Problem with new Rockbox install on Sansa V2

[BacHolz]

  I just added Rockbox to a newly purchased Fuze V2 and was delighted to succeed using the automated method. Message at end of process indicated successful install.
  Here's my dilemma - the Fuze displays the new UI fine and plays the few albums I had added previously but is no longer visible as device or drive, through Explorer, MediaMonkey or JRiver.
  I can't find the USB mode within Rockbox settings to check on MSC, etc.
My attempts to engage the dual boot option and return to original firmware have also failed.
  I don't know how to access this player as it's limited repertoire leaves it all but worthless.
If all else fails, how can I revert to native setting and forgo the advantages of Rockbox.
  I may have left some critical info out, so please ask if you know how to back me out of this cul-de-sac.

Thanks in advance,

[bluebrother]

The manual explains how to boot the original firmware. You need to use that for USB connection with Rockbox 3.10, USB support was enabled after the release has been made. Alternatively, install a current build.

[saratoga]

http://www.rockbox.org/wiki/SansaAMS#AMSv2_issues_40Fuzev2_44_Clipv2_44_Clip_43_44_ClipZip_41

[BacHolz]

  Thank your prompt replies. I have the manual downloaded and have about half of it printed in front of me as well. I thought I acted with reasonable diligence before proceeding and have searched the forums for help before seeking your help. Your expertise is much valued and I wish to acknowledge the knowledge and labors of love that have created this project/platform.
  That said, here is were I'm stuck. Referring to the manual as I have, I find that pressing and holding  "left" while powering on the player does not restore the device's original firmware. I have done this several times, with variations and while connected (USB) and not. In each instance, my Fuze immediately launches into Rockbox.
  As to installing 'a current build', I thought that 3.10 was the current, stable build. This was the build that I worked with.

"USB was enabled after the release of 3.10. Users should either reboot into the Sandisk firmware for USB transfers (see manual section 3.1.3), or upgrade to the current build to enable Rockbox USB mode."

As to this point, I don't know how to avail myself of this advise. I can't seem to "roll back" or it seems to access my new player through any avenue I have found yet.

Unless I am in error and would be pleased to discover how so, it seems I have followed initial and subsequent direction and still found my self unable to go forward, back or sideways for that matter.

I appreciate your patience and any advise forthcoming.

[saratoga]

Booting into the sandisk firmware always works. Check that you pressed the right button and then try again. Its actually very simple to do.

[BacHolz]

I would have thought so as well. By the 'right' button, I trust you mean the 'left' button as described here...

"3.1.3. Starting the original firmware
Rockbox has a dual-boot feature. To boot into the original firmware, press and hold the
Left button while turning on the player. The player will always boot into the original firmware if it is powered by a USB connection. When Rockbox USB support is officially stable, a new bootloader will be released changing this behavior". ]

I have attempted this many times and with variations as my sense of urgency rises. The left button works in other contexts.

I'm developing this sinking feeling that my brand new HiFiMan RE0's and Fiio E11 are going to need to find a new playmate.

Damn, damn...

Please don't stop trying to help though. I'm in over my head here and feeling quite helpless in this now.

[saratoga]

Does the button still work once its booted?  As far as I know the only way for it to fail to work is if its physically broken. 

I guess if its actually broken, you could copy an updated rockbox build via microsd then just use rockbox USB. 

[BacHolz]

Saratoga,

Thanks for your time and giving me a sense that all is not lost.
Yes in other settings/contexts, the left 'button' (9 on the clock/wheel) works fine.

One thing that leaves me puzzled. The bootloader referred to in the manual install documentation - is this a part of the auto-install process? Or have I dropped the ball there. I just don't know...

I'm waiting a few micro sd cards I ordered, but have none to try at the moment.

Barry

[saratoga]

Yes in other settings/contexts, the left 'button' (9 on the clock/wheel) works fine.

Then I tend to think you're doing something wrong.  You're holding the button before pressing power, pressing power, and then holding it until the player powers on right?

One thing that leaves me puzzled. The bootloader referred to in the manual install documentation - is this a part of the auto-install process? Or have I dropped the ball there. I just don't know...

Yes, when you hit install it guided you through installing the bootloader. 

[BacHolz]

Saratoga,

Bless you and your ancestors and generations to come!

I did what I thought I had done a dozen times before, each time it going instantly into Rockbox.

Yet when I did it as again, in what Id' swear was was the same way, I got about two seconds of black screen, then lo and behold - the Sansa logo followed by "Refreshing your media"!

I can't thank you enough for not dismissing my post as just another lazy noob not wanting to do any footwork and have his problem resolved by someone else.

