Sansa m230 screen says no files

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1

I have used my m230 multiple times over the past year. I usually remove the old files by going to my computer, to place new files on it. This time when I attempted a sync the unit is saying “no files” but the computer is saying files were synced. Any ideas? Thanks.

It appears as if my computer thinks these files are on the player. I have no idea on how to get them back on the MP3. When I make a sync list the computer tells me each time they are already there on the Mp3. As I mentioned above the m230 says “no files” on the screen. The computer does say 350 of 352mb available when the *@%# m230 is attached.  

Message Edited by mymusic on 04-20-2008 11:32 AM

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Okay–since no reply and as I figure my lightly used sansa player has now taken a dump for good I would like to ask what MP3 or Ipod player should I now buy? I prefer one that uses standard batteries and is easier to download to then this sansa crapper. :slight_smile: Thanks

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Since official Sansa reps are off on weekends, try the steps below.

Formatting the SanDisk Sansa m200 Series

SanDisk tech support recommends formatting the m200 series in both MSC and MTP modes to completely clear out all work areas,“fragments” and residual data. The m200 has a very basic Operating System that doesn’t have a defrag option. According to tech support, the m200 needs formmating occasionally to keep it working smoothly. I learned that formatting will clear up intermittent hang-ups.

If you have music files on your m200 and want to back them up to your PC, see the index item Copying Songs from the SanDisk Sansa m200 Series to your PC.

Format in MSC Mode

  1. With the m200 not connected to the PC, power it on, press the menu key. Select " Settings", then USB , then MSC.
  2. Connect the m200 to the PC via the USB cable.
  3. Right click on the " Start" button.
  4. Left click on " Explore"
  5. Find the m200. It will show as a hard drive, for example: “SANSA M250(E:)”
  6. Right click on the m200 device and select " Format"
  7. After formatting is complete, click on the “Safely Remove Hardware” icon on the System Tray and stop the device.
  8. Disconnect the m200 from the PC.

Format in MTP Mode

  1. With the m200 not connected to the PC, power it on, press the menu key. Select " Settings", then USB , then Auto Detect.
  2. Connect the m200 to the PC via the USB cable.
  3. Right click on the " Start" button.
  4. Left click on " Explore"
  5. Find the m200. This time it will not show as a hard drive but as a music device, for example: “SanDisk Sansa m250” Note there is no drive letter in MTP mode.
  6. Right click on the m200 device and select " Format"
  7. After formatting is complete, disconnect the m200 from the PC. There is no icon to stop the device.

Your m200 device is now formatted and ready to reload.

The above is on my personal website along with lots of other m200 goodies.

http://www.tnni.net/~walterjmoore/m250/index.htm

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Walt, Thanks for the reply. I did all the steps except the last where you say to click on Systray and “safely remove the device”. Where can I find that on my windows XP everything else I followed. I disconnected without doing that do I need to do it again??

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The System Tray is in the lower right (default on WinXP) of your screen. If you are connected in MSC mode, there should be an ICON (generic device with green arrow above it) that gives the balloon message “Safely Remove Hardware” when you pass the cursor over it.  If it doesn’t show, you probably have an arrow to the side of the system tray which means you have more ICONs than will fit, so click on the arrow and it should show the remaining ICONs.  Click on the “Safely Remove Hardware” and it will give a list of the items you have connected, USB, Wireless, etc).  Select the correct device and stop it.  If you don’t stop externally connected devices before removing, you can cause the FAT (File Allocation Table) to be corrupted and give the problem you describe.

You don’t have the ICON if connected in MTP mode. Just wait until the PC is finished with the device and remove it.

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Just remembered, if you can’t find the “Safely Remove Hardware” Icon, you can safely remove devices by powering down the PC and remove it while power is off. 

 

I reccomend not using MSC mode except for formatting.  It is “Mass Storage Control” and designed for using the m200 as a flash drive or with systems not running Windows XP. Flash drives are cheap enough and the m200 is so buggy, it’s best just not to mess with it.