Question

How do I fix a Creative MediaSource 5 corrupt Music Library

Asked by: clew142

Hello everyone!

I have a Creative Zen Vision:M and I use Creative MediaSource 5 Organizer to rip audio CDs to my device.  It worked for a while, but now whenever I open the Creative MediaSource 5 Organizer, I get the following error:

"Your Music Library is corrupt and cannot be recovered.  MediaSource will now revert to your most recent backup available.  Would you like to continue?"

If I press yes, I get, "You have no available backup.  MediaSource will now create a new Music Library"

I then get the following message:

"The PC Music Library cannot be opened.  One possible reason is that the operating system files may be corrupted.  To resolve the problem, it is recommended that you perform one or more of the following:
- Get a repair tool to repair the Microsoft Jet Database Engine and the Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) of your system.
- Ensure that you have the latest Microsoft Jet Database Engine and MDAC installed your system.  You may get the latest updates from Microsoft"

If I try to create a new database under a different name (Tools ->Settings ->PC Music Library under "Active PC Music Library), it immediately give me the same error above.

The program is running on a Gateway tablet PC running Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 SP3.

I tried to update the Jet Database engine and MDAC but the installs all say that a more recent version exists on the system and cancels the installs.

I followed the instructions on how to repair MDAC under windows XP SP2.  I read through the process and the steps didn't look service pack dependent so I went ahead with it and followed the procedure.  Its listed here:

http://www.macropool.com/en/download/mdac_xp_sp2.html

The optional step of installing Jet SP8 didn't work.  (Your system has it already error)  Running their tool prompted me to purchase their tool since I was not running their software.  I didn't buy it and canceled the tool.

After trying the MDAC repair, Creative mediasource 5 still gives the same errors.

Next I tried to run the system file checker. I copied the the i386 folder to the root of my hard drive, and made registry edits to point to the root where the i386 folder sits.  (as per the instructions here: http://www.updatexp.com/scannow-sfc.html)

The windows file protection process gets to around 98% complete, pauses and gives me the following prompt:
"Files that are required for Windows to run properly must be copied to the DLL Cache.  Insert your Windows XP Professional CD2 now."

I don't have a CD2 of XP Pro so I ended up skipping the DLLs that it wanted to copy from CD2.

Mediasource 5 still errors out.

I then tried to uninstall the creative software suite and install the latest and greatest versions that they have listed on their site.  Other than a few interface looking slightly different, I still get the database errors.

I'm not sure what to do at this point.  Malware and virus scans turn up negative. I want to avoid a total system reload if possible.  My working theory is that iTunes in its craze to autoupdate itself, killed something that MediaSource needs, but thats a complete shot in the dark.  The two programs coexisted for quite some time before this error too.

Chris

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Asked On
2009-10-15 at 11:53:47ID24815965
Tags

MP3 Downloads

Topics

Digital Music and Video

,

General Multi-Media Software

Participating Experts
1
Points
500
Comments
3

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Answers

 

by: MeretePosted on 2009-10-16 at 15:36:30ID: 25593846

Hi Chris some of the steps i might do different.
The core problem here is more than likely the library itself is corrupted.
Get a hold of the media library and just rename it to old then reboot
windowss may create a new library folder
If possible do these things in safemode to remove any dependancies.
For re-instlling MSource
ensure the temp folder is emptied, most installers keep  backup  files in the temp, these can prevent re-install or a repair to the said software, you'll need to unhide system files etc to see it
it's located in C:\Documents and Settings\YOR NAME\Local Settings\Temp
just edit select all delete.
No sense running repairs for xpsp2 when you have sp3.
But I dont think it's related to the windows.
it's possible the Creative Zen Vision:M files onboard are incorrect database or something went wrong there. Then a mismatch occured between windows library and your Zen,
you may have to plug it into a different computer and confirm it's functioning right
I have to go to work now will check back in later
Rgards Merete



 

by: clew142Posted on 2009-10-20 at 15:47:03ID: 25619421

Merete,  

Thank you very much for your insight.  I think its just MediaSource being a crappy program.  I looked around for the media library and I can not find it anywhere!  I found that it is just the MediaSource software that is fubar.  I can still use third party software to rip CDs and the creative media explorer software still allows me to upload new stuff into the Zen (and view existing music in the Zen).  

This is just a minor workaround from using MediaSource to do everything in one spot and I think I'll live with it this way for now.

I'm going to accept your solution because it pointed out to me that the other pieces of creative software that allow me to add and maintain the Zen still work and do not depend on MediaSource 5.

 

by: MeretePosted on 2009-10-20 at 20:55:07ID: 25620718

Hi clew142, to continue if you like,
there are other tools you can use like Cdex  for the audio cd
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CDex
http://cdexos.sourceforge.net/?q=features
Isn't Media Source part of Creative? Since I have used MediiaSource in other systems with creative sound blaster, I found it a great tool.
 7 pages of FAQ use the numbered arrows at the top
page 6 looks interesting
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/2303894/Creative-Zen-Micro-FAQ

there is a solution here similar to what i wrote but copy the folder out instead
http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061205085244AA0UiDD
another with the same problem
what solved this problem  was to run the system file checker
http://www.uk420.com/boards/index.php?showtopic=72121&mode=linear
Thanks again hope this assists you anyway
regards Merete

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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