Rio Forge 256Mb Mp3 Player

I had the same problem and, after scouring the internet in search of a solution, found nothing. So I started messing around with things. About 5 minutes ago I came up with something that worked for me! I'm still in 'testing' mode but it's playing some ACDC now so I'm happy. ;-)

My first step was to download a firmware 'update'. I'm not sure if it's newer or older than the firmware that I already had in there, but it works so what the heck. It's version 1.16 and is available for download here:

http://www.opendrivers.com/downloaddriverlink.php

Filename is 'RioForgeFlash_116.exe'

To update the firmware, I connected the player via the USB cable. It will power itself up automatically - make sure you have a fresh set of batteries in it. Once it powers up, turn it off but leave it plugged in via USB. Then, power it up again but press and hold the mode button (the small button on the face, to the left of the main navigation buttons. It's the one you use to select different play modes etc.). It will power up and display 'UPGRADER'. From this mode, run the udate file (RioForgeFlash_116.exe); it will update the firmware in the Forge.

Once completed, my Forge interacted normally with the Rio Music Manager and I was able to upload music to it again. I did lose all the music that was in there and on the storage card, but that's better than having a useless MP3 player!

Best of luck!

Go to the Rio support page. http://www.rioaudio.com/support/rio/

Using XP the following link should get you the driver you need.

http://www.rioaudio.com/support/rio/downloads/Forge/RioForge_firmware_133.exe

Driver updates.net looks like a ruse to get you to install something... Uhm, other.

To update the firmware, I connected the player via the USB cable. It will power itself up automatically - make sure you have a fresh set of batteries in it. Once it powers up, turn it off but leave it plugged in via USB. Then, power it up again but press and hold the mode button (the small button on the face, to the left of the main navigation buttons. It's the one you use to select different play modes etc.). It will power up and display 'UPGRADER'. From this mode, run the udate file (RioForgeFlash_1.33.exe); it will update the firmware in the Forge.

Once completed, my Forge interacted normally with the Rio Music Manager and I was able to upload music to it again. I did lose all the music that was in there and on the storage card, but that's better than having a useless MP3 player!

You may have lost your files but load em back up and rock. PS: I don't use Rio Manager. I just drop the files on the drive. Never been impressed by these MP3 file manager software.

Piece of cake. Good luck..... ROCK IT.

THANKS!!!!

I followed all the suggestions from Mantraguy. Once I had downloaded the driver the suggestion from janetm_jones was critical to get the updrader on my Rio Forge. Once the grader came up I ran the new driver file. I then had to unplug my Rio Forge from the USB Cable. When the Rio Forge rebooted the new file formated on my Rio Forge and the Rio Forge Manager would recognize it and could download.

Now it is working fine...confusing...
janetm_jones,

I had the same error Internal format unknown insert usb and reforemat, but mantraguy's solution posted Mar 12 worked perfectly, THANK YOU!!! Also, found that if your RioForge is not turning on at all: take the battery out for 20 minutes, put it back in, turn it on, and then follow mantraguy's solution (I kept my memory card out, so my Audible books were still there when I put it back in, but my stored bookmarks were gone).

The solution posted by Mantraguy worked! Thanks! I was just about to throw my Rio in the trash!

I’m totally lost.. I’m having the same problem… when I connect my Rio…. Once I see the “drive” I right click and click on Format… and nothing happen… nothing comes up for me to do the Fat32.. I’m also looking for “michelle” but I can’t find her… according to what “Gust” said.. he/she got it to work.. Please help…

Http://forums-riovolution.com/index.php?showtopic=11630&st=15

I did what "michelle" said (scroll down and look for that user name) and it finally worked!

Hi, I've got the exact same problem.
I tried formating it, but when I select the player and click on format, nothing happens. There doesn't pop up a new window, nothing... what can I do??

Hi, Plug the mp3 player into the PC via the usb cable and when it loads as a drive in MY COMPUTER, right click on it and select format. Choose the FAT filesystem to format and your message should disappear. Let me know if this solves it. Thanks, Lolita