FLIP VIDEO STOP WORKING AFTER 90 DAYS WARRANTY

2008-11-27T22:16:00.000-08:00

Our Flip video suddenly stop working and we don't know why. I change to a new battery and it will still NOT power on. I can't even retrieved the videos now since my pc can't recognized the usb if the Flip is not on.

I found this link with people having the same problem. I think you should return your brand new one because I think their quality is not good.

http://www.perfectporridge.com/2007/12/31/flip-video-headaches/

http://www.amazon.com/flip-ultra-stopped-working/forum/Fx2BNGRNTPXYBGT/TxSAF0CYOCDI8Y/1/ref=cm_cd_ef_rt_tft_tp?_encoding=UTF8&asin=B000V1PXMI

Initial post: Nov 6, 2008 10:19 PM PST

Singer says:

i bought my flip in february and it has worked fine until now. each time that i press the record button it does not start recording.

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In reply to an earlier post on Nov 11, 2008 4:33 PM PST

AJ says:

I have the same one-also orange. Also bought in Feb---Here at Amazon (strange)-- suddenlt, mine won't even turn on. No power, nothing---- I wonder what is going on. PureDigital not willing to advise.?? Does yours turn on? Just not record? Or no power altogether? Button might be stuc??

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In reply to an earlier post on Nov 14, 2008 2:36 PM PST

Susan L. Kocher says:

I have the same problem. I also bought my orange Ultra at Amazon in March 2007. Less than a year, not used a whole lot, but last night after recording several things, I brought it home, watched the videos on my computer--and then it would not power up. I changed batteries, tried everything. All I see is the Flip screen for a half second and then it says "blip" and powers off. What gives?? only a 90 day warranty and then they offer NOTHING at all. Can't even find any troubleshooting on their web site. Help! I don't want to spend another $150!

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In reply to an earlier post on Nov 16, 2008 12:28 AM PST

AJ says:

well- now I'm thinking there may be a problem with a certain lot of them. Isn't it strange- that all three of us bought the same item, same color- all within a month of each other--- from the same place-- and all have the same problem?? Hmm, makes me wonder? It's the only resolution Ican think of. Maybe if we ALL write to Pure Digital? or Amazon? What do you think?? Kind of eerie that we are all having the same problem. AJ/chicago

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In reply to an earlier post on Nov 16, 2008 7:36 AM PST

Susan L. Kocher says:

I also suspect it's a lot defect, as there are other discussions around the same problem. There's got to be a way to fix this! I wrote to Support, and they sent me an email with a link to the newer software. I downloaded the new software fine, and it works--as long as the Flip is hooked up to my computer. (Does yours?) But it won't power up all the way independently. Someone else reported a detail I had not noticed before: when I first try to turn the Flip on, it makes the two-note power-up sound, flashes the Flip screen, and then goes black. But it's still "on" somehow because I can feel the batteries warm up, and if I push the power button again within a few seconds, it makes the three-note power-off sound, flashes the Flip screen, and turns off. I have written to Support at Flip again, got the canned message saying they can't repair or offer anything past the 90 day warranty, but will try to save any videos. I don't need that--I can already do that. I think that they are ethically obliged to address what is obviously a defect in a lot (I hope not all of them). I will see what they say Monday and then take my complaint further if I get no help.The NY Times and other reviewers have put out reviews hailing the Flip as an innovative new product... I have been recommending the Flip to all my friends, and now I hope I don't have to start emailing the NY Times and all my friends... Because I love it when it's working.

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In reply to an earlier post on Nov 16, 2008 11:04 PM PST

AJ says:

