Won't charge, sync and my computer can't find my c250

Hope this helps. See the section about the hot fix first----- If you are using Windows XP: you need the following. Windows XP SP2 or higher Windows Media Player 10 or higher Download and install the latest Windows Media Player if it's not installed. If you are using Windows Vista: If the player is seen in My Computer when using MTP mode, but not showing in Windows Media Player. Download the hotfix from-->>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/939211. Run the hotfix. Refresh the players driver Connect the Sansa player to the PC The screen on your player should turn on, show 'Connected' and indicate the battery charging or full. If the player does not turn on try other USB ports or on another computer if one is readily available. Ensure you are connecting directly to the computer USB port and not to a USB hub. - If there is nothing showing on the screen and the player does show up in as a storage device in an explorer window, then the screen is just not working. If you receive the error "USB Device Not Recognized" on the computer, the player is most likely failed. Additional troubleshooting is unlikely to correct the problem. Check under Device Manager 1. Right-click My Computer, and select Manage. 2. Click Device Manager on the left pane. NOTE: Sansa MP3 Players can connect to your computer in MSC or MTP mode. Exceptions are Sansa Connect and Sansa Express which only use MTP mode. MTP mode is the recommended and default method for Sansa Players when used with Windows OS. The Sansa player will show up on Device Manager's right pane as: 1. USB Mass Storage device (if the player is set to MSC) 2. Portable Device (if the player is set to MTP mode) If there is a yellow exclamation point (!) or question mark (?) beside the device, try to refresh the drivers. Refresh the drivers 1. Right-click the entry with the error mark, select Uninstall. 2. On the top menu, click Action then select Scan for hardware changes. NOTE: If a device with yellow exclamation point (!) continually appears and disappears, then the player is most likely failed. Additional troubleshooting is unlikely to correct the problem. Connect using MSC mode Connecting in MSC mode will help determine if there is a problem with MTP mode or with the Auto Detect mode feature of the player. You can use Forced MSC mode or switch the player settings to MSC. Instructions to connect in Forced MSC mode are listed here: http://kb.sandisk.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/61 Instructions to switch player to MSC mode are listed here: http://kb.sandisk.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/207 If the player is detected in MSC mode but not when set to MTP mode, try to update or reinstall the Sansa firmware NOTE: Sansa Express and Sansa Connect do not have MSC mode. For Sansa Connect you can try reinstalling the firmware using the Connect Recovery Mode. Additional troubleshooting notes: If you have replaced the Sansa Player and you still have problems getting it to recognize in the computer, then you may need to try some additional troubleshooting. - Try connecting on another computer. - Try using a different USB cable - Try connecting to the back USB ports which may supply better power. - If only MTP mode is not working, try reinstalling Windows Media Player For Windows XP try also download and install the MTP Porting Kit ........

