Sansa Fuze Firmware Update 01.02.31 & 02.03.33

I haven’t used my Fuze 8 GB V1 for several years. RockBox was touting greatly improved functionality, so I thought I would give it a try. Big mistake…it’s still a piece of garbage. Now I’m not able to restore my Fuze OS.  I had originally installed 01.02.31 shortly after it’s initial release.

I have meticiously followed the instructions in this sticky without problems up to the point of unplugging the Fuze to allow the firmware update…

Immediately before unplugging, the screen displayed " Bootloader USB Mode". After unplugging, “File not found” displayed immediately, then “plug USB cable” displayed, no further changes occurred.

Prior to updating the firmware, I used the RB utility to completely remove RB. The utility confirmed that no traces (RB files) remained on the Fuze.

I have tried a variety of workarounds to reinstall the Fuze OS, without success.  Any suggestions?

Thank you,

max