Can no longer transfer (any direction) through SonicStage 4.3

[al.adab]

Hello there,

I connected my Sony MD MZ-RH1 to a H.Packard laptop (operating system Windows Vista Home Premium) for months through SonicStage 4.3. All of a sudden - I can no longer upload/download music: no matter what I try to do, I get a message that "the device/media is write-protected. (Error Code 0000664f)". All the other SonicStage functions are working correctly.

I have tried to solve the issue by re-installing SonicStage, unfortunately to no avail. I still get the same message as above. I have unsuccessfully also tried to download music to/from several minidisks (HI-MD, "old" - that is, with my music on it - and blank). Despite the fact that none of them is protected (ie, I made sure that the tiny switch on the minidisk isn't on the "lock" position), I still get the same message as above.

Eventually, I got hold of a Sony MD MZ-NHF800 through a friend and tested SonicStage on it: all the transfer options are working correctly. When I tried again to connect my MZ-RH1, though, I got the same message as above: "the device/media is write protected (...)".

It looks like something is wrong with my MZ-RH1, but I can't figure out what it might be. I checked its menu settings and it's all as it used to be. I also checked it through MyComputer>Properties>Hardware>Properties, and the PC tells me that "the device is working properly". I also tried the option MyComputer>Properties>Tools>Error-Checking, and it tells me that "The disk is write-protected" (notice that it's possible to perform an Error-Checking on the MZ-NHF800 with the same minidisk inserted).

Does anyone know what the problem might be?

Many thanks in advance for your help.

Edited January 6, 2008 by al.adab

[Richard]

* Topic Moved to Software Discussion section

[al.adab]

Thanks for your suggestion, I tried it but it won't transfer. The MD player is spotless, and it's a complete mystery why something like this should happen all of a sudden and for no apparent reason. I also sent a message to Sony hoping they can advise me on-line and I don't have to go through their rather expensive repair system network.

I have this issue sometimes, just unplug and replug the USB connector, that usually does it for me.

If that fails, write-protect the Hi-MD, try transferring, which won't be possible for obvious reasons, eject the disc, unwrite-protect and try again. It then should work.

[Avrin]

NEVER use any disk check, repair or defragment utility with a Hi-MD! A single cluster changed may result in a completely ruined recording!

Is your unit still able to record (on its own, without the computer) to discs of that same type (1 Gb Hi-MDs or Hi-MD formatted 80 minute blanks)? If not, try using a different type of disc (a Hi-MD formatted 80 minute or a 1 Gb Hi-MD blank, respectively). If it works with a different type, then the write-protection switch for the corresponding type of disc on the unit itself has failed.

Edited January 7, 2008 by Avrin

[al.adab]

got it. The unit can record to discs of the same type on its own. All the unit's functions work perfectly, except for the file transfer through SonicStage.

NEVER use any disk check, repair or defragment utility with a Hi-MD! A single cluster changed may result in a completely ruined recording!

Is your unit still able to record (on its own, without the computer) to discs of that same type (1 Gb Hi-MDs or Hi-MD formatted 80 minute blanks)? If not, try using a different type of disc (a Hi-MD formatted 80 minute or a 1 Gb Hi-MD blank, respectively). If it works with a different type, then the write-protection switch for the corresponding type of disc on the unit itself has failed.

[Avrin]

Maybe something is wrong with the driver for the RH1 (the NHF800 uses a different driver). Try the driver reinstallation procedure for "Walkman Device Detection Issue" described in this thread: http://forums.minidisc.org/index.php?showtopic=8071 with the only exception - do not use the provided link for SS42 drivers, since you have SS43. Drivers for SS43 are here: http://dl1.aii.co.jp/contents/connect/_dat...r/pa_driver.zip.

Edited January 8, 2008 by Avrin

[al.adab]

Many thanks Avrin for the comprehensive information. Before I go ahead with re-installation procedure: I've just got hold of ten 80min Hi-MD formatted disks (which I haven't used for ages, for a long while I've been using 1Giga disks only), and I've tried them all. Result: the

transfer option works perfectly with 80min Hi-MD disks. At this stage, I tried alternating 80min to 1Giga disks. Result: if I insert an Hi-MD 80min disk, the transfer option WORKS. If I insert a 1Giga disk, the transfer function DOES NOT WORK. Shall I still go ahead with the procedure described in your latest post? In the other post you said something I couldn't quite understand, I'm afraid: "(...) If not, try using a different type of disc (a Hi-MD formatted 80 minute or a 1 Gb Hi-MD blank, respectively). If it works with a different type, then the write-protection switch for the corresponding type of disc on the unit itself has failed." What do you mean exactly "...the switch (...) as failed"?

THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR HELP!!!

Maybe something is wrong with the driver for the RH1 (the NHF800 uses a different driver). Try the driver reinstallation procedure for "Walkman Device Detection Issue" described in this thread: http://forums.minidisc.org/index.php?showtopic=8071 with the only exception - do not use the provided link for SS42 drivers, since you have SS43. Drivers for SS43 are here: http://dl1.aii.co.jp/contents/connect/_dat...r/pa_driver.zip.

[Avrin]

Well, if the unit records by itself to both types of discs, I assume the switches are OK. But the fact that is works normally with Hi-MD formatted 80-minute discs, while refusing to transfer to/from 1 Gb discs is very strange.

You may go ahead with the driver reinstallation procedure. It won't do any harm, if performed correctly.

[Strungup]

That IS weird, 80 works, 1gb doesnt ,..........?????

[Avrin]

What's even more weird is the fact that both types work correctly with the unit disconnected from the PC, and the glitch only appears with 1 Gb discs when using SonicStage.

Edited January 9, 2008 by Avrin

[al.adab]

I know. I repeatedly tested it, and that's what's happening. Only very occasionally the 1Giga does works, and that's when I repeatedly open+close the unit lid with the MD inside. The 80min invariably works. The Sony on-line support just ignored my query, and the local support centre...wasn't supportive at all. This is so frustrating. The people at the local Sony "support" centre had never even seen an MZ-RH1 before, let alone know how to fix it. Appalling.

Anyway, I had a look at the tutorial, and I noticed that Windows Vista is not mentioned, so I got a bit paranoid about it and I thought I'd probably wait until I travel again and am able to get hold of a proper Sony support centre, if that's not wishful thinking. Many thanks for your help, and please do get in touch if you find a solution.

What's even more weird is the fact that both types work correctly with the unit disconnected from the PC, and the glitch only appears with 1 Gb discs when using SonicStage.

[Avrin]

Only very occasionally the 1Giga does works, and that's when I repeatedly open+close the unit lid with the MD inside.

This definitely sounds like a faulty write-protection switch for 1 Gb discs. Sometimes it works, the other times it doesn't. The unit needs to be serviced or replaced.

Is the unit still under warranty?

Edited January 9, 2008 by Avrin

[al.adab]

I'm glad to hear it's possible to narrow it down to at least one hypothesis.

I'd also be glad to have the unit serviced or replaced, except that the experience I had yesterday at the Abu Dhabi (UAE) Sony "service centre" was quite discouraging. I later called the Sony UAE customer service to report it and ask for the address of an alternative service centre in the UAE...and it turned out that they themselves had never heard about the MZ-RH1...so wouldn't know what to tell me...

...anyway, the unit was bought in Europe in Octobe 2006, and it was probably given a standard one-year warranty...I can't remember and don't know how to find out (again, neither Sony UAE customer service nor Sony Abu Dhabi "service centre" helped me with this)...

do you (or does anyone) know if Sony offers some kind of rescue scheme whenever the local support service is not helpful? I wouldn't mind shipping my unit to some Sony competent technical centre (and paying for it + relative repair expenses) so long as I'm reassured that it's in good hands...thanks again.

This definitely sounds like a faulty write-protection switch for 1 Gb discs. Sometimes it works, the other times it doesn't. The unit needs to be serviced or replaced.

Is the unit still under warranty?

I'm glad to hear it's possible to narrow it down to at least one hypothesis.

I'd also be glad to have the unit serviced or replaced, except that the experience I had yesterday at the Abu Dhabi (UAE) Sony "service centre" was quite discouraging. I later called the Sony UAE customer service to report it and ask for the address of an alternative service centre in the UAE...and it turned out that they themselves had never heard about the MZ-RH1...so wouldn't know what to tell me...

