PS4 Error Code CE-36329-3 | Totally Fixed By Experts

One of the worst errors that might occur within the PS4 system is that comes with the code number (CE-36329-3). It comes with a text message saying: “An error has occurred in the system software.” then the PS4 turns off after a while. Sometimes a simple reboot for the PS4 will resolve this problem, but other times it won’t. It depends on the reason that caused this error to occur, and it’s not only one reason

You’ll be really lucky if rebooting the PS4 resolves this problem, as not everyone can be as lucky. Some players need to dig deeper into the problem to find a proper solution. So, if you’re one of these unlucky guys, please carefully read this guide in order to find a way out of this situation.

What’s PS4 Error CE-36329-3?

The PS4 error referred to with code number [CE-36329-3] is that kind of error that relates to system failure. It happens when the PS4 system fails to operate due to either data corruption or data conflict. These issues with data can be located either in the PS4 system itself or the game you’re playing/launching.

Causes Of PS4 Error CE-36329-3

There are several causes of Error (CE-36329-3) on the PS4, but it basically stems from one main reason: data corruption.

When the data the PS4 system tries to process is corrupted, such an error occurs.

But what does that PS4 data corruption in the first place?

Well, there are various factors causing PS4 Error (CE-36329-3). The most common ones are:

Power Issues

An unreliable power source, whether the PS4 internal power supply, the PS4 power cord, the building’s electric grid, or the municipal utility providing power to your building, can corrupt data, thus Error (CE-36329-3) occurs.

When your PS4 is writing data to its internal storage device, an interruption or spike in power can cause the system to write garbage instead of the requested data. If the data in question is a text file, the damage may be minor, but if a system file is involved it could compromise the stability of your entire system. Using a battery backup or generator system to provide emergency power during blackouts and brownouts can prevent this type of corruption, as can ensuring that your PS4 console is connected to a surge protector.

App/Game Crashes

App or game crashes can also lead to serious problems with corrupted data. When an app terminates in any way other than its normal shutdown procedure, any files that it is accessing may suffer damage in the process. App/game crashes can occur due to bad code, unpatched vulnerabilities, or running too many apps at once and filling up a PS4’s memory. Switching off a PS4’s power during startup or shutdown procedures can also damage system files, so you should never power down a PS4 game console without going through the normal shutdown procedure if possible.

Hardware Failure

PS4 data corruption can also be the result of damage to hard drives and other storage media. During normal use, PS4 hard drive platters spin at very high speeds and read/write heads alter the magnetic field, hovering over the surface of the metal. Over time, the PS4 hard drive can degrade, picking up “bad sectors” where written data fails to take hold properly.

Abnormal shutdowns and power issues can cause the heads to strike the platter, damaging any data in the affected areas. If the damaged areas occur in areas occupied by system files or important company data, corruption may be the result.

This also happens to SSDs; when the controller in an SSD stops working or is not communicating with the storage chips correctly, the result is the same as if the power went down and any files being transferred can become corrupted. Even if the corruption is not that serious and the file can still be opened, this doesn’t mean that all of the content is still correct.

On the other hand, when the PS4 overheats, the CPU fails to properly process data, and as a result, a sudden and unexpected corruption might occur. The overheating may also affect the hard drive functionality as well, not only the CPU. That’s why if you don’t want to see PS4 Error (CE-36329-3) or any other issue, you must keep your PS4 clean and cool.

Corrupted CMOS Data

A corruption of PS4 CMOS is a rather common occurrence. Sadly, it mostly points towards the PS4 motherboard failure, but that’s not a rule of thumb. The BIOS might be the problem, or the CMOS battery is failing. The estimated longevity is between 5-10 years, so the latter shouldn’t come as a surprise.

So, as a result of PS4 CMOS corruption, the PS4 data, including system files, might get corrupted and Error (CE-36329-3) generates.

Quick Fix for PS4 Error (CE-36329-3)

Here’s a quick fix for this issue that would work for many (not all) users.

If the error only occurs once while you’re playing on a particular game, or once you’ve launched it, there’s a chance it was a one-off crash that doesn’t indicate any other underlying issues. Restart the game you were playing, and many times you will be able to continue to play without further issues.

If the problem is with the PS4 system files, you need to restart it. The good news here is that the PS4 operating system was coded to maintain itself after each reboot. Thus, it will automatically fix the corrupted system files that might cause this error. Therefore, many users get their system functioning smoothly again once a reboot takes place.

On the other hand, if you’ve rebooted the PS4 and the problem still persists, you have to give it another chance. This time you need to first turn off the PS4, unplug the power cable and leave it unplugged for 3 minutes. Afterward, plug in the cable and turn on the PS4.

If that doesn’t work either, it means you have to manually repair the PS4 system by trying the methods illustrated below.

Methods to Fixing Error CE-36329-3

When you try to fix a data-corruption-related errors, such as Error CE-34335-8, Error CE-34878-0, and Error CE-36329-3 we’re addressing, you’ve to bear in mind that the problem can go beyond a mere data corruption to a hardware failure. For this reason we have to work on both sides, software (logical) and hardware (physical).

Logical Methods

These methods are easy and quick and don’t require a tech-savvy to apply. Just any average PS4 player with basic tech knowledge can do that if they carefully follow the instructions.

