"full" message I downloaded all the files to my computer.  When I tried to record again, my Olympus WS-100 gives me a "full" message.  I checked and there are no files left in the recorder.  Any help?

try scanning it for viruses and errors. you can also try to format the device

I had the same problem on a WS 311 and this worked for me as well, thanks so much!

The recorder should be formatted only by using the internal FORMAT function found in the recorder's Menu. Using a computer to format the recorder may corrupt or delete system files needed to run the recorder, so formatting via the computer is not recommended.
Individual files can be deleted from the recorder while it is connected to a computer without negative effects.

I wrote this for the Olympus VN-3100PC although it may work with this device as well.

Try this:

This problem can typically be solved by unplugging the device from your computer's USB port and plugging it in to another USB port on the same computer.

Also be sure you have Olympus Digital Wave Player installed and open with your Transfer Options set to Auto Transfer. To do this, follow the steps below:

Open Digital Wave Player > select Transfer from the menu > select Transfer Options > under Auto Transfer, check the box which reads "Transfer all audio files after detecting Recorder."

Refer to your Owner's manual to re-format your recorder. Sometimes, recorder memory can become corrupted just as with any electronic memory media.

The recorded file comes up as a text document on my computer instead of a recording?  Do I need to download some sort of program on my computer? 

the dat files were removed off the recorder. put them back on and it should work fine. also try to format the recorder through the menu and not the computer

have you checked if the hold button is on? i had that same problem and after taking it off hold, everything was ok.

you can not do this with the Olympus ws-100, you need a dictation machine that has the editing function which allows you to easily insert, overwrite, partially erase files and continue on the same file, most of the digital dictation units have NEW FILE BUTTON , you will stay recording on the same file till you press new.
Look at Olympus DS-2300. Olympus DS-33300 or ds-4000.

when you copy the files to your computer the files are still in the ws-100, you have to erase them in the ws-100 buttons after that.