SamplePad Pro Error Message: Root Dir Too Big

[PeteRunnels]

Hi there, I just got an Alesis SamplePad Pro recently and a few days later downloaded off the Alesis site their extra 350 free samples onto a 32 GB Sandisk SDHC card formatted as a Fat32. My problem is I keep on getting this message that the "Root Dir Too Big" when i try loading up a sample which it won't let me do. Supposedly the max files you can have in the root directory is 512, so I can't figure out what the problem could be. Anybody got a clue as to what the issue might be, I'd sure be grateful for some help. Thanks.

[Chaser]

Hi there, I just got an Alesis SamplePad Pro recently and a few days later downloaded off the Alesis site their extra 350 free samples onto a 32 GB Sandisk SDHC card formatted as a Fat32. My problem is I keep on getting this message that the "Root Dir Too Big" when i try loading up a sample which it won't let me do. Supposedly the max files you can have in the root directory is 512, so I can't figure out what the problem could be. Anybody got a clue as to what the issue might be, I'd sure be grateful for some help. Thanks.

Welcome to the Forum !

The Samplepad Pro hasn't had any updates since 2015.I have seen the error before.
"Roots dir too big"... is related to "outdated card extension".

Is it a new card?
Did you purchase the Samplepad Pro.. New?..current Firmware is v1.0.19 and I see is also last update on the Alesis site.
Did you format the SD Card using Windows..then loaded the wav files onto it ?
Windows isn't the best formatting tool.
I would try a different formatting tool,there are many out there.
I have used GUIFormat for years and for all the Alesis SD Cards if the product itself doesn't do the formatting.It can also be used for Formatting SDXC and large HDD to FAT32.If the issue persists , try a different card.
The Samplepad Pro is still available on the market so if it was a Firmware issue (2015 Firmware) it would have been pulled,discontinued or update for the Firmware..I have seen Samplepad 4 latest Firmware is V1.0.21...2018 (attached)..but no mention or download on the site so it must be on the newer models.

If new card , different formatting tool etc doesn't work I would contact Alesis Support and see if there is a Firmware update that hasn't made it to the site.The Majority of InMusic Brands/Products/Purchases have been migrated to InMusic and the InMusic Store and Software Center ..except Alesis products...I migrated all of mine manually.

If you purchased the Samplepad Pro New..I would register it there and see if something is under the downloads.
Check this Topic where you will also find the link to the Offline Editor.
You can build kits,sets etc etc and it will properly name to fit the Module requirements while allowing the original name to remain intact and the Samplepad does not need to be connected to a machine , so you can use smaller cards..create sets etc.If you performing and have predetermined lineup and maxed out the Kit limit to 20...there's no need for 1,000 of extra samples...use another card.
Large cards and large amounts of samples/sizes increase the scan and loading time.
I can confirm the Samplepad Pro Editor works
It just hasn't received the feedback it deserves and requires to evolve any farther.

I had a Samplerack but sold it nearly 7-8 years ago when it was discontinued.
The Loop/Sample library also has some samples with 9 characters in the name.The SPP limit is 8.
The Alesis Sample Converter in the downloads also works for converting samples to most if not all of the Alesis Drum products.


EDIT:
Added Links

[PeteRunnels]

Good Morning Chaser,
   Thank you for the reply. It is a new card 32 GB Sandisk, formatted as a FAT32 on my Mac Pro. My SamplePad Pro was a new purchase and has the V1.0.21 newest firmware. I'm going to use the SamplePad Pro to help with my songwriting, as I'm not a drummer per say, mostly a guitarist, bassist and fair keyboardist. As you had mentioned and I yesterday had figured out it's probably is the sample character sizes, spaces and odd characters that might be the problem. Alesis's bonus files on their site that I downloaded that I have been having problems with I will check out their sizes and try to edit them. I had also purchased some extra WAV samples and loops from Big Fish Audio and noticed they had more than 8 characters, spaces, bad characters etc. inserted in their files. I went in and removed and cut them down and they seem to work now. I will check out the others ideas in your comments too. Thank you again for your help, you take care.