How to Fix PS4 Error CE-43461-8

The error code CE-43461-8 is occurring for some users when they are trying to install new available firmware for their console. This error is reported to occur at the end of the updating procedure and is often tied with an issue with the internal hard drive.

After investigating this particular issue, it turns out that there are several different scenarios that might be causing this error code. Here’s a shortlist of potential culprits that might trigger the error code CE-43461-8 on your PS4 console:

Method 1: Deleting the update notification

There are certain circumstances in which the CE-34335-8 error will appear due to a glitch with the notification queue. According to some affected users, you might encounter this problem after a system interruption when the system was preparing to install an update.

If this scenario is applicable, you should be able to fix this problem by clearing the notification queue of the glitched firmware update.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to do this:

1. From the main dashboard of your PS4 console, use the ribbon at the top to select the Notifications bar.
2. Once you get there, press the triangle button to enter the Delete mode. After you successfully enter deletion mode, select the entry associated with the update you want to get rid of and press X – Additionally, you can use the Select all feature if you have any notifications to select them all at once. 
3. Once each notification is selected, select the Delete button, then press the X button once.
4. At the next prompt, confirm the operation and ensure that your Notification bar is cleared of any mentions of the pending firmware update.
5. Finally, restart your console and see if the problem is resolved at the next console startup.

   

In case you still end up encountering the CE-43461-8 error code while attempting to install the update, move down to the next potential fix below.

Method 2: Rebuilding the Database (if applicable)

In case you started seeing this error after a failed update and then you started seeing the CE-43461-8 along with issues with your Blueray drive, you’re most likely dealing with a database issue.

Some affected users are suspecting this particular error is likely due to a logical error – In this case, rebuilding your database will end up fixing the majority of issues that might inhibit a pending firmware update from installing.

IMPORTANT: If the CE-43461-8 error code you’re dealing with is tied to some type of file corruption, this database rebuilding procedure might end up affecting your personal files. So before starting this operation, ensure that you back up your saved game data (that’s not already backed up on the cloud).

If you’re prepared to initiate a database rebuilding procedure, keep in mind that the ideal way to do it is via the Recovery Menu (by entering the Safe Mode menu).

Here’s a quick step by step guide on entering the Recovery Menu and initiating a database rebuild:

1. Start by ensuring that your console is fully turned on, then go ahead and power it conventionally by holding the power button on your console until the Power Options menu pops up. When it does, choose Turn Off Ps4 from the context menu.

   

2. After your console turns off, wait for a full minute to ensure that your console recycles the power.
3. Next, press the power and hold the power button until you hear the second beep. Once you hear it, release the power button as your console is about to enter Safe Mode.
4. At the first Safe Mode screen, you will be forced to connect with your DualShock 4 controller with a USB-A cable.

   

5. Once your controller is connected, use it to scroll down through the available options and choose Rebuild Database (Option 5), and press X to initiate the procedure.

   

6. Wait patiently until the operation is finished. Don’t panic and restart your console if you see that no progress is made – Freezes can be expected. This operation will take much longer if you’re using a traditional HDD as opposed if you’re using an SSD.
7. After the database rebuild is complete, you will be prompted to restart conventionally. Do so and see if the CE-43461-8 error is resolved when you try to reinstall the firmware update once the next startup is complete.

Method 3: Reinstalling the Internal Hard Drive

If none of the methods above have worked for you, you’re likely dealing with an issue with your internal hard drive. Some users that were also encountering this problem have confirmed that they finally managed to fix the problem by reinserting their internal hard drive.

In case this doesn’t work, you are likely dealing with a failing HDD (in which case you need to get a replacement HDD/SSD)

If you suspect this scenario might be applicable, follow the instructions below to reinstall the internal hard drive on your Vanilla PS4, PS4 Slim, or Ps4 Pro:

1. Start by turning off your PS4 console conventionally. But make sure to turn it off and not put in hibernation. Once your console is shut down and no longer shows signs of life, unplug the power cord from both your console and the power outlet.
2. Next, remove the hard drive cover of your PS4 console and remove your HDD. However, keep in mind that depending on your PS4 version, the instructions for doing so will be different. Here’s a list of instructions for the standard version of Playstation 4 + each revision:
   Replacing / Reinserting Hard Drive on PS4
   Replacing / Reinserting Hard Drive on PS4 Slim
   Replacing / Reinserting Hard Drive on PS4 Pro
3. Once you have successfully reinserted or replaced your PS4 console, attempt to install the pending update once again and see if the issue is now resolved.

If you already did this and you’re still seeing the same issue, move down to the next potential fix below.

Method 4: Installing the pending firmware update manually

According to some affected users that we’re also seeing the CE-34335-8 error code when trying to install a pending firmware update, you might be able to get the update installed via the manual approach.

This is done via Safe Mode, but going this route means you’ll have more requirements than the conventional approach.

