Ubuntu Tutorials

I came across a short how-to on the Ubuntu Forums today that I wanted to pass along. I don’t take credit for coming up with these steps. The credit belongs to user dragos240 of the Ubuntu Forums. I figure there have got to be a few of you that are interested in trying this out, or passing it along as well, so here it is.

Step 1: Disclaimer

Before you start following these steps be aware of the potential consequences. As outlined in the Ubuntu Forums tutorial:

DOING THIS WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY AND HAS A POSSIBILITY TO PERMENENTLY BRICKING YOUR SANSA FUZE.

It may also be prudent to read through the entire thread at the Ubuntu Forums before you get started. This way you can avoid any surprises.

Step 2: Download

The author has put together a single archive with everything needed to update your Sansa Fuze to run Rockbox. This archive is available for download here. There is not a published MD5 on the Ubuntu Forums post, but this is what I got:

MD5 (Rockbox.tar) = 6a4fc70b13c00e5f35926125a64effe9

Step 3: Connect Sansa Fuze

The next step is to connect your Sansa Fuze via USB and make sure the mode is set to “MSC”.

Step 4: Copy the Archive

At this point you should be ready to copy the contents of the previously downloaded archive onto the root of your device. Make sure you get everything copied. You can press ctrl-h within Nautilus to view any hidden files, just to make sure.

Step 5: Unplug, Shut Off

Once everything is copied and you safely eject the device (right-click, eject), unplug it from the USB connection and turn it off. Give it a few seconds and then turn it back on again. This is the point where you cross your fingers, offer up any sacrifices and otherwise pray to whatever gods you believe in that everything worked.

Step 6: Enjoy Rockbox

If all went according to plan (and the Gods smiled upon you!) you should have Rockbox up and running when you turn the device back on. You’ll end up with a lot more features than you find in the default Sansa Fuze interface and, the best part, its good ‘ol Free Software.

I surely hope you don’t run into any problems, but if you do I would advise you to stop by the Ubuntu Forums and ask for help in the thread. It is only three days old at the time of this writing  so it should still be pretty active. If you have anything to add or, more importantly, clear pictures of the finished product please share them here!