See the section about the hot fix first----- If you are using Windows XP: you need the following. Windows XP SP2 or higher Windows Media Player 10 or higher
Download and install the latest Windows Media Player if it's not installed.
If you are using Windows Vista: If the player is seen in My Computer when using MTP mode, but not showing in Windows Media Player. Download the hotfix from-->>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/939211. Run the hotfix.
Refresh the players driver Connect the Sansa player to the PC The screen on your player should turn on, show 'Connected' and indicate the battery charging or full. If the player does not turn on try other USB ports or on another computer if one is readily available. Ensure you are connecting directly to the computer USB port and not to a USB hub. - If there is nothing showing on the screen and the player does show up in as a storage device in an explorer window, then the screen is just not working.
If you receive the error "USB Device Not Recognized" on the computer, the player is most likely failed. Additional troubleshooting is unlikely to correct the problem. Check under Device Manager 1. Right-click My Computer, and select Manage. 2. Click Device Manager on the left pane.
NOTE: Sansa MP3 Players can connect to your computer in MSC or MTP mode. Exceptions are Sansa Connect and Sansa Express which only use MTP mode. MTP mode is the recommended and default method for Sansa Players when used with Windows OS. The Sansa player will show up on Device Manager's right pane as: 1. USB Mass Storage device (if the player is set to MSC) 2. Portable Device (if the player is set to MTP mode)
If there is a yellow exclamation point (!) or question mark (?) beside the device, try to refresh the drivers. Refresh the drivers 1. Right-click the entry with the error mark, select Uninstall. 2. On the top menu, click Action then select Scan for hardware changes.
NOTE: If a device with yellow exclamation point (!) continually appears and disappears, then the player is most likely failed. Additional troubleshooting is unlikely to correct the problem.
Connect using MSC mode Connecting in MSC mode will help determine if there is a problem with MTP mode or with the Auto Detect mode feature of the player. You can use Forced MSC mode or switch the player settings to MSC.
Instructions to connect in Forced MSC mode are listed here: http://kb.sandisk.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/61
Instructions to switch player to MSC mode are listed here: http://kb.sandisk.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/207
If the player is detected in MSC mode but not when set to MTP mode, try to update or reinstall the Sansa firmware
NOTE: Sansa Express and Sansa Connect do not have MSC mode. For Sansa Connect you can try reinstalling the firmware using the Connect Recovery Mode.
Additional troubleshooting notes: If you have replaced the Sansa Player and you still have problems getting it to recognize in the computer, then you may need to try some additional troubleshooting. - Try connecting on another computer. - Try using a different USB cable - Try connecting to the back USB ports which may supply better power. - If only MTP mode is not working, try reinstalling Windows Media Player For Windows XP try also download and install the MTP Porting Kit

Try and reset the player. Reset the player: 1. Slide and hold the Power switch up for approximately 20 seconds. 2. Release the Power switch. 3. To turn the player on, slide the Power switch up then release instantly. Then try this Connect the player to your computer. The screen on your player should turn on, show 'Connected' and indicate the battery charging or full. - If the player does not turn on try other USB ports or on another computer if one is available. Make sure you are connecting directly to the computer USB port and not to a USB hub. - If there is nothing showing on the screen and the player does show up in as a storage device in an explorer window, then the players screen is just not working. If you receive the error "USB Device Not Recognized" on the computer, the player is most likely failed. Additional troubleshooting is unlikely to correct the problem. <<<<< BUT TRY THIS ALSO >>>>> Check the Device Manager 1. Right-click My Computer, and select -- > Manage. Click Device Manager on the left pane. NOTE: Sansa MP3 Players can connect to your computer in MSC or MTP mode. MTP mode is the recommended and default method for Sansa Players when used with Windows OS. *** See This Tip Posted here **** --> http://www.fixya.com/support/r3774047-solve_mp3_player_connection_problem <-- Copy this address into a new window. The Sansa player will show up on Device Manager's right pane as: 1. USB Mass Storage device (if the player is set to MSC) 2. Portable Device (if the player is set to MTP mode) If there is a yellow exclamation point (!) or question mark (?) beside the device, try to refresh the drivers. Refresh the drivers 1. Right-click the entry with the error mark, select Uninstall. 2. On the top menu, click Action then select Scan for hardware changes. NOTE: If a device with yellow exclamation point (!) continually appears and disappears, then the player is most likely failed. Additional troubleshooting is unlikely to correct the problem. >>>> BUT TRY THIS <<<<<<< Connect using MSC mode Connecting in MSC mode will help determine if there is a problem with MTP mode or with the Auto Detect mode feature of the player. You can use Forced MSC mode or switch the player settings to MSC. Verifying and changing the USB mode of the device to MSC or MTP From the Main Menu, select Settings > USB Mode.

