PS3 Hard drive corrupted file system. Stuck in safe mode "preparing" message

Netflix caused the PS3 (slim, latest firmware) to hang during playback. It wouldn't turn off so I had to cut power. As expected when it started again I had the file system corrupted message but this time, PS3 could not repair and notified me formatting is my only option. Turned to safe mode, tried to restore the file system from there, and it is just stuck on "Preparing" for ever. I waited over night (twice) and no progress. No HDD access light flashing, nothing.

I've tested the drive for bad sectors and found none. The drive is mechanically fine. Our backups were, by twist of fate, deleted a short while ago and not recreated. Me and my sons are gutted we might be loosing hours upon hours in saved game play. I'm trying to save the day, but it looks bleak.

Is there any way I can either repair the file system or copy our saved games off the drive? I've went through all the forums and it seems like nobody has a solution that works for us (though most posts are a few years old).

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