Topic: iRiver 120 crisis - can't read from "record" directory

[divamum]

Hi all -

If anybody can help with this will be truly grateful. 

Tried to record with the iRiver today and it shut down after just a few minutes.  On thinking about it ,realised this happened earlier in the week as well, although at the time I attributed it to something else. So, thought, "Hmm.... maybe drive is full" - got it home, went to dump it and check and AAARGH it won't read from the "voice" directory in record (the default dir for all external mic recordings) - I get a "directory corrupt" error message.  I smell a bigger problem ... WAHHH!!

I'm currently getting as much off it as I can, but I have some stuff in THAT (now inaccessible) record--->voice directory that I hadn't uploaded yet and would LOVE to recover but as yet can't.  Also, the bigger problem is that, clearly, the unit CAN'T record until I figure out what's going on and find a workaround.

What now? As I say, I'm dumping as much as I can get OFF it onto my hard drive, but now what?  Format? If so how?   Or is there another something I need to do to recover functions  even if it means losing data? I use this thing regularly and am gonna be heartbroken if it's toast.

Advice, oh gurus... Thanks in advice.

DM (trying not to panic)


Edited to add: I can access the existing files and play them on the iRiver itself, I just can't record (sob) or move existing files in the record>voice directory onto the computer.

[divamum]

Ok, stage 1 solved - ran windows scandisk on it and told it to correct errors - so far so good and I was able to access that directory again.

Now trying to see if it can still record.

Man, this is scary! 

Will report back.

[§†∑∫åµÞ≥¥]

Will report back.

please do. I just ordered one of these so need to know how to combat issues. good luck!

[divamum]

I'm delighted to say that Scandisk seems to have fixed the problem.  It SEEMS to be recording normally - previously it was shutting down after about a minute, I tested last night and let it run for about 5 minutes and it was still happily chugging away.

All directories are now readable again.

Of course, I want to know what caused it and how to prevent a future excursion into "Gee, is this thing now a paperweight?" panics!  So if anybody has any insights, by all means share.

But so far so good - we seem to be running again. Phew. 

[George]

Maybe the HDD is in need of a disk defrag?  I'm not sure, but it might be worth looking into, especially if its a older unit that has seen a lot use over the years.

[whatboutbob]

divamum: did you order a refurbed h1x0 from ebay by any chance? There have been a few reports on misticriver of funky hard drives in the refurbed units.  The first thing I'd do, if you haven't already, is to fill the hard drive and run a deep scan.

If that all looks ok, I'd format the disk and start with a clean slate...just to play on the safe side.

[divamum]

Thanks.  "Fill the hard drive and deep scan" meaning....?  Does one defrag and format from within windows? And if one formats, how does one reset it all up? I'm afraid I'm woefully ignorant on iRiver maintenance - if you can point me to an faq somewhere (or fill me in) I'd be ever so grateful.  Thanks!

It was NOT a refurb, btw - I bought it new in August 2004 and have had 0 problems of any kind to date- this was the first glitch. 

[Sherbz]

Are you using rockbox? I'd assume you would be, but you refer to the default voice directory. If you aren't, you should be: www.rockbox.org

[rsimms3]

Yes, Rockbox.  Also, there is an onboard Format under the regular iRiver firmware.  That will get rid of anything on the unit, but you will lose everything recorded.  Sometimes this is the only way to get it to work.  I just bought a used one that had a corrupt file on it and could not get it off except with the onboard format.  An external format from Windows wouldn't work.  You need Rockbox for so many reasons, mainly the proper recording with no glitches and better battery life on all levels, not to mention all the cool stuff you can do including playing FLAC and SHN files.

[divamum]

No I haven't upgraded to rockbox yet and am using default firmware. I've been following the devpt of RB but stalling on USING it  for months now - not quite sure why, especially since it's off warrantee so it's not going to make a damn bit of difference in my case. I've just been hesitant to try it - dunno why!  Maybe this is a good clue it is TIME.

In the meantime, where is this onboard format command? I've groped around the settings menu but don't see it.  Thanks!

[rsimms3]

It is the last option under General in the menu.

[divamum]

"DB scan"?

I may just load rockbox anyway.  Which is more stable - the latest, or the previous version?

[rsimms3]

"DB scan"?

I may just load rockbox anyway.  Which is more stable - the latest, or the previous version?

The one after DB scan, the last one in the column.  Says "Format".  Maybe you have an old Firmware that doesn't have it.  The 1.65 version has it as the last option.  As for Rockbox, they put up a "Daily Build" every day, also known as "bleeding edge" build. 

Daily Build list:
http://www.rockbox.org/dl.cgi?bin=h120

Instructions for Patching original Firmware and Loading:
http://www.misticriver.net/showpost.php?p=283091&postcount=24

Although the daily offical build is good, I would load this version instead:
http://homepage.sunrise.ch/mysunrise/remartinelli/html/rockbox.html

That last one is an optimized version with additional patches not in the official version including Automatic Gain Control.  Go through the steps for patching and loading the original firmware, download the optimized version, unzip it, copy the .rockbox folder to the main part of your Rockbox, and then copy/paste the rockbox.iriver file from the .rockbox folder to the main part of the iRiver where the .rockbox folder is.  Easy as that.

[divamum]

Just loaded Rockbox. I can't believe it took me so long to take the plunge... After just a few minutes checkin' it out I am WELL impressed.

Now I just have to find the documentation on the Rockbox site that details how to get at all the features and which buttons do what (anybody have a link? I'll dig for it, but if somebody knows where there's the equiv of a manual that'd be grand). But y'all are right - this is GREAT (not that I ever doubted it, I was just being a wimp about firmware!)

I think I'm going to run it side by side w/the JB3 tonite now i can just set it and go. It'll be the AT831s vs the CMC8s ont he jb3, but it'll still be an interesting comparison I think.

Tx.

[divamum]

  Now I just have to find the documentation on the Rockbox site that details how to get at all the features and which buttons do what (anybody have a link? I'll dig for it, but if somebody knows where there's the equiv of a manual that'd be grand). 
 

Found it.

http://www.rockbox.org/twiki/bin/view/Main/QuickStart#iriver_Models

for posterity if somebody tries searching for it in here!

Edited to add:  Unfortunately, I can't find the specific commands for changing gain and setting up recordings (I found the rec'ing menu and the selections for line/mic in, but can't find how to adjust mic level etc).  If anybody knows.... tx