Try and reset the player. Reset the player: 1. Slide and hold the Power switch up for approximately 20 seconds. 2. Release the Power switch. 3. To turn the player on, slide the Power switch up then release instantly. Then try this Connect the player to your computer. The screen on your player should turn on, show 'Connected' and indicate the battery charging or full. - If the player does not turn on try other USB ports or on another computer if one is available. Make sure you are connecting directly to the computer USB port and not to a USB hub. - If there is nothing showing on the screen and the player does show up in as a storage device in an explorer window, then the players screen is just not working. If you receive the error "USB Device Not Recognized" on the computer, the player is most likely failed. Additional troubleshooting is unlikely to correct the problem. <<<<< BUT TRY THIS ALSO >>>>> Check the Device Manager 1. Right-click My Computer, and select -- > Manage. Click Device Manager on the left pane. NOTE: Sansa MP3 Players can connect to your computer in MSC or MTP mode. MTP mode is the recommended and default method for Sansa Players when used with Windows OS. *** See This Tip Posted here **** --> http://www.fixya.com/support/r3774047-solve_mp3_player_connection_problem <-- Copy this address into a new window. The Sansa player will show up on Device Manager's right pane as: 1. USB Mass Storage device (if the player is set to MSC) 2. Portable Device (if the player is set to MTP mode) If there is a yellow exclamation point (!) or question mark (?) beside the device, try to refresh the drivers. Refresh the drivers 1. Right-click the entry with the error mark, select Uninstall. 2. On the top menu, click Action then select Scan for hardware changes. NOTE: If a device with yellow exclamation point (!) continually appears and disappears, then the player is most likely failed. Additional troubleshooting is unlikely to correct the problem. >>>> BUT TRY THIS <<<<<<< Connect using MSC mode Connecting in MSC mode will help determine if there is a problem with MTP mode or with the Auto Detect mode feature of the player. You can use Forced MSC mode or switch the player settings to MSC. Verifying and changing the USB mode of the device to MSC or MTP From the Main Menu, select Settings > USB Mode.

Refresh the driver

Connect the player to your computer.
The screen on your player should turn on, show 'Connected' and indicate the battery charging or full.
- If the player does not turn on try other USB ports or on another computer if one is available. Make sure you are connecting directly to the computer USB port and not to a USB hub.
- If there is nothing showing on the screen and the player does show up in as a storage device in an explorer window, then the players screen is just not working.

If you receive the error "USB Device Not Recognized" on the computer, the player is most likely failed. Additional troubleshooting is unlikely to correct the problem.
<<<<< BUT TRY THIS FIRST >>>>>

Check the Device Manager
1. Right-click My Computer, and select -- > Manage.

Click Device Manager on the left pane.
NOTE: Sansa MP3 Players can connect to your computer in MSC or MTP mode.
MTP mode is the recommended and default method for Sansa Players when used with Windows OS.

*** See This Tip Posted here ****
Solve your MP3 Player Connection Problem.

The Sansa player will show up on Device Manager's right pane as:
1. USB Mass Storage device (if the player is set to MSC)
2. Portable Device (if the player is set to MTP mode)

If there is a yellow exclamation point (!) or question mark (?) beside the device, try to refresh the drivers.
Refresh the drivers
1. Right-click the entry with the error mark, select Uninstall.
2. On the top menu, click Action then select Scan for hardware changes.

NOTE: If a device with yellow exclamation point (!) continually appears and disappears, then the player is most likely failed. Additional troubleshooting is unlikely to correct the problem.
>>>> BUT TRY THIS <<<<<<<
Connect using MSC mode
Connecting in MSC mode will help determine if there is a problem with MTP mode or with the Auto Detect mode feature of the player. You can use Forced MSC mode or switch the player settings to MSC.
Verifying and changing the USB mode of the device to MSC or MTP From the Main Menu, select Settings > USB Mode.

Try and reset the player.
Reset the player:
1. Slide and hold the Power switch up for approximately 20 seconds.
2. Release the Power switch.
3. To turn the player on, slide the Power switch up then release instantly.

Then try this
Connect the player to your computer.
The screen on your player should turn on, show 'Connected' and indicate the battery charging or full.
- If the player does not turn on try other USB ports or on another computer if one is available. Make sure you are connecting directly to the computer USB port and not to a USB hub.
- If there is nothing showing on the screen and the player does show up in as a storage device in an explorer window, then the players screen is just not working.

