Memory Stick fix?

[ISoGrumpy]

I read in one of the posts a reference about a memory stick fix. I am having problems with mine not seeing the MS unless I reseat it several times. Anyone else have this problem?

[pigburger]

Just about everyone, do a quick search for the paper fix and you will find the home fix for it.

[Spiral]

I actually never ever had this problem, guess i got lucky

[acraniotes]

While I agree that performing a search would definitely answer most of your questions, I must ask: Have you tried downloading all the NR software patches from Sony's website ( http://www.ita.sel.sony.com/support/clie/nr70_70v/softupdates/ )?

I used to have a really bad MS problem with my NR. Honestly, it got so bad that I actually went back to the dark side for a stretch and started using my HP568 as my primary PDA again, just so I could listen to mp3s and watch videos. I couldn't send my NR back to Sony for warrantied repairs since I lost the receipt (apparently, registering the damn thing after I bought it wasn't convincing enough for them), and I was leery of opening it up and trying the "paper" trick.

Then, lo and behold, Sony releases a number of patches, one of which was designed to address a problem with accessing audio from the MemStick. Now, it was my understanding that the MS problem was a hardware-based glitch, so I wasn't expecting much, but to my surprise, after installing it, everything went back to normal.

I have since been using my NR for the past several months with nary a problem. My stick is packed with music, books, videos, and pictures - all of which I access on a daily basis. I back up to it every morning, pop it in and out when I'm nervous (I like the "clicking" sound), and use my keyboard regularly (some have speculated that using the keyboard extensively loosens the contact points).

Naturally, YMMV, but it's worth a shot before performing surgery. Of course, if you're still under warranty, have your receipt, and don't mind being parted from your device for a couple of weeks, just send it back to Sony. Problem solved.

-Adam

[pigburger]

Sorry, my response was short to be concise and not to be curt. I didn't want to come across as "do a damn search ya newbie!" because I know what it's like to be a newbie and not know how to access the wealth of information here. If you type in "paper fix", you will find a handy DIY way to solve the problem. I couldn't stand to be without my precious for 2 weeks so I braved the 7 screws to fix it. The software patches never really did anything for me. Mine was definitely hardware related.

[Kateri]

>Of course, if you're still under warranty, have your receipt, and >don't mind being parted from your device for a couple of weeks, >just send it back to Sony. Problem solved.

I (finally) called Sony on 2/11/03; MS problem was getting worse. Received box on 12/13/03 (FedEx priority overnight). Sent Sony and requested accessories back to them on same day (last Thursday) using overnight return FedEx label provided by them. Received my Sony-baby back today, Thursday 2/20/03.

Process does not take two weeks.

Since DC has been snowed-in since last Saturday and today was my first day "out", I barely missed it.

Very happy camper,
Kateri

[pigburger]

Nice, Thins must be slowing up at the Sony repair center. I've sent a Clie back to them on 4 occassions, in order it took 40 hours, 2 weeks, 12 days and then 3 weeks. I've been blown away by Sony service, and infuriated, it really is a crap shot on what you get.

[Kateri]

You sent the same one back FOUR times!!!??? What was/is wrong with it?

Kateri

[pigburger]

I sent my S300 back once, it had dead lines in the screen, that's the one that took 40 hours, sent it out 5pm on Thursday, got it back at 9AM on Saturday. My T415 was sent back 3 times, mostly for a loose digitizer. I bought it when it first came out, paid $245 for it and was a little miffed about the price dropping shortly after I bought it and the tapping sound the screen made. Every time I tapped the drop down menu area I could feel the give and it drove me insane. No matter what they did (or how long they kept it) it always came back. Sony has a policy where if you send something back 3 times for the same thing, they will send you a replacement unit. After I sent it back the 3rd time, they eventually sent me my NR70.

I felt much better after that. I should have probably sent back my NR once for the MS issue, but I decided since the home fix was easy enough, why not. I got the loose hinge too, but after taking it apart for the MS fix, that was easy too. 7 screws, no waiting.

[Kateri]

My hinge was fine IMO before I sent the NR to Sony (just a little looser than when first purchased). It is noticeably tighter and more stable now. The cover seems to have been tightened also.

BTW, I did not do a hard reset before packing the unit because, based on the instructions I assumed that they had a reset it I was rushing out; did a backup and packed it). It arrived back exactly as I sent it. Do not have to restore any apps. Glad that I password protect my SplashID <g>.

Kateri

[SilliSquid]

I had the infmaous memory stick problems with my NR-70. It was so bad that I had to sometimes squeeze the clie while I put the memory stick in to get it to read. Anyway, I read the above post about Sony updates. I was skeptical as well (how could a software update fix a hardware problem).

