Archos 204 Troubleshooting, 11.3 ‘Hard Drive’ or ‘Windows Device’?, Activate the Update

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11.3 ‘Hard Drive’ or ‘Windows Device’?

If your Archos™ 204 is seen as a hard drive, then you simply need to drag the A204.AOS file onto this icon, and Windows® will place the file into the top most directory (root) of the Archos™ 204. It should not be placed inside any folder within your Archos™ 204. Once this file is copied, safely disconnect (refer to the chapter on Connecting/Disconnecting) the Archos™ 204 from the computer.

If your Archos™ 204 is seen as a Windows® Device, then you will have to open the Archos™ 204 Device in Windows® Explorer and drop the A204.AOS into the Data folder (not the Media folder). If there is already an older version of the A204.AOS file on your Archos™ 204, Windows® will ask if you want to overwrite the current file. Click on Yes. Disconnect the Archos™ 204 from your computer.

11.4 Activate the Update

On your Archos™ 204, go to Setup > System and select the [Update Firmware] line. Click ENTER. You will prompted to power the Archos™ 204 by either the USB cable connected to a turned-on computer, or the optional adapter/charger. The Archos™ 204 will now locate the update file and install it. A message will appear asking you to unplug the USB cable (if that is how you powered it) and then click on any button to restart the device. You can go to Setup > System to verify the new OS has been installed by looking at the version number there.

Warning!

Never unplug the USB cable or DC-in adapter while the update is in progress. This can cause permanent damage to the unit.

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12 Troubleshooting

12.1 USB Connection issues

Problem: I cannot get my Archos™ 204 to be recognized by the computer or it asks for a driver.

Solutions:

•If you are running an operating system other than Windows® XP (Service Pack 1 minimum) with Windows Media® Player 10 or higher, the USB Port setting should be set to ‘Hard Drive’. Go to Setup > System > USB Port and set it to ‘Hard Drive. Only Windows® XP (Service Pack 1 or higher) with Windows Media® Player 10 or higher will allow for the USB Port ‘Windows Device’ setting.

•Shut off and reboot the computer and the Archos™ 204 and then try connecting again in the preferred order enumerated in the Chapter Connecting your Archos™ 204 to your computer.

•If using a USB hub, try connecting without using the hub (some hubs are not powered and may not work with the Archos™ 204).

•If using a USB port in the front of your computer, try a USB port in the back. Front USB ports are often from non-powered hubs.

•Do not connect to a USB port repeated through a keyboard.

•If using a laptop computer and a docking station, try connecting without the docking station.

•Macintosh® users must update to OS 10.3.9 or higher.

•(Hard Drive mode) If the Files Allocation Table (FAT) gets corrupted, the Archos™ 204 may not show up in Windows XP for over one minute, and then it comes up as local drive. Use DOS Utility ChkDsk as shown below.

•(Hard Drive Mode) Windows® XP may recognize the Archos™ 204 hard drive but yet not assign a drive letter to it. Right click on My Computer and select Manage. Then select Storage, then Disk Management. Within this window you may see the hard drive and be able to assign a drive letter by right-clicking on the hard drive, and selecting the option Change drive letter and paths.

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Contents 204 Table of Contents Charging the Battery 1Ports, Buttons, and Connections2First Time Usage 3Playing Music 6 7 8 9 Play Status Play OrderPlay Screen and Button Control Playback Menu Items Setting a BookmarkARCLibrary Specifics ARCLibrary UpdatingLocking the Archos 204 Buttons 4Putting Music onto your ArchosInstalling Windows Media Player WMP 10 or Installing Windows Media Player WMPTransferring your CD collection to the Archos FunctionalityCreating a new Playlist 5PlaylistsLoading a Playlist Playing a PlaylistChanging the Sound Settings 6SettingsChanging the PlayMode Settings Parameter DescriptionSelect Custom to set your own equalizer levels Changing the Display Settings Changing the time & date settingsARCLibrary Off, On. Automatic default ARCLibrary UpdateChanging the System Settings Changing the Power SettingsButton Controls Action 7Using the BrowserInside the Music Folder Navigating the Directory StructureUsing the Virtual Keyboard File and Folder Operations in Browser ModeContextual Menu on a File Contextual Menu on a Folder8Viewing Photos with your Archos Using the Photo BrowserTransferring Photos to your Archos Photo Browser Contextual MenuConnecting the Archos 204 to/from your Computer 9Connecting the Archos 204 to a Stereo systemConnecting the Archos USB Connection Type ‘Hard Drive’ or ‘Windows Device’Macintosh OS Disconnecting the Archos 204 from your ComputerCopy to Archos 204 root and Update Updating the Archos 204 FirmwareDownload the A204.AOS file Activate the Update TroubleshootingUSB Connection issues SolutionsFile issues, corrupted data, formatting, and partitioning Archos Technical SpecificationsTechnical Support

204 specifications

The Archos 204 is a compact and versatile portable media player that gained attention upon its release for its impressive features and user-friendly design. With a striking blend of functionality and portability, the Archos 204 quickly became a popular choice among consumers looking for an efficient way to enjoy music, videos, and photos on-the-go.

One of the standout features of the Archos 204 is its capacity to store up to 20GB of content, which allows users to carry thousands of songs as well as videos and images. This generous storage space was particularly appealing to those looking to consolidate their media collections into a single device. The device features a bright 2.4-inch color display, which enhances the viewing experience for video playback and photo browsing.

The versatility of the Archos 204 extends beyond music and video playback. It supports a variety of video formats, including MPEG-4 and WMV, making it a flexible option for users who want to watch their favorite shows or movies. The Archos 204 also includes an easy-to-use interface, which simplifies the navigation of playlists, video files, and image galleries.

Another significant characteristic of the Archos 204 is its audio quality. Equipped with built-in stereo speakers, it delivers a surprisingly rich and clear sound, allowing users to enjoy their music without needing external headphones or speakers. It also supports popular audio formats such as MP3, WMA, and WAV, ensuring compatibility with most audio files.

For those who value connectivity, the Archos 204 provides USB 2.0 support, enabling fast data transfer with computers for easy syncing of media files. This feature allows users to quickly update their libraries and keep their content fresh without hassle.

In terms of battery life, the Archos 204 offered users a robust performance, allowing for several hours of continuous playback on a single charge. This was particularly useful for long journeys or extended use outside the home.

Overall, the Archos 204 encapsulates a blend of convenient features, ample storage capacity, and quality audio-visual performance, making it an outstanding choice for media enthusiasts seeking a reliable portable player. Its balance of form and function makes it a memorable entry in the world of portable media technology, appealing to a wide array of users looking to enhance their digital experience.
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