Manuals / Archos / Portable Media / MP3 Player

Archos 204 user manual File issues, corrupted data, formatting, and partitioning

Models: 204

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Problem: (Hard Drive Mode) What do I do if I try to disconnect via the green arrow but keep getting “The device ‘Generic Volume’ cannot be stopped now. Try stopping the device again later.”

Solution: Use the green arrow a second time. Sometimes Windows® does not update its status. Shut off any program that might be accessing data on the Archos™ 204, including Windows® Explorer. If this does not work, shut down all programs, wait 20 seconds, then try the green arrow again. If this does not work, you should shut down the computer and disconnect the USB cable once the computer is off.

Problem: I have Windows® XP and a USB 2.0 port, yet my file transfer rates are very slow.

Solution: The original version of XP does not have native support for USB 2.0. You must update your Windows® XP to a minimum of SP1 (Service Pack 1) in order for it to transfer files at the full USB 2.0 port capacity.

Problem: The Archos™ 204 shuts off by itself.

Solution: This is normal. If you are not playing music or using it, it will automatically shut off based on the automatic power-off parameters in the Power submenu. Go to the menu [Setup > Power] where you can adjust the Power off parameter.

Problem: The Archos™ 204 locks-up. None of the buttons react.

Solution: Did you set the Archos™ 204 to ‘lock’ mode? This is the mode that blocks the buttons from functioning so that you can put the Archos™ 204 in your pocket or backpack without worrying about buttons getting accidentally pressed. Hold down for three seconds on the Menu button to unlock all the buttons. The other possibility is an electrostatic phenomena. That is, static electricity has temporarily knocked out the Archos™ 204. Hold down on the STOP button for 15 seconds and the Archos™ 204 will shut off. Restart it normally now.

Problem: When I go to the Music icon in the main menu, I cannot see the music files or albums that I just put into the Archos™ 204.

Solution: The Archos™ 204’s ARCLibrary must be refreshed. Go to Setup > Playmode > Update ARCLibrary. Your newly transferred files will be indexed into the ARCLibrary. Files that are not in the folder Music will not be included in the ARCLibrary.

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12.2 File issues, corrupted data, formatting, and partitioning.

Problem: I want to clean up my Archos™ 204’s hard drive, but Windows® will not let me use the standard hard drive cleaning tools.

Answer: This is because Windows® sees your Archos™ 204 as a Windows Device and not a hard drive (USB Port is set to Windows Device in Setup > System). Do not change back to hard drive and run a defragmenter program. This will give unexpected results.

Problem: On the Archos™ 204, I find new file names and folder names that I never created or they have strange gibberish names.

Answer: (Hard Drive Mode) Most likely, the Archos™ 204’s File Allocation Table (FAT) has been corrupted. This could have been due to a shut down while the Archos™ 204 was connected to your computer. To fix a corrupted FAT problem, you should use the Error Checking utility or the Check Disk utility explained at the end of this section. Attention: Windows® and Macintosh® often write extra files to the hard drive such as finder.def or System volume info. These are normal and will not harm the Archos™ 204.

Problem: Can I defragment the Archos™ 204’s hard drive?

Answer: (Windows Device Mode) The Archos™ 204 maintains an optimized file system and does not need to be defragmented. Defragmenting will cause unexpected problems

Problem: I want to reformat the hard drive of the Archos™ 204.

Solution: You can do this, but it will erase ALL of the data on your Archos™ 204. First, as explained above, you should run ScanDisk or the DOS chkdsk (Check Disk) program to try to fix your problem. These will solve your problems 99% of the time. Note that Windows® XP and 2000 will, by default, format your Archos™ 204 hard drive in the NTFS file format. This will make the Archos™ 204 unusable. Make sure you tell it to format the hard drive in FAT32 format.

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Archos 204 user manual File issues, corrupted data, formatting, and partitioning
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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.