Screen stuck with message, System Initializing Please Wait.

The manual only casually mentions batteries being an option. In my case, I had to add the step (not specified in the manual) of removing the batteries after unplugging before it would even attempt to initialize. From there, I followed the manual: wait 15 minutes, then plug back in. It now gets stuck at the initializing screen, which is progress, since it was completely locked up before. But, still it does not work.

Try formatting the SD card in another device then try again.

Corrupted firmware. A firmware update is necessary. Contact the authorized service centre for Sony. If you wish to get some details; check the site linked here. Pull up older posts. Surf the site with patience. http://electronicshelponline.blogspot.com/

What it shows on screen after system initializing? It goes black or?
do you have a manual for it? I think it has a "like computer" options that allows you to click on the start prompting you to an internal menu. Can you try to find this?
let me know,
by Cris,The best on FixYa

wait until it is finished

This is for the H10 20GB:

1. Download the latest firmware from the iriver website
2. Drain the battery
3. Connect the player to your computer. Your player should be off and not connected to power yet.
4. Connect to power.
5. Press the O button(right button below screen) and hold it down.Press the power button at the same time. This will power the player on in emergency connection mode.

(Please note: this is the only way to power on the player in this mode without getting stuck in the 'system initializing.please wait' screen).

6. Format the player as you would any drive on your computer - right click on the player icon in My Computer and click on Format.
7. Unzip the firmware you downloaded from the iriver website.Follow the instructions (including steps 1 - 5 detailed above) to install the fimware.

You may get an error message and a prompt asking where you bought the player. Chose whatever area/region you want - doesn't make much of a difference to be honest.

Try Here:

http://iriverinc.com/support/hd/

If that doesn't work check out the forum at:
http://www.misticriver.net/forums/h-10-h-20-series/

same problem with mine...i tried to use rockbock firmware...it works but you have to be patient...you have to reset it time and time again before it works....it still works anyways rather than the iriver firmware...

Check out solution 4 here:

http://www.fixya.com/support/t131894-format_sansa_e250

Several people have said that it didn't work for them but it has worked 100% for me. I've bought about 10 problem Sansas from Ebay and fixed them all at (least 6) with this problem.

try the initializing and use the latest Sonic Stage to sync