Topic: JB3 and formatting

[mmadd29]

I have had my JB3 for about two years...I have never reformatted it, and thought maybe it's time.  My JB3 has no internal batteries since I have a 6A power pack that will run it for 12+ hours.  So my question is?

Can the JB3 be reformatted on plugin power with no batteries??

The instruction do not say, although it seems to infur it does??

[Krispy D]

I'm sure someone knows better than me but I don't see why not.  Power is power right?  Come to think about it I usually reformat after transfering and I'm always plugged in at home.  It's never been a problem for me.

[mmadd29]

But do you have your batteries in?? 


The reason I ask is that I know on old IBM ThinkPads you can't change the BIOS without having a good, fully charged battery.......so I was wondering if the JB3 acted the same.

[Krispy D]

oops!  yes I do. but I doubt it will make a difference.

[Digital Quality]

Reformatting the JB3 is a huge pain in the rear and completely not worth it. After you format you have to start loading firmware from the early days of JB3 - before firewire was added. Getting it back up to date involves reloading the firmware starting from the very early versions and gradually moving up until you get it back up to date. Those older versions of firmware may not even be around anymore since everything JB3 is pretty much archived over at Creative.

If you're still not convinced consider this. The JB3 also uses a Creative propriety OS and file system so formatting may not even have an effect and certainly not the same effect as for a FAT or NTFS file system.

Just delete all the recordings off it from time to time and you should be ok.

[Roving Sign]

Reformatting the JB3 is a huge pain in the rear and completely not worth it. After you format you have to start loading firmware from the early days of JB3 - before firewire was added. Getting it back up to date involves reloading the firmware starting from the very early versions and gradually moving up until you get it back up to date. Those older versions of firmware may not even be around anymore since everything JB3 is pretty much archived over at Creative.

If you're still not convinced consider this. The JB3 also uses a Creative propriety OS and file system so formatting may not even have an effect and certainly not the same effect as for a FAT or NTFS file system.

Just delete all the recordings off it from time to time and you should be ok.

Uhh...no...you are thinking of something else...

In "Rescue Mode", the "Clean Up" and "Format" options only take a few moments to perform...you need only paperclip and your thumb...

I usually do a clean up...and then format.

[Krispy D]

^^^  Yup I do it after every other recording or so.  only takes a minute and I've never had to re-upload firmware afterward.   and all the firmware options are still current on the nomadness site FWIW.

[Digital Quality]

Oh, you are right - I'm thinking or "Reload Firmware" from inside the box - sorry. I'm still pretty leery of what formatting does for you tho since it's not a FAT file system. I never reformatted mine and it's been flawless.

This reminds me, I should sell one of these boxes off!

[69mako]

Can the JB3 be reformatted on plugin power with no batteries??

Yes, you can format the JB3 running from plug in power.  The only time mine has batteries in it is when I'm recording.  otherwise it is being powered externally.  Either from a wall or cigarette lighter in the car.  No issues here.


mako

[Krispy D]

hey now, I have a new to me JB3 with older firmware (gotta udate one of these days) that for some reason is starting up in safe mode.  The options it gives me are clean up, format, reload, and reboot.  will one of these options still allow me to access the shows I haven't transfered yet?  I really don't want to loose a couple.

[Roving Sign]

hey now, I have a new to me JB3 with older firmware (gotta udate one of these days) that for some reason is starting up in safe mode.  The options it gives me are clean up, format, reload, and reboot.  will one of these options still allow me to access the shows I haven't transfered yet?  I really don't want to loose a couple.

Clean Up - will just rebuild the library - music will be intact.

[Krispy D]

thank you my man, +T!

[Krispy D]

and what would you say if that did nothing?   

I click clean up and it offers me the x or check and click either one and nothing happens, any ideas?

[Roving Sign]

and what would you say if that did nothing?   

I click clean up and it offers me the x or check and click either one and nothing happens, any ideas?

Check is correct...you may have to resort to "Format" - which will erase all your music - (and be perhaps equally ineffective...) If a few attempts at clean up don't work - try Format...

"Reload" is the one you want to avoid...