Here’s a list of the requirements you’ll need to have access to when performing this procedure:

• Fat 32 USB storage device – USB flash drive with at least 500 MB of free space.
• PC or Mac computer with a stable Internet connection
• Compatible DS4 controller 
• Compatible USB-A cable

In the event that you meet all of these requirements, get started with the steps below to install the pending update manually and fix the CE-34335-8 error code:

1. Jump on your Mac or PC, plug in the compatible flash drive, and start this operation by formatting it to FAT32. You can do this easily by right-clicking on its entry in My Computer (This PC) and choosing Format from the context menu.

   

2. Once you’re finally inside the Format menu, change its name to PS4 using the Rename function, then set the File System to Fat32. As for the rest of the options, leave the Allocation unit size to Default, then check the box associated with Perform a quick format, and click Ok to get the process started.
   Note: When asked to confirm the operation, do so, then wait for the operation to complete.
3. After the flash drive has been successfully formatted to FAT32, access the flash drive, create a new folder and name it UPDATE (all caps).
4. From your default browser (on your PC or Mac), visit the official download page of the latest PS4 firmware, scroll down to the Download section and click on Ps4 System update file.
   

   

5. After the download is finally complete, go ahead and paste the file you just downloaded in the UPDATE folder you previously created at step 3.
6. Once the file is successfully copied, take your flash safely out your PC or Mac, then insert it in your PS4 console.
7. Now switch over to your console. Press and hold the power button (on your console) and keep I pressed until you hear 2 consecutive beeps.
8. After you hear the second beep, your console will begin the process of entering Safe Mode.
9. At the next screen, connect your controller with the compatible USB-A cable and press the PS button on your controller to initiate & complete the pairing process.

   

10. Once your controller is successfully connected, choose Option 3: Update System Software from the list of available options.

    

11. Once you get to the next submenu, choose Update System Software (Option 3) from the list of items that you can select.

    

12.  Once the update is finally installed, restart your console and allow it to boot back normally.

In case the update via Safe Mode gets interrupted via the same CE-34335-8 error code, move down to the next potential fix below.

Method 5: Initializing your PS4 console

The number one reason why you’ll see the CE-34335-8 error code after a botched update is corrupted data among the firmware update file that your console tries to use. Several users that were also struggling with this issue have confirmed that they manage to fix this problem by initializing their PS4 console.

This might seem like overkill, but this method has been confirmed to be effective by a lot of affected users.

However, before you get started with this operation, keep in mind that it will get rid of any data (game data & save game data) that you are currently storing on your Playstation 4 HDD / SSD.

To make sure you don’t lose any essential data, we’ve included some steps that will walk you through the process of ensuring that save game data associated with your PSN account is safely backed up on the cloud.

Note: Saving your data on the cloud will only work as long as you have an active PS+ subscription. Else, you have the option of backing up your save game data on a USB flash disk.

If you’re looking for specific instructions on how to back up your data and then initialize your PS4 console, follow the instructions below:

1. Start by making sure that you are logged in with your PSN account where you store all your relevant data on.
2. After you do this, use the main dashboard to access the Settings menu.

   

3. Once you’re inside the Settings menu, access the Application Saved Data Management menu, then choose Saved Data in System Storage.
   

   

4. After you’re at the next menu, select Upload to Online Storage from the list of options and press X to access it.
   Note: If you don’t have an active PS Plus subscription, use the Copy to USB Storage Device option instead.

   

5. Once you get to the next screen, press Options button on your controller, then select Choose Multiple Applications. Next, select every relevant save game that you want to preserve. Once every relevant content is selected, click the Upload/Copy button to begin sending them to the cloud or copy them over to your flash drive.

   

   Note: If you have the equivalent save game version stored on the cloud already, you will be asked to confirm the override procedure. If you’re dealing with a lot of conflicts, it’s easier to use the Apply to all box so you don’t have to confirm the prompt over and over again.

   

6.  After you confirm the operation, press the PS button on your controller to bring up the guide menu, then access the Power Menu. Next, from the insides of the Power menu, choose Turn Off PS4 and wait for your console to power off completely.

   

7. Once your console is turned off, wait for 30 seconds or more before pressing and holding the power button until you hear 2 consecutive beeps. The second beep is to let you know that your console is about to enter the Recovery Menu.
8. Once you’re finally inside the Recovery menu, go ahead and connect your controller via a USB-A cable. Then, once the controller is connected and you advance to the next menu, choose option 6 (Initialize PS4) and press X to start the procedure.

   

9. At the confirmation prompt, click Yes to start the operation, then wait for the operation to complete.
10. Once the procedure is finally finished, your console will restart in normal mode. When this happens, go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management.

    

11. From the insides of the Application Saved Data Management menu, select Saved Data in Online Storage. Next, follow the on-screen instructions to download the data you previously backed up on the cloud.
    Note: If you have previously backed up the data on your flash drive, you need to select Saved Data on USB Storage instead. 
12. After the operation is finally complete, go ahead and re-install the problematic firmware update and see if the issue is now resolved.