Kobo Mini Problems

[Smo]

So I just bought a Kobo Mini (used on Amazon), and it has some issues. I've done a lot of research but haven't found anyone with the same symptoms. Here's what's going on:

1) When I first plugged it into my computer (linux) it showed up as an empty filesystem. I also couldn't create any files because it was mounted read-only. I ran an fsck and the file system would mount read-write afterwards, but it was still empty. And if I add any files to it they are gone after unplugging the mini and plugging it back in.

2) It's still logged in as the previous user, and I cannot log out - when I try to log out the device restarts.

3) It cannot delete any books. When I try to delete one, nothing happens.

4) It can't seem to save any settings, anything I change goes back to what it started at when I restart the mini.

I'm guessing these all stem from some kind of filesystem problem but I'm not sure. Hopefully it's not a hardware issue. Other than that it seems ok, it reads the books that are on there just fine.

Here are the things I've considered doing, but I'm not sure what I should try first:

1) Sync the reader to hopefully get a firmware update. Current firmware is 2.3.1

2) Do a factory reset

3) Clone to a new SD card, if I can (I plan on upgrading the storage anyway)

4) Follow the instructions here to write a new image to a new card:

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...6&postcount=15

I think I should do #2 and if it fails go for #4. But I thought I would ask first, in case I end up bricking it with my attempts. Any advice?

I would rather fix it if I can instead of trying to return it, because it might go to a landfill if I send it back.

Thanks!

[davidfor]

As this is a second hand device, I would recommend a factory reset even if it had no problems. That would remove any evidence of the previous owner. In this case, as there are problems, the factory reset is the first step. If that doesn't work, I'd go with a combination of #3 and #4.

[Smo]

Originally Posted by davidfor

As this is a second hand device, I would recommend a factory reset even if it had no problems. That would remove any evidence of the previous owner. In this case, as there are problems, the factory reset is the first step. If that doesn't work, I'd go with a combination of #3 and #4.

Thanks for the advice. I tried the factory reset and it didn't work, so I rummaged around and found a new microSD card. It's a 64GB, which is overkill - but whatever.

After installing the image from that thread I resized the partition, rebooted the Kobo and it works! I can add my epubs with USB and everything. It's a really nice little reader, glad I got it.

Thanks to everyone who contributes to this forum. Great information, and the only problem I had was a bug in gparted that was unrelated.

[booklover6]

Glad it worked for you. I still love the Mini. It is so sturdy, yet light and easy to hold.

If only it were lighted and water proof....alas.

[davidfor]

Originally Posted by booklover6

If only it were lighted and water proof....alas.

I wonder how well a "Mini ONE" would sell.

[booklover6]

Originally Posted by davidfor

I wonder how well a "Mini ONE" would sell.

I'd buy two of them,

Maybe call it a ONE Mini.

I'd love to have the features of the One, but not the size. 6" is big enough.

Aura One Standard?

[Terisa de morgan]

Originally Posted by booklover6

I'd buy two of them,

Maybe call it a ONE Mini.

I'd love to have the features of the One, but not the size. 6" is big enough.

Aura One Standard?

I think I would go with two more... but 5" please

[filmo]

I loaned my Kobo Mini to grandson. Will soon buy used replacement. New Mini model only needs larger memory card and front light. Flexible screen would be really appreciated because my Kobo Mini was always without a cover in a pocket ready to use.

[booklover6]

Originally Posted by filmo

I loaned my Kobo Mini to grandson. Will soon buy used replacement. New Mini model only needs larger memory card and front light. Flexible screen would be really appreciated because my Kobo Mini was always without a cover in a pocket ready to use.

It's so small and sturdy, I never have mine in a case, though it does have a silicone shell on the back. I typically only use mine in the summer, when daylight is brighter. A front light would make it my year round device.

(Also this device is SO easy to open and modify with a larger internal card. Mine has 8GB inside).