Mark, actually I've been looking for some disk initializer for iPod, to no avail. I'd definitely try that. Also, do you know for sure the firmware is actually on the HDD?

I've also been trying to look for a US firmware somewhere, so far without success.

Post 81 is interesting. Before trying it, though, I wanted to make sure I can revert the change if something gets messed up. I am still reading...