Sony Reader Troubleshooting Guide

grooks · 01-13-2010, 03:55 PM

[moderator note - the information can be found in the MobileRead wiki here also in a sticky in the Sony forum here. The new wiki page name is "Sony Reader Start-Up and Reset Guide"]

Since Christmas, there has been a lot of new members joining the forums with a shiny new Sony 300, 600 and/or 900. I've noticed a lot of posts relating to problems with:

Installing the Sony Reader software
Installing Adobe Digital Editions
Authorizing their Reader to the Sony software
Authorizing their Reader to ADE
Resetting the device (hard or soft)
Borrowing library books
Ebook retailers that sell ePub, PDF and/or LRF
USB device not recognized (see post #3, thanks omk3)

There are so many posts that a newcomer to the forums could get lost just trying to sift through the information contained in multiple posts/threads.

My idea is to create a Sony Reader Troubleshooting Guide that would provide step by step instructions for all of the items listed above and any others people can think of. Most of the information will be gleamed from information already in the MR forums but just organized in one place (hopefully in the MR Wiki).

While I do not have the answers as to how to perform all these functions, I think as a community we should be able to gather a one-stop guide as to what a new owner of a Sony Reader will need to do to begin reading ebooks on their device. If they run into problems during installation, hopefully the quide will help them troubleshoot the problem and get it fixed.

Please post with comments/suggestions as to how you think this should best be accomplished. Also, if you have experience with a particular troublesome install please post as the more detailed we can get the better. Personally, I don't want to be the only person gathering this information but will help with as much as I can and any member wanting to provide assistance to the cause it will be greatly appreciated.

daffy4u · 01-13-2010, 03:58 PM

I say do it (and I have suggested it before)! That's what the Visual Kindle Guide is all about.

omk3 · 01-13-2010, 04:06 PM

Good idea!

A problem that comes up a lot is the "usb device not recognized" one, where you can't access the reader on the computer. A simple soft reset solves the problem. People keep asking about that all the time.

Another problem with the prs-600 that stumps a few people: Sometimes it freezes. Not often, but when it does, again you will be fine with a reset. Only after resetting you also have to push the power button to restart the reader and renew the screen, otherwise it still seems frozen, because the screen hasn't changed.

If we all chime in with little problems we've managed to solve, I think we can make a good and helpful guide.

grooks · 01-13-2010, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daffy4u

I say do it (and I have suggested it before)! That's what the Visual Kindle Guide is all about.

The Visual Kindle Guide is what initially gave me the idea for this project.

Quote:

Originally Posted by omk3

A problem that comes up a lot is the "usb device not recognized" one, where you can't access the reader on the computer. A simple soft reset solves the problem. People keep asking about that all the time.

Another problem with the prs-600 that stumps a few people: Sometimes it freezes. Not often, but when it does, again you will be fine with a reset. Only after resetting you also have to push the power button to restart the reader and renew the screen, otherwise it still seems frozen, because the screen hasn't changed

I will add the "usb device not recognized" to my original post so we can keep an initial list all in one place.

Lilly · 01-13-2010, 04:28 PM

I'll contribute. I've actually started one myself and have been looking on this board for more things to add to it. I'll send you what I have.

grooks · 01-13-2010, 04:36 PM

Lilly, whatever guide that results from this project should also be posted on the forums you created.

Lilly · 01-13-2010, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grooks

Lilly, whatever guide that results from this project should also be posted on the forums you created.

Thanks. I sent you what I compiled so far via PM and I'll send you the rest later. Feel free to change it.

dreams · 01-13-2010, 04:43 PM

Great idea, grooks.

How about mentioning using a PSP charger and doing a FULL mains charge before trying anything else. Red light on when charging. Usually takes at least 4 hours some people have left it plugged in overnight to fix a problem.

Explain:
* what ADE is and about it being a separate program than the Reader Library. (Adobe ID given)
* .asm files
* the order to install ADE and Reader Library on clean install
* what to do after you have Reader Library but not ADE installed?

omk3 · 01-13-2010, 04:50 PM

Some people also asked why there is no cd with their reader and where the sony software is. Of course most have no time to wonder, once you plug in the reader it installs itself, buy it still may be a good idea pointing out that the software (and the manual) are on the reader itself (for the prs-600 at least)

Another popular question is how to stop the software opening every time you plug in your reader.

And maybe a "how to get books on your reader" guide. Using sony software, using calibre, using ADE, dragging and dropping....

Treven · 01-13-2010, 05:34 PM

When I first bought my 505, there was a CD that came with the reader. That was version 2.5 and it worked fine. When I bought my 700, I don't think it had a CD, but still v2.5 worked fine; I never had any problems other than battery issues.
Now that Sony bumped up to v3.0 and 3.5, I've NEVER gotten it to work.

spideog · 01-13-2010, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by omk3

Another popular question is how to stop the software opening every time you plug in your reader.