But, after patching a few days ago, I have had absolutely NO problems with my memory stick so far. It may be premature to say it works, but things are great for me! Give it a shot before opening your clie or sending it in. :cool:

[ISoGrumpy]

I performed the paper fix and it worked perfectly. No one should be afraid to do this as it is very simple. The hardest part for me was finding a small enough screw driver to take out the itty bitty screws. While I had it apart I tightened the spring that holds the stylus. You can remove the screws that hold the plastic guide for the stylus and then remove the spring clip and twist it slightly to apply more pressure to the stylus. This also worked perfectly! I also applied a little silicon grease to the metal hinge on each side because mine had been kinda squeaky lately. I would not use anything but a silicon based grease as this will tend to stay put and not get on other surfaces.

I have had very good luck with these fixes and after looking at the new NZ I have to say that I am very disappointed in the size of the thing (both physical and price). I might want the NX at some point though.

I want to thank everyone for their help!

[holmesness]

well, after trying EVERYTHING including the software patches I finally got up the courage to try the paper fix.

SIMPLE. CAKE. E - Z.

Open case, cut paper, fold paper, tape paper, close case. Fixed.

I'm only mad at myself for waiting so long (7 months now I've been fighting with my Clie). What can I say I'm a weenie. Now my clie and I can be friends again; I can wait patiently to upgrade.

My opinion: anyone who thinks software will fix a problem that is corrected by putting more pressure on the contacts is delusional.

[pigburger]

my only question is, did you remember to cut out a hole for the reset pin? You don't notice it until you need it, I was luckily home with screwdrivers readily available when mine locked. when I went to reset it, the paper blocked the hole and I felt royally stupid. Please learn from my mistakes...

[holmesness]

yep read your post in an older thread ahead of time - thanks for the excellent tip or i for sure would have done the same thing.

just remembered - now i can make a backup without squeezing the bejeezus out of my clie for 5 minutes and still end up with it incomplete.

[acraniotes]

holmesness, I'm assuming that one of the "delusional" individuals you were referring to was me. Trust me, I was quite surprised to find that after installing the patch my MS gremlins (which were quite severe) vanished into the ether.

Perhaps, if left to time, the contacts re-seat themselves (doubtful), in which case it was purely coincidental that my mem stick began working again after I downloaded the update. Who knows? What I do know is that sticks now work fine in my NR, without any surgery, paper, or torx screwdrivers.

Of course, this could all be in my head...

-Adam

[holmesness]

To me it was obvious my MS problem was a contact issue: if I squeezed my NR70 at the C the MS would read and as soon as I let go it stopped. It's certainly possible the software fixed a different problem, but it's clear to me no software can squeeze my MS into place.

didn't mean to offend anyone, just got frustrated with sony (before they acknowledged the problem). i do agree that it's certainly worth a trial of the software upgrade, but as I expected it didn't change a thing for me.

[acraniotes]

holmsness, no offence taken. I meant it when I said I was as surprised as anyone when the upgrade seemed to "fix" my NR. I kept waiting for the problem to return, but after a month or so of working, I just moved on and excepted my fully functioning NR70V as is, without asking any further questions.

One of the reasons I was so surprised, though, was that my memory stick problem could be temporarily corrected by squeezing my NR at precisely the same spot you indicated in your post. To me, this was proof positive that my problem was, in fact, hardware related. I still suspect this to be the case, but as I have performed no elective surgery on my NR, I have to believe that the upgrade somehow corrected the issue.

-Adam

PS - I purchased my NR from Dell as soon as they became available, so it was definitely one of the "affected" units.

[ISoGrumpy]

After I did the paper fix I bought one of the newer Lexar 128M memory sticks with the translucent cover. Wellllllll it must be a little thicker than the others because I can hardly get it in and out.

Wouldn't ya know?

[nomis_nehc]

any link to the updates? it no longer works and freaking sony just revamped their site, i can't find jack on it... I am so pissed... I have actually left my clie sitting there for months because of the mem stick issue.

[zzarg]

my 4year old dropped my NR70V the other day. MEmory stick came flying out and is now hard to get back into the socket, but.... works 100% when in there.
sadly, getting lots of memory errors so, so writing this on my ux50 !
she now uses the NR for CliePAint !

[acraniotes]

nomis_nehc, I just found what I believe is the MS update in an old "Patches" folder relating to my retired, yet still fully functioning NR70V. If you want it, send me an email at craniotes@aol.com and I'll hook you up. I can't guarantee that it will work for you as well as it seemed to have worked for me, but it's worth a shot.

- Adam

[jkiehner]

I've tried the update from sony's website, no luck. So I thought "How about tape" put 4 pieces of tape on the front of the MS close to the end, and it works perfectly....for those that don't want to open the device up, try 2-4 pices of scotch tape on the front of the MS, close to the contact end to help press it to the contacts. (Just thought I'd add my .02