Noob Clarification before experimentation

[Javalicious]

Hello all!

I read the installation instructions, the entire manual actually - very well written I must say - most things are very clear and easy to understand [other manual writers could take lessons from the author(s)] I would comment further but that is not why I am here...

I would like to try Rockbox but need a bit more info before I dare:

1. Any reason why I cannot put Rockbox on my sansa e280 from a win98 system? I have the required usb driver and have been loading music via MSC mode. A sansa+win98 search yeilded no results here.

2. I see references often to restoring the original Mi4 if something goes wrong, so could I copy (make a backup of the one I'm guessing is already on my player?) the original to a floppy or cd to use if necessary or is this something I must go get online elsewhere?

Better said, which files could and/or should I make copies of for starting over if I trip and dent things? Excluding music files etc. that is - I think I mean original firmware stuff (my understanding being that firmware is kind of like a mini operating system for the player?)

3.Must I update to the latest Sansa e280 firmware before installing Rockbox? I ask because folks seem to like and dislike variations of their Sansa firmware for the trouble it can cause - I have had no trouble yet, have an older firmware - 01.02.12A - and would not change it unless it was required by Rockbox.

Thank you,
Cheers!

[Bagder]

1 - not that I know of

2 - earlier update packages from sandisk contained the mi4 file but when they changed to the upgrade tool it is a lot harder to get the actual mi4 file. You cannot easily get it from your existing player (although it is technically possible and I could guide you through it if you really really want to).

3 - Nope, you can basically use whatever OF version you want. 01.02.12A should work fine!

[Llorean]

Actually, in regard to #1, the Sansapatcher tool probably won't work on Win98. The easiest solution would be to boot a Linux LiveCD, download sansapatcher, run it, and then go back to doing things in Win98, but the other alternative is a slightly more complex alternate method (assuming you want working dual boot, which is somewhat essential).

[Javalicious]

Thanks heaps for the answers!!

(although it is technically possible and I could guide you through it if you really really want to).

I really really do, if it's not too much trouble for you - I'd like to start over from the same set of circumstances should something mess up along the way, and I couldn't be sure of that if I was using downloaded files from somewhere else.

I shall leave the firmware as it is for now then.

Actually, in regard to #1, the Sansapatcher tool probably won't work on Win98. The easiest solution would be to boot a Linux LiveCD, download sansapatcher, run it, and then go back to doing things in Win98, but the other alternative is a slightly more complex alternate method (assuming you want working dual boot, which is somewhat essential).

Yes, I believe I do want/need the dual boot function.

I have tried a little Linux, but must admit that I am not very good at understanding the language needed to function in the Linux environment competently. Is the other alternative, although more complex not Linux? I would be more comfortable taking "pc instruction" if that is possible. The win98se pc I have access to has had many patches, fixes and upgrades from axcel216 MDGx and is quite a bit better off than the original 98se if that helps?

I'll follow the instructions if you are willing to list them...

Cheers folks!

[Javalicious]

I guess the answers would be, "yes, it's too much trouble" and "no, we can't help you at this time".

cheers