Try Repair, if the repair option doesn't work, do a format.
if the problem is not solved you need to upgrade the firmware, you can get it from here
http://www.archos.com/support/support_tech/updates.html?country=gb&lang=eninstructions for installing the firmware.
Step 1. Download the firmware to your computerWhen you download the update file, your browser may warn you that thefile 'could be harmful'. This is normal because browsers are notfamiliar with files that have a .AOS extension and suspect that theycould be malicious. These files are not harmful to your computer.
Step 2. Turn on your ARCHOS device and connect it to your computer with the USB cable Step 3. Wait a few seconds for device detection Step 4. Copy and paste the downloaded firmware (.AOS file) to the "root" of your ARCHOS device.
- Case1: Your Archos is detected by your computer as a Hard Drive ( E: forexample ) in Windows Explorer. Paste the update file directly onto theARCHOS hard drive icon.
- Case 2: Your Archos device is detectedas a ‘Device’ in Windows Explorer (not as a hard drive) and you seejust two folders Data and Media when you open it. Paste the update fileinto the folder called Data.
- Case 3. Your Archos device is detectedas a ‘Device’ in Windows Explorer (not as a hard drive) and you seeInternal Hard Drive when you open it. Open this Internal Hard Driveicon and you will see the various Archos folders inside (Video, Music,etc.). Paste the update file into this area but be careful not to pasteit into any of the folders there.
Step 5. Disconnect the DeviceUnplug the USB cable (Windows Device connections) or use the "safedisconnect" green arrow icon (Hard drive connection) in the system traybefore unplugging the USB cable.
Step 6. On your ARCHOS device, click on "Update Firmware"Generation 5 products: Once you disconnect the USB cable, the devicewill recognize the new update file and invite you to install it. Followthe on-screen instructions. If it does not suggest an update, thismeans that the .AOS file did not get placed on the “Root” of thedevice.
Generation 4 products: From the mainARCHOS screen, click on the "tab" button to show the settings screen.Select the System icon and then click on the Update Firmware button.
Other products: Go to the settings and open the icon “System” where you can find the Update Firmware button.
If the update fails the hard drive in your archos is most likely faulty, and you would need to send it to archos for repair, if you are on warranty, the repair will be free, if you are outside of warranty they will charge for the repair contact them for a estimate.