I remembered seeing that fix recently as well. Here is the link to the fix for it:

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67814

Pangolin · 01-14-2010, 01:22 PM

Guys I'm so grateful. I'l be one of the people you'll be helping. Bought the 600 last week, will pick it up in three.

I'm checking out what needs to be done to try and pre empt probs, since I'm useless at resolving tech glitches and would pref just not to have to.

So, what I am perplexed about is the software.... this is what I'm hearing, don't use Sony reader software.... hell its not so bad...... you need updates...... you don't really need updates..... use calibre...... don't use calibre and sony software at same time..... how do you disable the software?... is autorun the same default ebook software....if the software is running autmotically it will by default open the ebooks, no? you can disactivate that by... jargon jargon (i'll check out the link in spideog's post, thanks for that). use ADE to strip drm (what does ''strip" mean, is that the same as opening a bought book in ADE, does that strip the drm?), and now, the latest, ADE doesn't work on a Mac when using the Sony reader? Just when I was set to use ADE and calibre. And registering? if Mac doesn't work with ADE then I will need to use sony reader software after all.

And so it goes...

Could I ask for two things, Mac and PC advice and that it is written really, really transparently?

Then it would just be beyond fab. I'd hit a paypal button for that with great pleasure. And thanks for getting together to think it over.

Pan

omk3 · 01-14-2010, 01:28 PM

Pangolin, you are really confused, my friend

I suspect (and hope) that everything will look much simpler when you actually have your device in your hands! Right now you are overloaded with information you have still no practical use for...

You are right though, the guide would need to address any mac- or windows-specific issues too.

K8Ereader · 01-14-2010, 01:58 PM

A dedicated one-stop sounds good to me, but I've found very useful info here already!
Thanks for helping us Newbies!

Dusty · 01-14-2010, 02:19 PM

I've had my PRS-300 for three weeks, read a few books. LOVE IT!
This morning I decided to download from my Public Library.
What a nightmare, took me almost two hours to read everything on Adobe and Sony site to figure it all out. I had to come here to see why it would not let me disconnect.
All is well and working.

YES!!
A noob guide is needed.
Thank you.

01-13-2010, 03:55 PM	#1
grooks Wizard Posts: 1,326 Karma: 30250 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Fort Myers, FL Device: Pocketbook Era, Kobo Forma	Sony Reader Troubleshooting Guide [moderator note - the information can be found in the MobileRead wiki here also in a sticky in the Sony forum here. The new wiki page name is "Sony Reader Start-Up and Reset Guide"] Since Christmas, there has been a lot of new members joining the forums with a shiny new Sony 300, 600 and/or 900. I've noticed a lot of posts relating to problems with: Installing the Sony Reader software Installing Adobe Digital Editions Authorizing their Reader to the Sony software Authorizing their Reader to ADE Resetting the device (hard or soft) Borrowing library books Ebook retailers that sell ePub, PDF and/or LRF USB device not recognized (see post #3, thanks omk3) There are so many posts that a newcomer to the forums could get lost just trying to sift through the information contained in multiple posts/threads. My idea is to create a Sony Reader Troubleshooting Guide that would provide step by step instructions for all of the items listed above and any others people can think of. Most of the information will be gleamed from information already in the MR forums but just organized in one place (hopefully in the MR Wiki). While I do not have the answers as to how to perform all these functions, I think as a community we should be able to gather a one-stop guide as to what a new owner of a Sony Reader will need to do to begin reading ebooks on their device. If they run into problems during installation, hopefully the quide will help them troubleshoot the problem and get it fixed. Please post with comments/suggestions as to how you think this should best be accomplished. Also, if you have experience with a particular troublesome install please post as the more detailed we can get the better. Personally, I don't want to be the only person gathering this information but will help with as much as I can and any member wanting to provide assistance to the cause it will be greatly appreciated. Last edited by dreams; 12-27-2010 at 02:54 AM. Reason: add mod note

01-14-2010, 01:22 PM	#12
Pangolin Pangolin Posts: 204 Karma: 1243880 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Brussels, Belgium Device: PW 2	Guys I'm so grateful. I'l be one of the people you'll be helping. Bought the 600 last week, will pick it up in three. I'm checking out what needs to be done to try and pre empt probs, since I'm useless at resolving tech glitches and would pref just not to have to. So, what I am perplexed about is the software.... this is what I'm hearing, don't use Sony reader software.... hell its not so bad...... you need updates...... you don't really need updates..... use calibre...... don't use calibre and sony software at same time..... how do you disable the software?... is autorun the same default ebook software....if the software is running autmotically it will by default open the ebooks, no? you can disactivate that by... jargon jargon (i'll check out the link in spideog's post, thanks for that). use ADE to strip drm (what does ''strip" mean, is that the same as opening a bought book in ADE, does that strip the drm?), and now, the latest, ADE doesn't work on a Mac when using the Sony reader? Just when I was set to use ADE and calibre. And registering? if Mac doesn't work with ADE then I will need to use sony reader software after all. And so it goes... Could I ask for two things, Mac and PC advice and that it is written really, really transparently? Then it would just be beyond fab. I'd hit a paypal button for that with great pleasure. And thanks for getting together to think it over. Pan Last edited by Pangolin; 01-14-2010 at 01:23 PM. Reason: typoz

