Organizing Files and Folders for Easier Scanning

the scan is just a program reading the files and folders either in the computer or storage device
normally it is done by the security program ( windows fire wall) or what ever program you have installed
it reports on any problems found and waits for your decision
if you run a system check, that is different as it will rectify any program faults as it goes not files or folders
it is always advisable to scan usb sticks when installing as that is a favourite way that hackers get into a computer
although the usb stick may be in your control all the time , downloads from your own computer can transfer a problem via usb stick
As for your concern---scanning will not change any files or folders but will report on any faults to you

You should have your Sansa player set to MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) when you are using it with any of the supported subscription (ie) iTunes, or Rhapsody music services. The main purpose of MTP is to transfer media files and associated metadata to/from devices, with optional additional support for reading and setting of device parameters such as special DRM-related device parameters for restricted content. Otherwise, you should set it to MSC (Mass Storage Class), which is the normal USB mode for storage devices like thumb drives, and camara SD memory cards.
See this tip posted here Tips on MP3 connection problems..
MTP stands for Media Transfer Protocol. It is a Microsoft standard and is Microsoft's solution to connecting MP3 players and cameras to a w*ndow based Computer. MTP mode must be used in order to transfer ANY Digital Rights Management (DRM) protected content. MP3's downloaded form services like Rhapsody and Napster will only function in this MTP mode. Things to do if you are getting not enough space mesage.
1. Turn device OFF. 2. Facing the hold switch slide it to the right so an orange color would show putting the device on Hold. 3. Connect the device to the PC.


If you added songs to the device in MSC mode, then you switched to MTP mode, you will not be able to see the songs added in MSC mode and vice versa, though the space used on the player will still reflect their presence. Switching modes should make the files show up. For example, switching back to MSC or MTP mode.
For older players - e200v1, c200v1, c100, m200 - the files become hidden files if the modes are switched. An easy workaround is to edit the folder options to show hidden files.
STEP 1 - Edit the folder options of the computer to show the hidden files
Windows XP: 1. Double-click My Computer. 2. Under the Tools menu, select Folder options, then click the View tab. 3. Under Hidden files and folders option, select Show hidden files and folders. 4. Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) check box. 5. Click Apply, then click OK.
Windows Vista: 1. Double-click Computer. 2. Click the Organize button on the upper left corner. 3. Click Folder and search options. 4. Click the View tab and select Show hidden files and folders. 5. Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files check box. 6. Click Apply, then click OK.

SOLUTION 2 - Perform a Check Disk.
STEP 1 - Switch to MSC mode 1. On your Sansa player, switch the USB mode to MSC. 2. Connect the Sansa player to the PC.
STEP 2 - Perform Check Disk 1. Locate the Sansa player under My Computer. 2. Right-click the removable drive associated with the Sansa player, and select Properties. 3. Click the Tools tab, and then click Check now. 4. Click to select the Automatically fix the file system errors and Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors check boxes. 5. Click Start.

SOLUTION 3 - Format the player in MSC mode or MTP mode.

If you added songs to the device in MSC mode, then switch to MTP mode, you will not be able to see the songs added in MSC mode and vice versa, though the space used on the player will still reflect their presence. Switching modes should make the files show up. For example, switching from MSC to MTP mode or vice versa.

For older players - e200v1, c200v1, c100, m200 - the files become hidden files if the modes are switched. An easy workaround is to edit the folder options to show hidden files.

STEP 1 - Edit the folder options of the computer to show the hidden files

Windows XP:
1. Double-click My Computer.
2. Under the Tools menu, select Folder options, then click the View tab.
3. Under Hidden files and folders option, select Show hidden files and folders.
4. Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) check box.
5. Click Apply, then click OK.

Windows Vista:
1. Double-click Computer.
2. Click the Organize button on the upper left corner.
3. Click Folder and search options.
4. Click the View tab and select Show hidden files and folders.
5. Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files check box.
6. Click Apply, then click OK.


SOLUTION 2 - Perform a Check Disk.

STEP 1 - Switch to MSC mode
1. On your Sansa player, switch the USB mode to MSC.
2. Connect the Sansa player to the PC.

STEP 2 - Perform Check Disk
1. Locate the Sansa player under My Computer.
2. Right-click the removable drive associated with the Sansa player, and select Properties.
3. Click the Tools tab, and then click Check now.
4. Click to select the Automatically fix the file system errors and Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors check boxes.
5. Click Start.

See also this tip on what it all means http://www.fixya.com/support/r3774047-solve_mp3_player_connection_problem

Your player appears as a USB mass storage device in the My Computer window. You can organize files and transfer music to your player while connected via USB connection.


1.     Click and highlight one or more songs to transfer between your player and your computer


2.     Use drag and drop actions to transfer music files and folders to your player


3.     Organize your music in folders. Your player will play your music folder by folder so that you can organize your music by artists and albums. You can drag and drop entire folders to your player. Your player will play the music files that are not inside folders first followed by the music files inside folders