Sansa Freezes While Writing Bootloader

[kantu]

Hi, Folks:

After a comprehensive search on the forums, as well as multiple failed attempts at installs, I am left scratching my head here.  

MSC mode is used.  

The unit is recognized.  

I'm using version 1.02 on the e260.

I'm using the windows zip program originally installed on this xp version.

The e260 simply won't complete writing the bootloader onto the unit.  I've tried both the manual and quick install methods.  I tried the sansapatcher, all with similar results: the writing process simply hangs on the Sansa screen...I've left the e260 on for 15 mins. or more with it hanging.  If I disconnect the unit from the pc while hanging, the unit begins to boot, but the e260 startup screen states that it can't recognize the bootloader and startup fails and goes blank.  Only an uninstall of the bootloader restores the unit to the original firmware.

What may I try next?

Any ideas are graciously appreciated.  

 

[zajacattack]

You sure it's not an R series?

[kantu]

Doubt it; it is a refurb, though.  Nowhere are there any markings (on the case) that indicates it is anything but a "plain" e260.

[zajacattack]

Go to Settings->Mode and if it says "MSC" and "MTP", it's a plain; however, if it says "Rhapsody" and "PlaysForSure", it's an R series.

[kantu]

No, this is a plain e260.  

In looking at another forum writer with similar concerns ("rockbox not working on e250"), I noticed that his Sansa seemed to be showing almost identical error messages when starting up the unit.  Thing is, his unit's directory drive actually showed a Rockbox folder on it; mine won't even mount the folder, so obviously there is no folder or file to find or tinker with, unfortunately.

By the way, I was mistaken in my earlier statement; my zip utility is WinRAR.

Does anyone have success in loading Rockbox by trying other zip utilities or even alternate XP pcs?

[zajacattack]

Well, from my experience, WinZIP is very successful. Also, be sure it's not a v2 and try a different PC, that can sometimes fix the problem.

[kantu]

Update:  Oddly enough, I tried to load the e260 on another laptop, still XP, although a better processor (Celeron vs. a duo), and it loaded FINE!  Still used winRAR, and all other methods used to load were "apples to apples."  

Any ideas on why this loaded without a hitch?

Thanks for all your time, zajacattack!  

Now that Rockbox is up and running, I can see why it's such a desired upgrade!

[zajacattack]

I honestly believe it is due to the poor USB support in Windows. Different drivers and updates on different comps can affect this. For example, on my XP, the printer only works in one USB port and not the other. I also had to do the BL patching in one USB port as the other failed. Now, exactly what is behind this I am not sure. I guess that it has to do with the API and drivers inside the Windows kernel.
And, you are very welcome, it was my pleasure.

[fallsmatt]

I'm having the exact same problem with my e280 now.  I am using a Dell Latitude D810 laptop, with XP for its OS,  and I do NOT have a v2 e280.  It is a V1 (yes I have double and tripled checked).

The e280 just gets stuck in "Writing" mode after I run the bootloader.  I just can't get past this step.

Anyone else have some ideas on how to clear this hurdle??

Thanks in advance for your help!

[MarcGuay]

I'm having the exact same problem with my e280 now.  I am using a Dell Latitude D810 laptop, with XP for its OS,  and I do NOT have a v2 e280.  It is a V1 (yes I have double and tripled checked).

Did you make sure it's not a Rhapsody model as well (method is described above)?

The e280 just gets stuck in "Writing" mode after

Do you mean that the Sansa firmware shows "Writing" on the screen?  

I run the bootloader.

Do you mean sansapatcher?

[fallsmatt]

Thanks for your help, but it is NOT a Rhapsody version of the player.

After repeated attempts on several different PCs, I was just about to give up.  Then, thanks to youtube, I found this link:

http://lodist.com/showthread.php?t=1538

This was a flawless and EXTREMELY easy way to install Rockbox.  Two clicks, and you are all set up.

I would highly recommend it to anyone trying to install Rockbox on their Sansa E200 series.  I can't imagine there is an easier way to do it.

Btw, my Sansa E280 was a refurb model as well.

I LOVE Rockbox... it is MUCH better than the original OS, and I hope everyone give it a try.

Matt

[MarcGuay]

http://lodist.com/showthread.php?t=1538

Keep in mind that this is an unsupported installation method.  If you run into problems using it (as some people have, search the forums for "lodist.com") you should ask them for help.


Just for the record, if you're still hanging around, was the only problem that once sansapatcher had done it's job, the Sansa firmware still said "Writing" on the screen?  That happened when I first installed and was a little bit confused by it but I simply disconnected the device and everything continued as planned.

[fallsmatt]

Yes, that is exactly what happened.  On my laptop, it said the bootloader was all done, but the Sansa said that it was still writing.  It kept giving me that message for up to a half hour!

When I disconnected the Sansa, it acted as if Rockbox hadn't been installed at all, and reverted to the original OS.

Thanks for your interest!  If there is another way that will work to install Rockbox on my Sansa, I'm all ears!

Matt

[MarcGuay]

Thanks for your interest!  If there is another way that will work to install Rockbox on my Sansa, I'm all ears!

You could try the automated installer Rockbox Utility, which is now available just off the "current build" page.  I find it strange, though, that sansapatcher would say it's done something when it hasn't, something else must have gone wrong there.  Ciao.

[zajacattack]

Using different USB ports, different computers, or switching install methods are all good ideas to try.