I turn on the player and it has been stuck on generating database for at least an hour

reset it by inserting a pin at the side of the device, in a small hole provided.

Some songs or files with extension device can't read, so it takes so long/infinity to refresh. Plug the device to pc, format it.
Good luck

If you try to load too many songs onto the player initially, it may take up to an hour to get past Refresh database. Unfortunately, if you shut the player off while it is refreshing, it will more than likely ruin your player. Run the Sansa Recovery Tool or Update the Firmware on your Player as a workaround. Make sure the hold/lock switch isn't activated, just as a safeguard.

-Tha Mp3 Doctor

yOU HAVE TO ****

Remove the battery.. and put it back in thats all.. update the firmware to prevent the problem from reccurring

Simply reset the Sansa e250 by holding the power button down for 10-15 seconds.

Dude, c'mon - you have a Linux based system - did you really think it was going to work? Just playing with you. I would check the Linux forums on this one - if you're smart enough to use Linux, then you're smart enough to grab software info from Sandisk's website/cust svc line and pass it to your Linux buddies to hack.

I have done this. my iriver is almost full i have the 20gb, when the you do the database refresh, it just takes a really long time. mine takes about 2 hours to finish, once you see the clock on database refresh you cant do anything but wait till its finished.

try taking out the battery then put it back in then turn it on. that should do it.

Try the format command from windows media player when connected in MTP mode. It would clean up all music files and refresh the database. One other thing you sould know. when it your player freezes as it can happen sometimes, keep your finder pressed on the menu button for 15 second as it will force the player to turn off. If you need the manual you can get it from sandisk site in pdf format. Good luck. Mo