Why don't u use USB stick and from PS3 system update choose storage media to update it? Abouth safe mode issue dunno , make sure PS3 recognize storage media before accessing safe mode. Could be external storage issue ect
I'm shocked , didn't know he had health issues nor I've been active much here but remembered him from ps3 days ,it was such a great guy.
Rest In Peace :(
Don't have any issue with Smen running games from both internal or external ntfs . It shows everything correctly after refresh (scanning)
Cobra cfw 755 v5