I loved mine too- as did my son. Mine just stopped working all together. Will not power on whatsoever- not with new batteries, not when plugged into USB- nothing. So, I can't even get the videos off of it. I never had a prob. with it before- used it every weekend. Suddenly, batteries were low, turned it off... got home, went to plug in, take videos off......... and it woudn't turn on., Replaced batteries... nothing. Waited a day, tried batteries again- nothing. ???? SO, I dont know. I'd REALLY like to get it working, save myself getting a new one (altho I JUST saw there is a brand new Flip Mino.... HD!!! Have u seen it?? WOW). But, again, would rather have my orange one working. I like the convenience of AA batteries and am happy with quality, etc. I wish it would just turn on.... Warranty is void, right- Hell, maybe I'll open it up, unscrew it-- look inside, put it back together--- and then try it. Can't hurt right??? Look inside for some kind of reset button or something???? When I emailed they offered to send- they MAYBE could get videos off. I'm not comfortable just sending off my camera. lol. Working or not, I don't wanna not get it back-- or in 100 pcs. I think I will write to pure digital also. Reference you as well- 2 is better than one! My name is Amanda C. feel free to use my name as well. Keep me posted... I'll do the same. THanks. OH, be sure to check out the HDFLIPMINO. :o) Good Luck. Amanda/Chicago

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In reply to an earlier post on Nov 17, 2008 6:00 AM PST

Susan L. Kocher says:

I'm waiting to get a return merchandise order number from tech support, and hoping that they'll fix or replace it, because it's the right thing to do. Good luck, Amanda--let's hope that we can report back here soon that the problems have been fixed. I have read about the Mino.... but I would not want to have to recharge from a USB port, and I've been reading about too many problems with the new gadget. I'll stick with my Ultra, if I get it back working, and wait a generation or two to upgrade to the HD version.

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In reply to an earlier post on Nov 19, 2008 3:30 PM PST

J Brooke says:

Hi all, another person here whose Flip suddenly just stopped working altogether, will not turn on at all - tried changing the batteries, etc. I also emailed Support looking for answers and there was ultimately nothing they would do for me. I am anxious to find out if any of you get some sort of rebate or refund! It was working great and my kids absolutely loved it. It was a gift from Santa last Christmas and stopped working in July.

Here is the response I got from Flip:

If you have access to a computer that is able to recognize your camcorder it may be beneficial to reinstall the Flip Video program on your camcorder. Please connect your camcorder to your computer, and follow this link: http://www.theflip.com/app/prius/31/update/

Prior to completing your installation, please ensure that your computer meets the minimum requirements needed for the upgraded program. If they do, please follow the on screen instructions for upgrading your camcorder. Please be aware that you must use a computer with administrative rights to run this installation. Also, it will be necessary to use a computer that is not running the Mac "Leopard" system, as the Leopard computers recognize Flip Video camcorders as "read only" devices.

Also, please ensure that you have replaced both old batteries with two new AA batteries.

Please don't hesitate to contact us further.

Thank you,
Flip Video Support

Nothing happened when I plugged it into my computer - that was my point, that it completely stopped working. Very frustrating.

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In reply to an earlier post on Nov 20, 2008 8:39 AM PST

AJ says:

Susan- did u mail yours in to Pure Digital for them to "at least get the videos off". Did they say something about replacing?? I emailed them like I said- about the whole situation again, mentioning there are others, same purchaser, same model, same general time frame. To date--- NO response,. Interesting cuz before, they responded- pretty much, instantly. ??? Let me know what u hear. I'm scared to send mine in. -- Amanda
PS: Brooke- did yours come from Amazon also? Dec'07? Mine was Feb08. Is yours orange? Mine has absolutely no power also, even when plugged into computer. Totally dead. I may open up today--- see what's inside. Hell-it's useless anyway right now, correct? I have nothing to lose. Maybe the power switch fell off inside? who knows? Lord-could it be THAT simple? ha ha, I doubt it. Keep me posted-- This is getting Very interesting.....

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In reply to an earlier post on Nov 20, 2008 2:18 PM PST

Susan L. Kocher says:

I would not open it up. That might kill your chances of any help. Get an RMA number and send it in. I am hopeful that they'll fix it... we'll see!

Sue

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In reply to an earlier post on Nov 22, 2008 6:33 AM PST

M. Christie says:

My flip that I bought in March also stopped working. I had it on a vacation and when I got home to upload my videos, it just didn't work.
I contacted flip customer service and I was blown away by the level of help I received. They not only replaced my Ultra with a new one but they worked to get my videos off my old Ultra. They always responded within 24 hours and there were no excuses and a lot of apologies even though my flip was outside of the 90 day warranty and I had no receipt for it. I'm not sure if the people here have contacted PureDigital but I would really recommend writing to their help address which is on the website.

