RCA MP3 Player invalid license message

I have the same unit, which I think was great value for money, but occasionally it refuses to start up (it hangs at the welcome screen) or doesn't play certain tracks. Whenever it acts up, the solution has been to reflash/upgrade the firmware.

Download the firmware upgrade from http://voxrightnow.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2243/related/1, and follow all the troubleshooting instructions that popup when you start the program:

1. start the program,
2. remove the battery,
3. hold the play button while plugging the RCA player into your computer's usb port,
4. release the play button when the term "initalizing" replaces "searching",
5. check the box that says "format data" (you can try it first without this checked, it may work and will save your music),
6. click the start button to replace the firmware.

After I did this, I was able to play DRM-protected and aac audio files. I hope that helps.

Try a firmware recover. Download the firmware update from the RCA website and install the app. Start the updater and connect the player holding the PLAY button until it gets detected.
This is a similar player with the recovery procedure explained:

The first time I tried to restore the firmware in my Pearl it would not recognize it. I had to follow all the troubleshooting instructions that popup when you run the software. Basically, try taking the battery out and waiting 10 seconds or so. Run the software and read all the instructions at the bottom of the popup window. then hold the play button, plug your player in, and keep holding that button until the software recognizes it. It works.

It depends sometimes some songs may be copyrighted and cannot be played on the Mp3............ But as u say ur able to play 67 songs............ Just format your Mp3 player...... Formatting the Mp3 Player: Connect the Mp3 player to the Computer.......... Go to My Computer> Right click on the Removable Disk and click on Format and click on Start..... Know reload all the songs back to the Mp3 player..... Good Luck............

The RCA TH-1602 does not come with a re-chargable battery. It comes with an alkaline battery. It can use any AAA battery that you install. If you want a rechargable battery, buy one and install it. Otherwise, buy any AAA battery to replace the one that came with it.

when it says download updated version, ignore. Better yet don't use RCA software at all. Use your windows media player(version 10 or better). Click on file wanted to start media player. Then click on "now playing" and display item or all chapters if audio book is being played. Plug in RCA and drag item(s) to working area of Media Player. Hit sync. and finito!

When you download your Audible audiobook, it should also download a program called AudibleManager. While in AudibleManager, play your audiobook. When you do so, it should ask you to log in using your Audible name and password. After you do this (you don't have to listen to the whole thing), you should be able to upload it to your device with no license problems.

Solved the problem...returned the player to Walmart and chose a different brand. Spent too many hours with tech support and online...decided it was probably a defective MP3 player. Thanks for checking!

The DRM license on those songs was fixed term - renew the subscription to your music svc to get them to work again.

Make sure the songs are in the correct format. Make sure the songs are not AAC, WAV, streaming, or some other non-supported format
Mp3 players are more complicated than ever. This player may only accept DRM-encrypted WMA files. I would first check the songs that you have downloaded to make sure they did not have "temporary" licenses with a fixed end date. You can do this by right clicking on an individual song, clicking on properties, and selecting the "license," "digital rights mgmt" or "media usage rights" tab - the wording varies by configuration. It will give you info on the license. If the song says that it has no license, it will not work with this player. One remedy is to use mp3 converter software to convert all of those wma files to Mp3's - I don't know of any free ones, but you can certainly look for free Mp3 Converters. Another remedy on unlicensed songs is to hit the "acquire license" link in the license tab, if one exists.
-Tha Mp3 Doctor