quote:

Important! This procedure outlined below is ONLY for the North American version of the iRiver 20 GIG H10. Do -not- use this on international versions or on 5/6 GIG units. Some posters have replied to this thread to help those with 5/6 gig players, so read the replies for additional information if you own one of those.


Q. When powering on my iRiver H10 20gig player, I receive the following error message:

"System Files Missing: To Restore the System Files, connect H10 to Recovery Tool."

A. iRiver has confirmed this is the result of a corruption of the system files on the North American edition of the player which most commonly occurs with the newly released v3.0/3.0.1 software provided with the Rhapsody music service from Real. There is speculation that the sync tool provided with the software can send corrupted data to the player. This can also occur when attempting to transfer a large number of DRM protected files to the player during a short amount of time. An interruption in the transfer can corrupt the player's database.

A fix for this problem has not been published on iRiver's website yet, but I have managed to obtain a copy for the benefit of those who are now stuck with a dead player.

It is -very- important that you follow the instructions carefully. Nobody can be held responsible for damaging your player beyond yourself. This is a low risk procedure, but following instructions will make it a successful one.

PROCEDURE TO RESTORE "SYSTEM FILES MISSING" LOCKED PLAYER

--- This applies ONLY to the 20 gig version of the H10! ---

--- This procedure formats your H10 so all data will be erased on the player! ---

1. Power off H10 - 20gig unit.

2. Insert staple or other small object into reset hole to press reset button.

3. Connect player to USB cable.

3. Hold down Select key (labeled "O" - right button on front of player) while also holding down power key until player boots.

4. Unit must display "Emergency Connection."

5. Unit will now appear as a drive under My Computer. Right click on drive, select Format. No need to change anything, just proceed.

6. Download H10_20GB_System.exe. It is a self-extracting archive. Double click on it and unzip to c:\iriver.

http://www.iriveramerica.com/downloa...0GB_System.exe

7. Locate iriver directory, double click. You will see H10. Double click once again; you will see System.

8. Right click on system, select "Send to" and choose the directory of the player.

Unit should then reset itself (allow at least 10 seconds for reset procedure to complete.) You may need to power the unit off and on after the transfer is complete. Disconnect USB cable. Player should now boot to the main menu. Choose settings, date and time, and verify that the day and time are correct.

This should fix the problem. If not, call iRiver tech support. I suggest you keep a copy of these instructions and file in case the problem occurs again.