Having trouble getting my Rio Forge to work

In this case, it turned out there was an m3u file on both the memory card as well as in the internal memory with the same filename. I deleted the duplicate file on the memory card and it booted up fine. I assume I could have renamed it instead of deleted it and still had it work.

not sure but when i plug in mine, it also shows another USB drive labeled as if it also were linked to the Rio player when it is most certainly not. ...maybe a manufacture or firmware error?

I had exactly same trouble - at least twice..
One time a battery switch and drain for at least 10 min fixed it.
another time I reinstalled firmware...

No big deal..

When this happens to me (it does every few months), I re-flash the software following the instructions that come with it. Then the annoying "upgrader" message goes away for another few month. I use version 1.33 in my 512 forge.

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

The solution is on that page, look for "michelle" and do exactly what she posted. Worked for me and I ahd the same problem!

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!

I had the same problem. I took it apart and found a plastic piece broken off. I think I'm hosed!

Nick try taking it to your local electronic repair shop. They maybe able to repair it for you at a price substantially below what a new one might cost.

This happened to my player also. To fix it, you have to go to the rio website and download the most recent firmware for whatever model mp3 player you have. I went to: http://www.digitalnetworksna.com/support/rio/product.asp?model=265&SKU=90260558) Next install. Plug in your player to your USB to your computer - BUT (and here's the important part) you need to hold down the menu key while plugging it in. Keep holding until it powers up AND the word "UPGRADER" shows on the screen. Now, run the firmware upgrade program and follow the directions and it will see your player and upgrade the firmware (yes, even if it's the same firmware version.) You'll have to run the .exe file to get the upgrades onto your player. Unplug the player and it should be like new!

Sorry for reverting to the basics, but have you tried taking the batteries out of it? That should revert it to its basic configuration.