My RCA model M4208GR-B mp3/video player is stuck on a screen that reads, "initializing...". It locked up when transfering some MP3's. I reset it and the it is stuck on initializing...".

hey just turn off then back on if it still dont work plug it into the computer if still then call technical support have a great day

Manual for RCA Opal M4208GR:
http://www.voxxsupport.com/images/manuals/M4208GR/media/M4208GR_DOC_OM.pdf

This player has default setup MSC mode, seeing the player as a flash drive also called a removable disk.
MSC = Mass Storage Class
When seeing the player as a removable disk in Windows Explorer:
Drag and drop the song, with mp3 or wma format, into the Music folder on the player.
Note: some wma files may have DRM = Digital Rights Management. These files might be copied or transferred onto the player but cannot be started for playback.
Important: in MSC mode always safely remove hardware, the players' removable disk, at the bottom right corner of the task bar.

Transfers to the player can also be done with software like Windows Media Player 11, RCA easyRip or other software from music stores.
This can be done in MTP mode. MTP = Media Transfer Protocol.
How to switch to MTP mode, seeing the player as Media device:
In the players Menu go to Settings. Go to Protocol. Select MTP mode / switch from MSC mode to MTP mode.

Try this:
http://voxrightnow.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2200

try formatting it do so plug it and open my computer.go to the drive of the mp3 and right click it.in the sub menu click format(to foramt it you have to be administrator)(also be sure backup all of your music,videos,pictures,and anything that you want to save.) another thing is that the battery could be going bad.mp3 do weird things when the battery goes bad. if you got any more questions feel free to email me at [email protected]

My model M4208 RCA MP3 player will not charge. If it is the battery, how do I change it and where can I get one

I did the same thing and reformatted mine too! If you go to www.rcaaudiovideo.com and put in your model number M4208GR and click on the update for the firmware update again then it will put everything back on the MP3 player. I know it sounds nuts but it worked for me and it wont do anymore harm then you have already done ;) Give it a try. Hope it works for you like it did me!

Plug your RCA M4208GR-B MP3 player into your computer with the USB cord. After the computer recognizes it.
STEP 1 click start
STEP 2 click MY COMPUTER
STEP 3 Right click the associated drive letter (i.e. OPAL) to show the option menu.
STEP 4 click "install RCA easy rip"

I had the same problem too. I was about to give up and throw this RCA player away but I it is only 5 weeks old, I got it for christmas and would feel terrible letting it go because of this stupid problem. I noticed soo many other people had this same problem, and since I spend over an hour and got it fixed, I had to share my solution and hopefully help others. I must have tried bwelliver's solution 10 to 20 times before I finally figured out the pattern to doing it. Unfortunately, i should have gone down and noticed what clklause has recommended, which was to ensure that the power is turned off before plugging in the RCA mp3 player.
All I did was download the firmware from the link that bwelliver linked to, unplugged and turned off my RCA M4208GR-8 player, then 1) I ran the firmware software 2) held down the Play(center button) on the RCA mp3 player that the power is still TURNED OFF, and 3) plugged in the player to the USB plug right after starting the firmware program. I watched the firmware program on the screen and noticed it would go from "searching" to "initializing" and I immediately released the Play(center button) on the RCA player and sure enough, the RCA player would begin initializing, and I was able to click Start on the Firmware program from the PC.

Hope this helps

Go to "http://voxrightnow.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/voxrightnow.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=2559"
To update the firmware of the M42xx mp3 player click hereand download the firmware. start the firmware and when it is runninplug the M42xx in at the same time holding down the PLAY BUTTON(center) until a white screen with a small computerwith a line going to your M42xx is displayed and then release the PLAYbutton. You can then click on start and the firmware update willcomplete,,, DO NOT DISCONNECT DURING THIS UPDATE... it may take 2 timesto complete this but it will work.... YEA!!!! WORKS with 2, 4 or 8 GBModels.....

I Tried the above...initially it didn't work, but then i tried it 2 or 3 times, and tried by connecting it while the "initializing", and then tried it after turning it off and then suddenly it came to life...just try some stuff it just might work...i.e after u download the firmware. Credit goes to the guy posted the original thing.

This would be your firmware going bad.
Hook mp3 player to your usb device of your pc.
Go to the RCA website. download the firmware.
http://www.rcaaudiovideo.com/product.aspx?product=408
Keep it plug into usb device of pc.
Install the newly downloaded firmware you just downloaded.