Sansa E270R - Database rebuild not disabled. Why?

[walks]

I'll try to make this brief.  I was originally running Rockbox on my E250 and the Database rebuild was disabled as normal when connecting to my PC via USB.  I switched out the memory from a broken E260 and the disable stopped working.  Tried updating OF, bootloader, reinstalled Rockbox - nothing worked.  I've since switched the memory from a broken E270R, reinstalled Rockbox using the Rhapsody instructions and I'm still encountering the same problem.  All other aspects of Rockbox are functioning normally.  I'm stumped.  Any thoughts?

[Llorean]

Whether or not it works depends on a few things, such as the version of the original firmware you have installed (the feature only works with certain versions, and I don't think it works on R versions at all) and it only works if there's not a MicroSD card in when the OF boots up.

[walks]

I don't have a microsd card, so that's not it.  If it doesn't work with the R versions, then I guess I'm out of luck.  Strange thing is it was a problem with the previous E260 (non-R) as well.  FWIW I have the latest Sansa firmware on it.

[Llorean]

It's not strange at all. You probably had one of the versions it doesn't work with previously.

[MarcGuay]

FWIW I have the latest Sansa firmware on it.

That could be the problem.  I remember when I updated to the new sansapatcher to disable the database rebuild I had to roll back my firmware.  I remember reading a short "tutorial" of sorts on the subject, but can't for the life of me recall where it was.  Maybe a little forum search would dig it up, or you could just try updating to different versions and running the patcher.  Itwould be nice if you found out which one works to re-post here and maybe we (read: I) could stick it in the wiki for reference.

[Lear]

If you don't use the original firmware at all (other than for USB transfer), there is a way to avoid the database refresh. Seem to work fine with the 01.02.18 (F) version at least, even with a microSD card inserted:

When booting up after a firmware upgrade, you'll be presented with a language selection screen. When this happens, don't select any language. Instead insert the USB cable, let the Sansa connect to your computer (this will be done in MTP mode) and then disconnect again. You'll now be in the main menu, but without explicitly having selected a language. Switch USB mode to MSC and shut down.

After these somewhat convoluted steps, the Sansa will boot to the language selection screen and wait there (or enter USB mode, if the USB cable is inserted), without refreshing the database.

If you've already selected a language, you can do a manual install (i.e., download and extract the firmware files to the root of the player), though I think you'll need a different version than the currently installed one for it to work.

Should I add this to the Sansa FAQ perhaps?

[MarcGuay]

Should I add this to the Sansa FAQ perhaps?

It's a nice little trick and would be really useful to have handy if it turns out that the other method doesn't work on the Rhapsody models.  Thumbs up.

I found the tutorial I followed at ABI:
http://www.anythingbutipod.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21313

Edit: ... added it all to the Sansa FAQ.

[walks]

Thanks for the tip, guys.  Since I never use the Sansa firmware I have no problem doing it.

[walks]

When booting up after a firmware upgrade, you'll be presented with a language selection screen. When this happens, don't select any language.

OK, I tried this and it doesn't give me the language selection screen, so I can't do anything further.

I also only found 2 Rhapsody versions to try: 1.0.2.31, and the current 1.0.2.165, neither of which make a difference.

Any other suggestions?

[MarcGuay]

Any other suggestions?

I suppose the other method won't work with the Rhapsody either, seeing as the installtion method is different...

Edit:  There's an even older OF version here:
http://daniel.haxx.se/sansa/e200/rhapsody/

A question for those who know:  Is there something specific about v1.0.2.31 to the Rhapsody installation or would any version work?  I guess walks will find out soon enough... Hopefully it's harmless to try....

[Lear]

OK, I tried this and it doesn't give me the language selection screen, so I can't do anything further.

Ah, I have a "plain" e200, and it works there. Didn't notice the "R" in the subject...

I don't have any other ideas, as I discovered this "feature" by accident.

[zajacattack]

Yeah, I don't believe the R series has a language selection screen.

[walks]

A question for those who know:  Is there something specific about v1.0.2.31 to the Rhapsody installation or would any version work?  I guess walks will find out soon enough... Hopefully it's harmless to try....

Luckily it seems to be harmless because I used v1.0.2.165 and Rockbox is running fine.  Any reason to try the older version you referenced or should I give up on the disable?

It probably won't matter in a few days because I picked up a non-working E280 for my next memory swap.  I just hope it's not a Rhapsody!  

[zajacattack]

Any reason to try the older version you referenced or should I give up on the disable?

That's really up to you. Are the chances of the benefit of the disable worth the time?

[walks]

That's really up to you. Are the chances of the benefit of the disable worth the time?

At this point, no.