It has to be one of the most annoying feelings ever, you go to use one of your gadgets and it doesn't work. I like to be able to switch it on and I'm on my way. It happened to me the other day when my playstation 3 came on, then went off with this little yellow light flashing away. Annoyed is an understatement.

Luckily for me though I was able to solve the ps3 problem, how to fix ylod just from what I discovered online. Because I know just how many people get this same error I thought I would write these pointers to help you fix your ps3.

1. Disconnecting the console from the mains and plugging back in can often be enough to get your console running smoothly again.

2. Check your console for signs of overheating. Looking for areas that seem a lot warmer than others. If this is the case then check the air vents on the ps3, are the dusty? If so give them a clean with a dry cloth. It is also a good idea to check where you keep your console, is it in a cupboard or bookcase where there is poor circulation. Maybe you need to store it somewhere else.

3. When the machine is off try removing the hard drive and putting it back in. You may need to do this a couple of times. If you are not sure how to do this there are loads of videos online showing you how to carry out this simple procedure. If this hasn't solved your ps3 problems by now it could be something wrong with the motherboard. Don't worry though it is still fixable you still have two options left.

4. Sending your console back to Sony may seem the obvious choice, but is your warranty in date? If not the repairs could cost upwards of $150. Either way you will be without your console for about six weeks while they carry out the repair. In many cases you will not receive your console back but a refurbished model instead. Oh and you will more than likely lose your game saves and other data as they wipe the hard drive. If this doesn't sound good to you I have one more option for you to take a look at.

5. Have you thought about repairing it yourself? It is really straightforward to do as long as you follow a reputable playstation 3 repair guide. Most of the fixes can be carried out in about an hour and your console never leaves your home. Rob Sheffield has a written a guide, the same one I used. It was amazingly thorough with step by step instructions and videos to help make the whole process as simple as possible. Using it was my solution it could be yours too.