If you receive the error "USB Device Not Recognized" on the computer, the player is most likely failed. Additional troubleshooting is unlikely to correct the problem.
<<<<< BUT TRY THIS FIRST >>>>>

Check the Device Manager
1. Right-click My Computer, and select -- > Manage.

Click Device Manager on the left pane.
NOTE: Sansa MP3 Players can connect to your computer in MSC or MTP mode.
MTP mode is the recommended and default method for Sansa Players when used with Windows OS.

*** See This Tip Posted here ****
Solve your MP3 Player Connection Problem.

The Sansa player will show up on Device Manager's right pane as:
1. USB Mass Storage device (if the player is set to MSC)
2. Portable Device (if the player is set to MTP mode)

If there is a yellow exclamation point (!) or question mark (?) beside the device, try to refresh the drivers.
Refresh the drivers
1. Right-click the entry with the error mark, select Uninstall.
2. On the top menu, click Action then select Scan for hardware changes.

NOTE: If a device with yellow exclamation point (!) continually appears and disappears, then the player is most likely failed. Additional troubleshooting is unlikely to correct the problem.
>>>> BUT TRY THIS <<<<<<<
Connect using MSC mode
Connecting in MSC mode will help determine if there is a problem with MTP mode or with the Auto Detect mode feature of the player. You can use Forced MSC mode or switch the player settings to MSC.
Verifying and changing the USB mode of the device to MSC or MTP From the Main Menu, select Settings > USB Mode.

Sandisk about this problem songs not being recognized on the computer but still on the player:
http://kb.sandisk.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/447
Use this links as main help thread.

The standard connection type of C200 series is MTP = Media Transfer Protocol. In this mode you can see the connected device as a portable player.

Songs that are put on the player in UMS = Universal Mass Storage mode (also called MSC = Mass Storage Class), seeing the device as a removable disk can only be seen in the players' UMS mode and vice versa.

Check the setting of the USB mode on the display of the C250:

Main Menu
> Settings / USB / Autodetect or MSC mode

Autodetect = MTP mode: computer sees the player Sansa C250.
MSC mode: computer sees a removable disk.

Now 2 things could have happened:

1. Music is put on the player in MSC mode and now the player is
connected in MTP mode or vice versa.

2. There are bad sectors or corrupted files are transferred on the players' removable disk.

• In case of bad sectors a recovery is possible: in MSC mode perform check disk as told in the link above.

• In case of corrupted files a format of the device is needed. First a backup of all data has to be made. Next perform format. This can be done in 2 ways:

Using disk management:
http://kb.sandisk.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/107
Using Windows Media Player:
http://kb.sandisk.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/444

Option 2. having problems with the disk or data on the players' disk can also be solved by updating the firmware.
For firmware update see link:
http://kb.sandisk.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/315
Remember: before updating backup the data from player to the computer.

When more help is needed just post a comment.

From the Sansa c250’s Main Menu, go to Settings/USB/Auto Detect
or MSC to change the mode. Auto Detect settings will default to MTP mode.

The difference is that when you have your device on MTP mode, its recognize as a Portable device...You cant modify the settings on MTP mode...When its on MSC mode, its recognize as a disk drive...thats when you can modify the drive files..to change the mode..go to menu, settings, USB mode and there you should find the MSC and MTP mode..Hope that helps
Please rate accordingly.
Thank You
Computerrep

You don't need one, just go to settings, go down to "usb" mode, and if it says "playsforsure" and "rhapsody", pick "rhapsody" if it says "MTP" or "MSC" pick "MTP". Then, connect it to your computer. Go to your "my computer" folder, double click on the sansa. Then go to "tools" on your toolbar, click on "folder options", then click on the "view" tab, then go down to where it says "hidden files and folders", and check off "show hidden files". Click Apply, then OK. You should now see a translucent folder that says "music". Feel free to drag and drop any MP3 formatted music onto your computer. Please keep in mind that I've only verified this working on windows XP SP2, and that if it's not one mode, then it's the other, I know that Rhapsody is the mode you want to be in, but not so sure if it's MSC or MTP mode, try one, then switch it if it doesn't work Good Luck EE