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01-13-2010, 03:58 PM	#2
daffy4u I'm Super Kindle-icious Posts: 6,734 Karma: 2434103 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Long Drive, Calinadia Candafornia Device: KDXG, KT, Oasis	I say do it (and I have suggested it before)! That's what the Visual Kindle Guide is all about.

01-13-2010, 04:06 PM	#3
omk3 Wizard Posts: 1,454 Karma: 37243 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Europe Device: pocketbook 360, kindle 4	Good idea! A problem that comes up a lot is the "usb device not recognized" one, where you can't access the reader on the computer. A simple soft reset solves the problem. People keep asking about that all the time. Another problem with the prs-600 that stumps a few people: Sometimes it freezes. Not often, but when it does, again you will be fine with a reset. Only after resetting you also have to push the power button to restart the reader and renew the screen, otherwise it still seems frozen, because the screen hasn't changed. If we all chime in with little problems we've managed to solve, I think we can make a good and helpful guide.

01-13-2010, 04:28 PM	#5
Lilly Guru Posts: 688 Karma: 2090 Join Date: Dec 2007 Device: Sony PRS-505, PRS-900 & PRS-950, Amazon Kindle2	I'll contribute. I've actually started one myself and have been looking on this board for more things to add to it. I'll send you what I have.

01-13-2010, 04:36 PM	#6
grooks Wizard Posts: 1,326 Karma: 30250 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Fort Myers, FL Device: Pocketbook Era, Kobo Forma	Lilly, whatever guide that results from this project should also be posted on the forums you created.

01-13-2010, 04:43 PM	#8
dreams It's about the umbrella Posts: 25,112 Karma: 56250158 Join Date: Jan 2009 Device: Sony 505\| K Fire \| KK 3G+Wi-Fi \| iPhone 3Gs \|Vista 32-bit Hm Prem w/FF	Great idea, grooks. How about mentioning using a PSP charger and doing a FULL mains charge before trying anything else. Red light on when charging. Usually takes at least 4 hours some people have left it plugged in overnight to fix a problem. Explain: * what ADE is and about it being a separate program than the Reader Library. (Adobe ID given) * .asm files * the order to install ADE and Reader Library on clean install * what to do after you have Reader Library but not ADE installed?

01-13-2010, 04:50 PM	#9
omk3 Wizard Posts: 1,454 Karma: 37243 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Europe Device: pocketbook 360, kindle 4	Some people also asked why there is no cd with their reader and where the sony software is. Of course most have no time to wonder, once you plug in the reader it installs itself, buy it still may be a good idea pointing out that the software (and the manual) are on the reader itself (for the prs-600 at least) Another popular question is how to stop the software opening every time you plug in your reader. And maybe a "how to get books on your reader" guide. Using sony software, using calibre, using ADE, dragging and dropping....

01-13-2010, 05:34 PM	#10
Treven Addict Posts: 222 Karma: 680 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: the Left Coast Device: iPad	When I first bought my 505, there was a CD that came with the reader. That was version 2.5 and it worked fine. When I bought my 700, I don't think it had a CD, but still v2.5 worked fine; I never had any problems other than battery issues. Now that Sony bumped up to v3.0 and 3.5, I've NEVER gotten it to work.

01-14-2010, 01:28 PM	#13
omk3 Wizard Posts: 1,454 Karma: 37243 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Europe Device: pocketbook 360, kindle 4	Pangolin, you are really confused, my friend I suspect (and hope) that everything will look much simpler when you actually have your device in your hands! Right now you are overloaded with information you have still no practical use for... You are right though, the guide would need to address any mac- or windows-specific issues too.

01-14-2010, 01:58 PM	#14
K8Ereader Connoisseur Posts: 63 Karma: 350 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Norfolk UK Device: Sony PRS-600	A dedicated one-stop sounds good to me, but I've found very useful info here already! Thanks for helping us Newbies!

01-14-2010, 02:19 PM	#15
Dusty Connoisseur Posts: 68 Karma: 500076 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Canada Device: sony 300, T1	I've had my PRS-300 for three weeks, read a few books. LOVE IT! This morning I decided to download from my Public Library. What a nightmare, took me almost two hours to read everything on Adobe and Sony site to figure it all out. I had to come here to see why it would not let me disconnect. All is well and working. YES!! A noob guide is needed. Thank you.