dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/hda3 bs=512 count=1

Get it to ignore the current state:

/empeg/bin/player -i

First you need to have the developer edition of the player software installed - if you don't, go fetch the propoer .upgrade file and apply it.

Then connect to the player through the serial terminal using a program like Hyperterminal, communications parameters are 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, no flow control, 115200bps. When you create the new connection, tell it to Connect using: [direct to your_com_port], then set up the parameters...

With Hyperterminal up and connected, boot the player and press 'q' when prompted (might have to repeat a few times). When you get the command prompt from the player (see attached pic) enter the command

dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/hda3 bs=512 count=1 

and press enter. It's vital to get this correct (so cut and paste is a good idea) as it will write 512 bytes of 0's to the start of the 3rd partition - you don't want it to write more or elsewhere...

Then enter the second command

/empeg/bin/player -i 

to restart the player without it checking for stored state.

Then reboot player and see if it works OK.

HTH,

/Michael


Edit: Oh well, maybe someone else will find it useful. Glad you got it working!