4 may cause the system to not start at all or lead to performance issues. You may have a defective hard drive if you receive this error.

• You may have a problem with one of the PS4’s hardware components, such as the GPU, power supply, or RAM.

• This error might be caused by corrupted CMOS data, which prevents the console from starting.

Basic Troubleshooting for the PS4 Cannot Start

The basic PS4 troubleshooting procedure must be followed before you try any other specific solution to troubleshoot any PS4 problems.

1. It has been reported that the PS4 cannot start due to a power issue

Whenever you encounter a problem with the PS4 system, you should start with this step. The PS4 cable needs to be unplugged from the power outlet/socket. Power strips and surge protectors must be unplugged from the wall outlet and the PS4 power cord must be unplugged from the strip. PS4 hardware parts will receive a rest period when this is done, dissipating any electrical power still present.

Disconnect the power strip or surge protector and check the wall power outlet while disconnected. Testing should be done with an alternative outlet and strip if possible.

The power cord for the PS4 should also be checked for damage and function properly.

2. Due to the USB peripherals that are attached to the PS4, the console cannot start

Any USB peripheral that is connected to the PS4 should be disconnected or removed from the device. The PS4 may not start properly or at all if one of these peripherals fails and causes an electrical short.

In the event that the PS4 will not start, I believe that this step is imperative. It was all for the purpose of identifying the real cause.

3. The PS4 controller needs to be reset

It is possible that the PS4 controller is defective and malfunctioning, which affects the PS4 system’s performance. The PS4 controller must be reset accordingly. After you have disconnected everything from the PS4, restart the system while it is disconnected. Connect the controller to your PS4 once you receive a message requesting that you connect it. Test the PS4 by turning it on and seeing what happens.

4. The PS4 cannot start due to a malfunctioning CMOS

Many systematic errors within the PS4 can be fixed by clearing the CMOS memory. The process is somewhat challenging, especially for novices, so you should only use it as a last resort if all else fails.

In case none of these basic troubleshooting steps work, and you still receive a message that the PS4 cannot start, then try some of the additional solutions listed below in an effort to resolve your problem.

You can try a few things if you cannot start the PS4. Connect the Dualshock 4 to the PS4

Whenever this happens, you get a message saying: “The PS4 cannot start. You need to connect the Dualshock 4 to the PS4 with the USB cable and then press the PS button in order to start it”. PS4 controller or PS4 USB connection problems are likely to cause this problem.

For both cases, let’s try the solution below.

1. Getting the PS4 controller to work again

The PS4 controller should work if it is connected to the system. Try these steps:

1. The PS4 controller should be connected to another PS4 console if possible. Check whether it is recognized by a PC if it isn’t. Cables and USB connectors should be checked for damage.

2. Upon receipt of a defective product, request that it be replaced. It is also possible that the PS4 is malfunctioning of its own accord. Prior to buying a new PS4 controller, try resetting your old one. Sometimes the failure is caused by a problem with the controller’s driver, which can be fixed by a reset.

3. You should connect your PS4 controller to another USB port after purchasing a new one or after resetting it.

Is there still a problem with the “cannot start the PS4” error? You might want to try the next solution if this is the case.

2. Connect your PS4 to a USB port and diagnose it

PS4 USB connectivity might be severely limited, negatively affecting the system’s performance. The PS4 USB card/port must be tested several times before you can determine if it is defective. A professional technician can assist you if this is not possible.

If the PS4 USB hardware proves to be defective, there is only one thing you can do: replace it. Repair shops are the only ones who can provide this service for you.

What should I do to fix the error “Cannot start the PS4. Cannot access system storage”?

There is a common error that occurs among users of the PlayStation 4. There is an error message that states: “Cannot start the PS4. Cannot reach the system storage”. The PS4 must be turned off by pressing the power button for one second (until it beeps).

Our attempt is to provide quick solutions to this error, despite the fact that we have already addressed it in detail here. Please refer to the referenced guide for more details and explanations.

There is a short solution on the official PlayStation support page for “Cannot start the PS4. Cannot access system storage error”, but many find it unnecessary.

1. The PS4 hard drive needs to be reset

The most efficient way to solve this problem is to reseat the hard drive of the PS4 in order to resolve this issue. It needs to be unscrewed, pulled out of its cage, then replaced inside. Don’t let anything slip, and make sure everything is done correctly.

If you are planning to proceed, make sure you unplug your PS4 and turn it off first.

If it doesn’t work, restart the PS4 and move on to the next step.

2. The PS4 hard drive needs to be formatted

If your PS4 hard drive isn’t performing properly, the first thing you need to do is format it. To fix any bad sectors or file system errors, the PS4 hard drive will be formatted.

It is necessary to connect your PS4 hard drive to a computer in order to complete this process.

3. It is time to replace the hard drive on the PS4

There might be a reason for all the problems you are experiencing if you are still using the old stock PS4 hard drive that came with the console. If you want better performance and reliability on your PS4, you should seriously consider replacing the hard drive on your console.

Since the PS4 stock hard drive was manufactured 10 years ago (in 2011), it’s not surprising that it eventually fails. On the PS4 hard drive specifications page, there are additional details that can be found.

4. Problems with the PS4 power supply or motherboard

Despite the PS4 hard drive being intact and functioning properly, it doesn’t receive enough power from the PS4 power supply or motherboard. In the case where your PS4 hard drive does not work on a PC or another PS4 console, you can suspect the PS4 power supply or motherboard.

Having this problem requires a technician to fix, so you’ll be unlucky.

Cannot Start the PS4 – Conclusion

Among PS4 users, one of the most common issues they encounter is the error message “Cannot start the PS4”. A number of reasons can lead to this problem, and most of them can be resolved easily.

The unfortunate thing is that, if the error is in the innards of the PS4, you will be out of luck. It is then necessary to seek the assistance of a technician or take it to a repair shop to have it repaired.

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