...anyway, the unit was bought in Europe in Octobe 2006, and it was probably given a standard one-year warranty...I can't remember and don't know how to find out (again, neither Sony UAE customer service nor Sony Abu Dhabi "service centre" helped me with this)...

do you (or does anyone) know if Sony offers some kind of rescue scheme whenever the local support service is not helpful? I wouldn't mind shipping my unit to some Sony competent technical centre (and paying for it + relative repair expenses) so long as I'm reassured that it's in good hands...thanks again.

This definitely sounds like a faulty write-protection switch for 1 Gb discs. Sometimes it works, the other times it doesn't. The unit needs to be serviced or replaced.

Is the unit still under warranty?

[Avrin]

I am afraid that, since the unit is not under warranty, repair and shipment will amount to the price of a new unit, if not more. From my experience with a SONY-authorized service center here in Moscow, they have no idea how to repair minidisc units. I got a moneyback on my old RH10, which was 11 months old and still under warranty. Although the same service center later repaired my DCR-TRV460E Digital8 camcorder with a failed CCD perfectly and absolutely free, despite the fact that the warranty had expired almost two years before that (it was a SONY campaign for free replacement of faulty CCDs in their camcorders and photo cameras - they all had a manufacturing defect).

Open the disc cover of the unit, and look to the left. You'll see two tiny switches not far from the Display/Menu button, but way below it (at the bottom of the compartment). One is higher and the other is smaller. It is the smaller one that is at fault. Try pushing it straight down a few times with a suitable wooden tool like a match (be very careful!!!). This may help to put it back into order. But I don't promise anything.

Edited January 9, 2008 by Avrin

[al.adab]

I see. I'll then wait. Sony might launch yet another MD player model at some stage.

The switches look like two tiny pins, don't they? They're sitting at the very bottom of the unit, right? The one closer to the Display is taller. Should they both be of the same size? Anyway, I tried pushing + releasing the smaller one several times, and...IT WORKED! I've been trying 1Giga MDs for the past half an hour, and the transfer option failed to work only twice.

YOU'RE A STAR! You can't imagine how grateful I am. Thank you very very much. I don't mean to get carried away now, but do you reckon that the unit needs some cleaning (specifically the very pin I pushed)? Would canned air (of the type you use for SRL cameras) would do?

I am afraid that, since the unit is not under warranty, repair and shipment will amount to the price of a new unit, if not more. From my experience with a SONY-authorized service center here in Moscow, they have no idea how to repair minidisc units. I got a moneyback on my old RH10, which was 11 months old and still under warranty. Although the same service center later repaired my DCR-TRV460E Digital8 camcorder with a failed CCD perfectly and absolutely free, despite the fact that the warranty had expired almost two years before that (it was a SONY campaign for free replacement of faulty CCDs in their camcorders and photo cameras - they all had a manufacturing defect).

Open the disc cover of the unit, and look to the left. You'll see two tiny switches not far from the Display/Menu button, but way below it (at the bottom of the compartment). One is higher and the other is smaller. It is the smaller one that is at fault. Try pushing it straight down a few times with a suitable wooden tool like a match (be very careful!!!). This may help to put it back into order. But I don't promise anything.

[Strungup]

I see. I'll then wait. Sony might launch yet another MD player model at some stage.

The switches look like two tiny pins, don't they? They're sitting at the very bottom of the unit, right? The one closer to the Display is taller. Should they both be of the same size? Anyway, I tried pushing + releasing the smaller one several times, and...IT WORKED! I've been trying 1Giga MDs for the past half an hour, and the transfer option failed to work only twice.

YOU'RE A STAR! You can't imagine how grateful I am. Thank you very very much. I don't mean to get carried away now, but do you reckon that the unit needs some cleaning (specifically the very pin I pushed)? Would canned air (of the type you use for SRL cameras) would do?

Turn it upside down (facing down ,so that the switches are also down ) and work that pin with a toothpick , to see if something is jammed up in there , there might be some tiny piece of debri blocking the contacts .

Edited January 9, 2008 by Guitarfxr

[Avrin]

I am glad it worked.

The pins are of different sizes by design.

Cleaning won't do any harm.

P.S. Looks like it's time to move this thread to the Hi-MD section.

Edited January 10, 2008 by Avrin