Ok, so after playing with it, I was somehow able to get it to go into Playback Mode and I was able to retrieve the files on the hard drive. I am relieved about that.
However, it seems to be having an issue of tricking itself into thinking it is connected to a PC and gives me the "Task In Progress, Do Not Disconnect" message . I have found that if I turn it on and hold the little spring loaded selector switch for a few seconds beyond when the recording screen is fully loaded, it will more likely power up. Then, if I let it stay in recording mode for a minute or two, it will allow me to switch to playback mode. Sometimes when I activate the selector switch to go to playback mode, I have to hold it there a few seconds before it will stay in playback mode.
From a technical standpoint, is this an issue with the switch or a control board? Or, did I somehow corrupt something when I last connected it to a PC? I do recall, that after editing an MTS file and converting it to an MP4, I accidentally saved it back to the camera's drive. Would that have triggered these issues?
I am experienced at repairing things, having repaired my own electronic keyboards, computers, and other things over the years. I'm a good parts changer, but not so much trouble shooter. Is there something I can replace on this camera that will repair it?
I love the camera. Despite its age, it always produces fantastic quality videos with great sound quality as well.