Again, I'm lost as I swear, I know that I held the left down as I powered on. In any case, it has worked as you promised. Now on to the initial issue - how to load/access once I re-Rock it?

I will re-read the advice above but as I recall it is suggested that I use the current build 3.10 which is what I did use so I don't see the answer there. Perhaps a forthcoming change is in the works.
Alternately, as I recall I may have to revert to the OF for USB transfers if I remember correctly.

Kind of a hassle, but after you think you have a brand new paperweight that can play "Parker's Mood", then that's no trouble at all. Again, if I misunderstood my options, kindly let me know.

Again, I thank you as do the rest of my new toys.

Barry
Post Merge: March 11, 2012, 07:59:09 PMArrrrrggghhh!

I don't understand. As Soon as I saw the "Refreshing your media" display, I set the Fuze down and prematurely wrote the post above. As I just picked it up, I'm back where I started, stuck in Rockbox.

WTF!

Can I return this? I've had it for three days or as I suspect because of the Rockboxing, I've voided any warranty terms.

Saratoga, I am still as grateful for your assist, just utterly puzzled and confused. I don't mind challenges but I have a hard time working in situations which seem mysterious and capricious.

I need to get out for a long walk and collect my composure, optimism and perspective on options at this point. Again I am thankful, just more than a little discouraged at the moment.

[saratoga]

Maybe you should just uninstall rockbox and stick to the sandisk firmware. 

[yapper]

The Sansa firmware has a Power Saver that shuts down after 10 minutes. If you spent more than 10 minutes typing your post, it would have shutdown. When you power it back on, you'll need to hold down Left again to get the Sansa firmware to boot.
In the Sansa firmware, go to Settings, System Settings, USB Mode and select MSC. You should then be able to connect it to your PC and see it as a drive.

Note that in Rockbox terms, Release and Current build are not the same. Releases are older, and Current builds are produced multiple times a day. The most recent Release of Rockbox does not support USB, but the current build does.

EDIT : I've just noticed that in Rockbox Utility 1.2.13, the wording on the Quick Start tab is ambiguous at best. It says the Complete or Minimal Installations will install a current build, but it actually installs the most recent Release.To install the current build, select the Installation tab (not the Quick Start tab) then select Current Build (not Rockbox Stable or Archived Build).

(Problem logged as FS#12612 )

[BacHolz]

At this point, on this Fuze, I would gladly return to the OF if I could. Despite the one time I did the same thing (depress and hold the left (<) button while I power it on) dozens of times before and since - it was only once that I found the magic and did not immediately open in Rockbox. Then only to lose the window as it powered down and reverted (to my surprise) back to Rockbox.

Efforts to use the installation panel are also problematic as I get the "invalid configuration" message and the "mountpoint does not exist" and all tabs are greyed out and K:\ the original path is dead.
So I don't know how else to get home again.

I love the obvious value and promise of this platform, but I would gladly forgo its merits just to have a Fuze I can access and add music to. Perhaps I would try again with my older Clip+, I just wanted it on a larger player to pair with my new Fiio E11.

So if you can guide me home, I promise to stay in my neighborhood and not stray where mystery and caprice prevail!

Since it almost worked once, I can only imagine there is something temperamental about this unholy union of hard and software that is my Fuze. I will attempt to try and try again to capture that moment which returns me to the native firmware.

Again, I am truly grateful and welcome any further suggestions. I will keep you posted and regret not springing for the Cowon which I felt I couldn't really justify then.

Thanks as well for the clarity on the current build vs the latest release distinction. Kind of academic to me at this point, but an important matter to clarify.
With gratitude...

[saratoga]

Efforts to use the installation panel are also problematic as I get the "invalid configuration" message and the "mountpoint does not exist" and all tabs are greyed out and K:\ the original path is dead.
So I don't know how else to get home again.

No surprise.  You can't copy things over USB if you don't have USB.

Anyway, I don't know why you're having so much trouble booting into the Sandisk firmware.  From what you've said it sounds like your hardware is working fine and its generally very easy to reboot into it.  I suggest you keep trying, then once you get it to boot follow the uninstall directions in the manual. 

[BacHolz]

Yes and quite puzzled as well. I enjoy a technical sort of challenge but there is something amiss in all of this and I can't tell how much if any is my incompetence. I recently assembled and configured my newest HTPC using JRiver and while quite limited in true tech matters, I tend to do my research and approach a task with deliberate care with success in most cases. This has me truly lost and feeling quite helpless to save a new $60 toy plus leather case, etc.
I don't know how I would have done this differently, other than not at all.
I'll try and try again. You get kind of silly and superstitious when logic and patience seem to fail. Was I facing the east or the west that one time it worked. Inhaling or exhaling... just kidding of course, but you may appreciate the frustration.