Upgrade the Harddrive in Your Archos Jukebox

If you have an old Archos Jukebox and want to add more storage or fix an 'HD Error', this wiki will walk you through the steps necessary to do so.

Steps

  1. Unplug the jukebox and remove the batteries. To do so, remove the battery covers on either side of the front panel.
  2. Remove the 4 screws on either side of the jukebox. These screws need a size 10 torx bit (in a pinch, you can use a medium-size flat jewelers screwdriver). When you put it back together, you can use standard Phillips screws if you have some laying around to make future upgrades easier.
  3. Use a small Phillips jewelers screwdriver to remove the 2 screws on the bottom of the jukebox on either side of the USB connector. Keep these separate and labeled "bottom"--I'll explain in a minute.
  4. Remove the 2 screws on the top next to ear and line out. Keep these separate and labeled "top" because they are a different length than the bottom screws and if you mix them, you may damage the jukebox.
  5. CAREFULLY remove the plastic bumpers. You are going to bend the metal, but don't worry, and don't try to straighten it yet.
  6. After you remove the bumpers, remove the metal plate on the back side of the jukebox.
  7. You are now looking at the hard drive. *CAREFULLY* grip the bottom of the drive and lever it up just high enough to clear the case.
  8. Pull the drive lightly to unplug it.
  9. Insert your new drive in a similar fashion.
  10. Test jukebox before continuing to be sure it still works.
  11. Replace the metal cover on the back of the jukebox.
  12. *CAREFULLY* Reinsert the bumpers. I found it easiest to put the 'fins' (for lack of a better word) on the back side in first, then-carefully-bend the metal around the sides of the bumpers.
  13. Replace the screws that hold the drive in then replace the screws that hold the metal cover on. You did label your screws, right? For those who did not, long screws go on the bottom and short screws go on top.
  14. Put the batteries in, cross your fingers, and boot it up.
  15. If all went well, you should have a higher capacity mp3 player.

Tips

  • If you do use a CF-->IDE adapter, make sure to select one with a plastic casing which has screw holes in the same place as a normal 2.5" drive, otherwise the case will not stay closed and the battery doors will not stay in place!
  • Do not force something that does not want to move. You may have forgotten a screw. These jukeboxes are built to take a beating, but if you force something, you may break it.
  • Rock box is a very good open source firmware that is compatible with your jukebox. I highly recommend using it (or at least reading about it).
  • The biggest drive I tried was 80GB and the jukebox read it with no problem. It may go higher, but I can't test it. If you have a bigger drive and it works successfully, edit the page to let us know.
  • This method works with the Archos Jukebox 5000 and 6000. It may work with recorder models, but I cannot guarantee it.
  • BE CAREFUL!
  • Using a compact flash to IDE adapter and CF card, you can have install a solid state drive, which has no moving parts and almost no seek time. Currently, I am using a 32GB CF card and I can get almost 12 hours on a single set of AA batteries (Energizer or Duracell), but your mileage may vary.

Warnings

  • YOU WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY! No ifs, ands, or buts, once you remove the screws holding the drive, your warranty will be voided.
  • Do not touch the internal electronics. You may have a static charge and fry it. If you must touch the circuit board, make sure to ground yourself.
  • Like all hacks, there is a chance your jukebox will not work afterwards. I am not responsible for any damage.
  • If you use a universal power adapter, make sure you have the right voltage and polarity before plugging in your jukebox! This post, from the rockbox forum, has a guide to universal power adapters. I highly recommend reading it!
    • Especially make sure to make a note of the polarity, reverse polarity WILL fry the charge circuit, and may damage other circuits (trust me)! Remember, center=positive.

Things You'll Need

  • Size 10 torx screwdriver
  • Set of jewelers screwdrivers
  • Spare 2.5" (laptop) hard drive or CF-->IDE adapter and CF card, pre-formatted with FAT (or FAT32). Other file systems will not work.
  • Patience

Related Articles

References

  • Rock box - Open source firmware for your jukebox, along with user forums where you can find a lot of information about your jukebox.
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