Files/Albums no longer visible in Sansa c250 after Rockbox install

[DaveK]

I recently installed Rockbox ver 3.3 on my Sansa c250.  Files/albums/playlists that I had previously installed using MTP mode with the Sansa ver 01.01.00 software are no longer visible, either on the player, or thru Windows Explorer. However, files that I had previously installed via drag and drop using MSC mode are visible.  If I boot the player into the Sansa software, all the files/playlists/albumsartists are still there, and work as expected.

As a check, I drag and dropped a duplicate of one of the missing folder/albums via Rockox  in MSC mode into the ...\Music folder (the default Sansa music folder) that I have always used.  As expected, the file/album/songs show up perfectly.  If I reboot into the Sansa software, I see both the old version of the album and the new one under the same Artist folder.  So, the Sansa software appears to integrate all the files, regardless of the mode they were loaded through, but Rockbox does not.

I've reinitialized the Rockbox database several times, but still none of the missing files show up.  Rockbox is set to show all files and Windows Explorer on my Windows XP computer is set up to show hidden files and directories, as well.

My questions:  Does Rockbox "see" or support files loaded in MTP mode, including the capability to sync via Media Player?  If so, is something wrong with my install?  If not, should I just delete all of the old files and reload via MSC?

I apologize if I am treading old ground here, but while some of the old postings I read through deal with missing file issues, I don't think they are exactly what I am dealing with.  Also, the excellent manual does not address my issue, unless I just plain missed it.

Thanks!

[BruceHP]

Unless you want to continue to have problems with your Sansa player be advised not to use the MTP mode or any folder named Music.  Also, start you player before plugging it into your USB connection.  I would also use the Current build.

[DaveK]

Thanks, Bruce.  Should I, therefore, boot into the Sansa OS and remove the files currently on the player that were installed via MTP, and then reload them in MSC mode? 

I take your point about not using the ...\Music folder to avoid any possible conflict.

Yes, I have been starting the player first and letting Rockbox load, before plugging into the USB connection. 

[robin0800]

Just for info

The c200's are quite happy to use the Music folder and once it has been un-hidden will not be re-hid.

This I believe is not true for the E200's

[DaveK]

Robin, thanks, for the clarification. 

My main concern is whether Rockbox is operating properly on my c250 regarding its inability to "see" the files previously loaded via the Sansa OF in MTP mode.  Per Bruce's suggestion, I will use MSC going forward, but would still appreciate someone's assessment of whether my Rockbox install is operating correctly.

[aaron424]

 If you set rockbox to view all files then the music will be there in the "MUSIC" folder, but if you set it to supported, (thats the default I think) you will not be able to see the files. Ive transfered files in mtp mode and rockbox saw them. it wouldn't hurt to do a new install though.

[DaveK]

Aaron, that is what I would have thought, but I had set Rockbox to view all files...and they are not visible.

[pixelma]

They are visible but hard to find and you wouldn't recognise them. I once searched and found that files added in MTP mode will be added under the OF's "System > MTPcontent > x > x > .. >" folders as an xxxxxxxxx.dat* file, alongside are other .dat only some are music (you get a hint from the filesize).

This file extension is one that Rockbox's database doesn't look at so you won't even find them in the database browser. I suggest removing them, maybe even in MTP mode (don't know) and copy them on again in MSC mode, the Sandisk firmware will also still find them.

*) where x stands for a random number (or letter in case of the .dat file)

[DaveK]

Aha!  I had seen the .dat files when browsing with Windows Explorer, but didn't "connect the dots".  Aboslutely right.  I have now deleted them to reclaim the disk space (in MTP mode...although I, also, am not sure how ciritcal it was to be in MTP).  I've recopied them in MSC mode and now both Rockbox and the Sandisk OF are happy. 

Thanks!