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In reply to an earlier post on Nov 22, 2008 7:48 AM PST

Susan L. Kocher says:

Yes, I have sent mine off to them and hope to get my repaired or new Flip soon. I think it's to be expected that they'll want you to download the new software and try other measures first, before they'll offer service outside the warranty period. But after I did try everything, and explained in detail how it was behaving, they sent me an RMA number and promised to fix or replace my Flip. Hope it doesn't take too long because I can't wait to get filming again!

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In reply to an earlier post on Nov 22, 2008 10:37 AM PST

AJ says:

True, Susan--- thanks. I will leave it alone for now- wait, and see what happens. THANKS for the post, I've "seen the light". ha ha. Really-thanks. Cuz, you're 100% right- but I would have opened it up, had it not been for your post. Makes sense. Plus, after seeing the new post from yet-another person having problems, I really want mine fixed. To her- we all have contacted Pure Digital. They have been awesome about responding (to me anyway) except for this time-- I haven't gotten a response yet- from like 4 days ago. Usually, i get a response within a day. Now, I've only emailed them 3 times total, so--- What they told me was that I could send it in to them and maybe they could get the videos off, but that would be it. And, they could not even guarantee that (which I totally understand). They said no replacement or repair service available. My last email referenced all the amazon people hving issues-- with possible "lot" being bad?? Maybe it got lost in cyberspace, I'll give them benefit of doubt- and re-send today. See what happens. I would LOVE LOVE to get a replacement-------- I really, truly loved my Flip. I used it ALL THE TIME for family stuff..... My only thing was when I got an email saying there was a software update-- I had almost FULL memory. I made the mistake of uploading the video (said update is faster if empty), saved the video on my computer and then right away did the update it suggested (which should have been no problem)-- but you never know------- and sure enough..... when I did update, it deleted my just saved video. ALL OF IT. And, I had taken it off camera/deleted in order to do update. I should have known better and just to be safe done it at two totally different times, I think. UGH- it had this whole summer full of stuff. Family bday parties---school play. I was in tears. Just, poof-gone. I emailed Pure Digital right away, asked if there was any way to retrieve and they said once deleted from camera, nope. They told me suggestions of what to look for on hard drive in case it was just moved or backed up somewhere. Nope. I have a fairly new laptop and no clue why- but update knocked them out completely. So, I have updated software I can't use- (lol).... 6 mos worth of video gone-- and on there now is my son's 4th grade field trip to Springfield, IL -- and it won't power on for me to get it off/look at it, etc. Susan, let me know what Pure Digital says. They didn't offer to fix mine. I'm gonna re-send that email, see what happens. thanks again. Amanda

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In reply to an earlier post on Nov 22, 2008 11:10 AM PST

AJ says:

Susan..(and all).. **** VERY INTERESTING... see postings, esp "buck" under heading "Bad Flip Videos" below !!!! I'm checking out "3rd Google listing RIGHT NOW.. see what it says/references"... that he was talking about & didn't/coudn't post on Amazon.. Seems he posted on a google blog-- a fix to our problem.? YEAH!! Cross your fingers & I'll let you know what I find...
--Amanda

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In reply to an earlier post on Nov 23, 2008 8:15 PM PST

areelgrl says:

Mine just stopped working also. Purchased from Amazon in December 2007--didn't make it a year. This is obviously a defective product.

r service when your product fails on a customer.

So I took the camera back to Best Buy today and exchanged for a new one. I’ll let you know if that one craps out, too.

UPDATE: 1/5/08:

Here’s the e-mail I wrote Flip Video customer service after getting a brand NEW Flip Video camera and having it crap out again:
“Yesterday I exchanged my defective Flip Video Classic 60 min for a new one at Best Buy. This camera also synced to my computer just once and now is corrupt. I just got off the phone with Robert with your 24/7 customer service who was trying to be helpful but unable to shed any light on why your cameras don’t work on either of my brand new Windows XP machines.

