Sad, sad Sansa Clip Zip 4GB; failing internal SD?

[z0rk]

Hi, all. I own a rockboxed Sansa Clip Zip. Recently I tried to update the Rockbox firmware to the latest developer version using the Rockbox Utility. The install failed. After some research I realized that the 4GB internal SD partition may be corrupt. I tried to reformat it under Windows and Linux, but failed. The internal SD doesn't remain mounted. This leads me to believe that the SD is failing. Curiously enough though Rockbox keeps working. I can boot the device and playback music.
Is my assessment correct and the device is really on its way out? Or is there maybe a way to troubleshoot further? Would it be possible to use the SD card in the extension slot instead to install and boot Rockbox (I dare to hope)?

Thanks

Cheers

[saratoga]

Does USB work in the sandisk firmware?

[z0rk]

I've installed the Sansa firmware update utility (v1.5) under Windows. When I connect my Clip Zip it stays mounted for a couple of minutes; I can browse the mount; then the device disconnects. The Sansa displays the USB connected graphic throughout even once disconnected. The only way to reboot it is by holding down power on / off button on the top.
While the Sansa is connected and mounted I run the Sansa firmware utility. It doesn't recognize the device or doesn't think an update is necessary; I can't tell.
Looks like it's a lost cause, huh?

Cheers

[saratoga]

You don't need the Sandisk updater.

If you reboot into the Sandisk firmware (hold left on boot) does USB work?

[z0rk]

Great, this worked.

Here's what I did:

Press hold down volume button and press top power on button.
After boot into Sansa firmware connect Clip Zip to PC.
Sansa would not mount; select Settings > System Settings > USB Mode > MSC; reconnect Sansa; successful mount.
Settings > System Settings > Format > Internal Memory; successfully formatted.
Reconnect Sansa to PC; install Rockbox bootloader and firmware, etc.

Happy, happy Clip Zip.

Thanks for saving my Clip Zip.

Cheers