Stor.e TV+ No Loader error keeps coming up when switching on

Question

I have been experiencing continual problems accessing the hard drive. "No Loader" error message keeps coming up when switching on.
The so-called "solution" to this problem posted on this forum is to open up the box and fiddle with the cables. Whilst I have had some success with this method initially, dismantling the box 10 times a week is not on.
I tried something else in desperation.
When the No Loader message comes up, I switch the box off and on again from the remote.
After 2 or 3 times or so the HDD folder usually appears.
I have been doing this consistently now with great success. This however suggests that the No Loader error message is NOT a mechanical connector problem with the hard drive but (as usual) poor software (what else?).
Dismantling the unit is tantamount to switching it off for an extended period of time so may explain why this technique works.
Switching the unit on and off several times also solves the problem of the D folder not appearing on the network even though Win7 shows Store-TV-Plus as a mapped NTFS drive (but can't find the D folder).
See the similarity?
Another thing that exacerbates problems is the unit's poor ventilation. The first thing that happens with this unit is that the rubbish stick-on rubber feet fall off.
Whilst this may seem innocuous, the ventilation slots are underneath the unit and will be blocked if there are no feet. I live in a hot country so this device gets pretty hot and behaves even more erratically unless well ventilated.
Ideally keep it well away from other units and preferably sit it on a small box by itself with the vents underneath well exposed.
I also still experience problems playing FLAC and MKV files. The unit occasionally loses synch with FLAC files which generally otherwise play OK and locks up or causes loud bangs or white noise on the speakers (dangerous).
Some MKV files just don't play at all even though VLC plays them. There are a myriad other inconsistencies but these are the most annoying.
Is anyone else experiencing these problems or does anyone have any other solutions to prevent these problems?
I don't suppose we can expect another software upgrade from Toshiba? In your dreams, pal.

Answer 1

OK, so I took the risk and updated the firmware of my Stor.e TV+ to the Noontec V8S latest firmware V3.0816.13_V8S from noontec website.
The update went fine without a hitch (took about 2 minutes from an old 256MB flash drive plugged into the back USB port of the unit, which I formatted before using), and some of the irritating shortcomings of the Toshiba firmware was solved. Samba worked in some fashion, but I was still not able to download songs directly to the Stor.e over wireless, which is the only other feature I currently need. The irritating remote control buttons were changed to the way any sane person would use them (I had changed my universal remote control to correct this, so would have to change the settings if I kept the updated firmware) The new firmware seems solid, but I DON'T USE THE VIDEO CAPABLITIES, so I can't comment on this.
One major drawback of this update for me is that the small display on the unit becomes much less readable. Seems like there is a problem with the font on the new firmware. I use my Stor.e exclusively as a flac music player, and since I don't have it connected to a tv the small display is crucial for me to select tracks or disks. I have 300+ discs, so the Stor.e is an excellent cheap media player which I connect to my HIFI system via a DAC.
I thus had to change back to the Toshiba firmware to correct this problem. Seems like I would still have to use USB to download music to the Stor.e when I buy new CDs. What a pity.
Incidentally, the new Toshiba firmware is very much like the old firmware, in that it lacks the capability to switch on Samba. In the readme Toshiba states that the new firmware fixes a network problem, but I think that this is probably the smallest issue most users have with the Toshiba firmware.
So, my advice to anyone having video, control or other issues with the Toshiba firmware is to flash to the Noontec firmware to see if it resolves their issues. If it doesn't one can always revert to the official Toshiba firmware as I did.
You do this at your own risk though, if you brick your unit don't blame me...