Note that we don’t include the “system restart” or “application restart” in our methods. We have explained them sufficiently above in the previous section.

1. Rebuild the PS4 Database

When any error occurs to PS4 and doesn’t disappear after rebooting it, the first thing you have to try is to rebuild the PS4 database.

Rebuilding the PS4 database can resolve lots of problems that happen because of the corruption of data. That’s why experts always recommend rebuilding the PS4 database at least once every 6 months in order to maintain the performance of the PS4.

It’s quite easy to rebuild the PS4 database, and it doesn’t require any special expertise.

To do that, just restart the PS4 in safe mode, and pick option #5, then follow the on-screen instructions.

For additional instructions and details on how to fix PS4 corrupted database, please read this article.

2. Be Up-to-Date

There might be a compatibility conflict going on between the game you want to play and the PS4 system. As a result, Error CE-36329-3 takes place. Therefore, you have to make sure you have updated the PS4 system software to the latest version as well as that particular game.

To learn how to update the PS4 system software, please visit this page.

As for updating the game/app, it’s pretty simple, just follow these steps:

1. From the game library, hover over the game you want to update.
2. Press the Options button on your controller. It should open the side menu.
3. Select “Check for Update.“
4. If there’s an update available, follow the instructions to install the update for that specific game.

3. Reinstall the Game/App

Occasionally some of the core files that a game/app require to run are missing. The only solution for this case is to uninstall that game/app and reinstall it again.

Here’s how to do that..

1. Turn on your PS4, log in to your PlayStation Network account (if required) and tap up on the d-pad to access the Function menu. Scroll right and select the Settings button.
2. Go down the list of options and select System Storage Management and select Applications.
3. Find the game you’d like to delete. Once you’ve found the game you want to delete, hit the Options button on your DualShock 4 controller and select Delete.

4. Initialize the PS4

Error CE-36329-3 might be too stubborn and none of the above methods would work to fix it. At this point, you have to consider initializing the PS4.

Personally, I prefer to full-initialize the PS4 and reinstall the system software from scratch. That will give you a new start and help avoid any potential errors in the future due to the long use of the PS4. For this reason, every PS4 user has to learn how to initialize the PS4 and do it at least once a year.

Before you begin, you should know that an initialization completely wipes the console’s hard drive and can even remove its system software. It’s the last resort when a software glitch stops your PlayStation 4 dead in its tracks, particularly when booting up or when you want to make sure the console no longer has your data on it.

You should back up any data you want to keep, such as images and video, to an external device or to the cloud. In order to back up data using the cloud, you’ll have to have a PlayStation Plus account.

Now, to learn how to initialize PS4 properly, please visit this official PS4 page.

Physical Methods

So, it seems nothing of the above solutions worked with you. Then, you have to go physical and try to fix some PS4 hardware performance issues.

1. Keep the PS4 Clean

PS4 Error (CE-36329-3) can be the result of high temperature inside the PS4 that impacts the functionality of the system hardware. You have to always make sure the PS4 is clean from inside and outside, and there’s no issue with the fan venting hot air.

To learn more on how to clean the inside of the PS4, please check this guide.

2. Checking the health of PS4 hard drive

When the internal HDD of PS4 suffers from bad sectors, the data stored on it will become corrupted. As a result, this causes errors to the PS4 system to the extent that it might stop it from working or, in the best scenario, it will work with errors.

What you’ll need here foremost is to unscrew the PS4 HDD and pull it out of its cage. Then go connect it to a PC, either internally or externally. Once you do that, you have to perform a FULL format (not quick) on it. This will eliminate all bad sectors on the hard drive and restore its original performance. To learn how to do that, step by step, please visit this guide.

3. Clear CMOS memory

Many PS4 errors are caused by corrupted CMOS memory data. It’s always preferred when you troubleshoot your PS4 to clear the CMOS memory as a part of the troubleshooting procedure. To learn how to do that, please visit this article.

4. Power Issues

When the PS4 receives unstable power or insufficient power, the system data might get corrupted and generate errors. This can happen due to various reasons including a defective PS4 power supply, a damaged PS4 power cord, or even a degrading motherboard.

If that errors happen occasionally and not always, you might need to consider upgrading the PS4 hard drive to an SSD. Why so? Because SSDs use much less power than HDDs, and they are more resistant to power instability. In fact, many PS4 errors can be resolved by just upgrading to an SSD.

Conclusion

Usually when the PS4 works fine for a while, then suddenly halts and shows up errors, the problem isn’t hard to fix. Error CE-36329-3 is one of these errors that don’t require a hardware replacement in most scenarios. So, don’t panic once you get that error.

If none of the above methods worked for you, or if you need further assistance, please leave us a comment below and an expert will be in touch with you soon.

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Questions & Answers

What is PS4 Error CE-36329-3?

It's an error the occurs within the PS4 system and prevents it from operating properly. In many cases the PS4 system will freeze up and stops working.

How to fix PS4 Error CE-36329-3?

You have first to try to fix the PS4 system software by carrying out varied operations illustrated in this guide. If that doesn't work, you have to diagnose for hardware issues. Everything is well explained in this guide.

Why Does Error CE-36329-3 Happen?

This error happens when the PS4 system encounters issues reading/processing some of its files. As a result, the system won't function properly and generate an error message with a specific code number.