Format CF card in PPC using your desktop

X5X5X5 · 05-15-05, 11:17 AM

Is there any way to format your CF card while its in your PPC using your desktop. I am trying to troubleshoot an issue. Basically what's happening is that when I have my CF card in my PPC and I try to play MP3's using WMP (ver 8.5), all of a sudden it will just stop producing sound. When I look at my PPC, WMP is still playing but there is no sound...it just cuts out completely. If I tap the previous button on WMP to go back to the song before that was playing it will start producing sound again. This is very annoying and I want to get is resolved. Also I had better mention that I have downloaded another media player program called pPod and when I play songs through it it will contiune to play without dropping the sound. I want to format my CF card to see if that will resolve the issue. The CF card came with an MP3 player I received as a gift and I loaded the thing up with MP3's using the proprietary software it came with and I am thinking that that software may have caused some sort of conflict but it does not explain why pPod will play without having an issue. I have an Axim X5 running PPC 2002 and the CF card is a Sandisk 512MB. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Gigi · 05-15-05, 11:25 AM

You can use the trial of Pocket Mechanic to format your cards right in your Axim. If possible, I would do a backup of the card first.

Here's a tutorial on flash memory and formatting that might be helpful. :)

X5X5X5 · 05-15-05, 11:28 AM

Ok cool...I will give that a shot right now. What do you make of my situation? Any thoughts would be helpful.

Gigi · 05-15-05, 11:34 AM

I am not really sure about your other problem. It may be WMP itself and not your mp3 files. Have you tried using another memory card? If that works, then you can rule out a problem with WMP.

X5X5X5 · 05-15-05, 11:40 AM

I don't have another card to try unfortunatly. I was wondering if there would be some sort of update for WMP but I am thinking I have the latest and greatest. I just bought my Axim a couple of weeks ago from Geeks.com. This is my first one and I am really enjoying it. I just want it to work properly is all :o( You don't know of any free software I can use to format the CF card do you?

Gigi · 05-15-05, 11:48 AM

You have the X5 right? The latest version of WMP is 10. Unfortunately, you cannot upgrade your WMP without upgrading the Operating System. Do you have a card reader? You can easily format your cards (for free) using one. Have you tried Pocket Mechanic yet? The trial should work.

X5X5X5 · 05-15-05, 11:52 AM

I have not tried Pocket Mechanic yet...going to in just a few. I don't have a card reader but I am thinking about investing one...maybe in the next few hours, lol. Speaking of upgrading the OS...how the hell do I go about doing that??? I have beem scouring the web trying to find some info on it or somewhere to purchase WM2003. If someone offered it for free, I would not complaing *wink* *wink*. But seriously, I have not had much luck locating any info on upgrading and were to obtain the software.

X5X5X5 · 05-15-05, 11:52 AM

Sorry, yes, it's an X5 400MHz.

Gigi · 05-15-05, 11:54 AM

Unfortunately, Dell no longer offers the WM2003 upgrade CDs for the X5. You can always try Ebay.

Originally Posted by X5X5X5

If someone offered it for free, I would not complaing *wink* *wink*.

Shhh...we do not discuss such matters on Aximsite. ;)

X5X5X5 · 05-15-05, 12:32 PM

Ok, I guess I am on the hunt for the software. Thanks and sorry, I don't want to get anyone in trouble

I just tried Pocket Mechanic...very nice and very comprehensive. It came with Pocket Hack Master 2005 as well. Both are very nicely laid out and packed full of utilities. This is a program I can see purchasing. Thank you for the suggestion. I am in the process of testing to see if the format I performed actually resolved the issue. I will post more here in a few. I really appreciate all your help...this is great!

X5X5X5 · 05-15-05, 01:23 PM

Ok, it does not appear that the format worked. I am still in the process of testing but so far WMP has stopped producing sound on a MP3 I was listening to...I am at my wits end with this thing. I have been messing with this for about a week now and I just cannot seem to put my finger on what the problem is. Ok, as I was typing this I was playing a song and the sound just cut out but WMP continues to run!!! H.E.L.P!!! And I was able to locate a copy of WM2003. I am wondering what the repercussions would be if I were to upgrade with the current software I have installed...same that would happen if you were to upgrade the OS on your PC?

Gigi · 05-15-05, 01:28 PM

Have you tried a hard reset at all? If WMP is acting buggy, a hard reset would have fixed it. If it's a problem with the version of WMP, then updating the ROM *might* help. You might also want to try different audio players such as gsplayer or betaplayer (both free).

If you do decide to upgrade to 2003, be prepared to lose all your current settings and programs. It's the same as upgrading the OS on your PC. During the process, you will be prompted to do a backup of your current ROM. I would highly recommend doing so. :)

X5X5X5 · 05-15-05, 01:44 PM

I have not done a hard reset yet (trying to avoid that) due to the fact that I don't want to reinstall all my programs...not that I have a lot but it's just a hassle. If I am going to have to reinstall all the programs I have then I would much rather do it after upgrading to WM2003. I MAY try the hard reset option just for kicks but I am thinking that WM2003 might be the way to go...what do you think? I have read some reviews and personal opinions and whatnot and they are all kinda mixed as far as good and bad. I don't know of a ROM update for my Axim. I have ROM version A04 (05200300EN) so if there is an update beyond what I have listed please let me know and I will do that immediately. I am going to try one of those players you have recommended right now and will let you know how it goes. Like I said earlier I have tried this program called pPod (which I am having trouble locating the link right now but you may know what I am talking about) and I can play songs through it and browse my Axim as well and it will just keep on playing without dropping the sound...nice program.

As for upgrading to WM2003, I am prepared to lose the data on my Axim if I upgrade (thanks for the forwarning) so that's not a really big deal. I will definitely make a backup of my ROM...no cutting corners there.

X5X5X5 · 05-15-05, 02:20 PM

Ok, I have diagnosed the problem as WMP having issues. I stumbled upon an version of Winamp for the PPC and it works flawlessly (for now, lol)...still testing. Trying to figure out a few things in the program like removing files from the playlist which appears to be a chore but I will keep on keeping on with it. I tried the GSPlayer and I could not get it to recognize my CF card. I had to tell it to look for ALL FILES and, of course, it pulled every file I have on my Axim...just a hassle. Anyway, thank you for all your help. I think I have resolved to the fact that if I want WMP to work then I should either do a hard reset or upgrade to WM2003. Is that about the gist of it?

Gigi · 05-15-05, 03:28 PM

Originally Posted by X5X5X5

I think I have resolved to the fact that if I want WMP to work then I should either do a hard reset or upgrade to WM2003. Is that about the gist of it?

I would personally try the hard reset route first. Upgrading to WM2003 may bring other variables making troubleshooting even more difficult if it still doesn't work. But of course, the choice is yours. :)