that seems weird – it would be better if they were already done in the game, considering they have been paid for. they could include the components aswell so that they can mix n matched.
In answer to your question, I got the Resistance 2 beta as a reward for preordering the game, and I got the Home Beta early, along with millions of others.
Not sure how you get the Killzone 2 Beta, a couple of my PSN friends have it, and I don't know how or why. Would love to know though!!
To answer your second question, yes the backup utility does backup everything. You can just backup things like saved games, rather than doing everything. You can re-download anything you had got from the store.
In answer to your first question, I just plugged in my external HDD and it worked. Do you have a PC you can format it with?