Apparently I’m having the same exact problem as the Ultra Series where the camera’s software times out when copying videos to the hard drive and then cannot be recognized by Windows Explorer. He says he hasn’t heard of this problem with the Classic series, so I obviously am the exception to the rule with two cameras messing up on two machines in less than a week. From reading message boards, I can actually see I’m not the only one.

Robert was unable to help beyond simple troubleshooting problems and said your technical support has been overwhelmed by customers plagued with problems, so I am unable to speak with someone directly.

I would like someone to call me at XXX-XXX-XXXX to discuss what the issues on my two computers could be that the camera will start downloading videos, crash (time out) and then not be able to be recognized. I deleted the divx file starting with the number 3 and was unable to locate the Muvee file he said should be visible within Add/Remove Programs. Perhaps you can tell me where to manually delete the muvee driver. Robert did not know if it was necessary to manually delete the “My Flip Video Prefs” and “My Flip Video Library” folders, but I went ahead and tried it. Robert also told me if I was able to get Windows Explorer to recognize the camera enough to format the drive, it may allow the camera to reinstall itself — albeit erasing all my videos yet again.”

Before I sent the e-mail I booted up a different profile of Windows XP and tried that. I was able to get the Flip drive to come up and copy off two videos (of 25) before it crashed again. Then suddenly I got a strange error to the effect, “This device requires a high-speed USB drive and there are some available but not the one you are using.”

A-ha! Turns out the USB ports on the front of my desktop tower are not high-speed. I unplugged my printer, mouse and other USB cords in the back of my computer to get the Flip to fit nestled amongst the wires.

It worked perfectly! So I never sent the above e-mail, although I do think Flip should have known to offer this as a possible solution to the above issue. Also, their customer service comes across like a teenager sitting in a warehouse getting paid minimum wage to frustrate customers. I’ll see if I can track down Flip Video at CES next week and get a real live human to weigh in on my experience.

Tags: Tech

53 responses so far ↓

1 Terry H // Jan 20, 2008 at 12:47 am

I have a very similar story with all the symptoms i that you are having. I have not been able to get it to work even on the back usb ports. Unfotrunately I have had mine long enough that there is no warranty left on it before I discovered the problem. Any suggestions.
2 Brian D // Jan 24, 2008 at 6:27 pm

I had the same problem. After reading above, I plugged it into the back and my pc recognized the camera. My problem now is that when it’s plugged in it disables all the other usb ports…one of which is my mouse. Kinda hard to use a computer without a mouse. I’m waiting for a return email from the Flip teenager.
3 Greg // Jan 27, 2008 at 1:22 pm

I have had several problems with my Christmas Flip. The same update probem on my Dell PC at home, at work and laptop. It played the videos but then stopped working. A few days later it worked, but in using it yesterday it shut down dead after a few minutes. In addition, Ithought it might be dead batteries. When I removed them they and the Flip were very warm. The new batteries resulted in the same heating and the camera still does not turn on. I did figure out the USB issue, but all of this has happened since then. Nice toy, but useless if it doesn’t work.
4 Brian D // Jan 31, 2008 at 10:02 pm

I’ve figured out that if I disable the usb enhanced controller in Device Manager that I’m able to download my images. I can’t keep the setting this way because the other devices connected via usb start to act funny so I have to re-enable after the download. It’s a hassle, but at least I’m able to pull off the videos from the camera using Windows Explorer and edit using whatever software I want. Flip has not been able to help me with this issue as they cannot replicate it. Still, at least they’ve replied to my emails.
5 Rosemary // Feb 7, 2008 at 4:31 pm

Flip Video. I am on my third. The first one burned out when i downloaded the patch that popped up on my software the first time I used it. I called and the customer service kid said sorry and hmmmmm, ok i will send you a lable and a camera tomorrow. of course he did not do anything so I called again and got to a supervisor who said she would send me the lable and camera and she did, the next day, unfortunately that flip didnt work either! The error message that installation had failed. I called back to kids customer service and explained the whole thing again and this time I got to another supervisor who was pretty rude about the whole thing. must have been a long day of “what the heck???”
Then I saw the “TELL US WHAT YOU THINK LINK” at the bottom of the home page and did just that by email. The next morning I got a call from a nice person who listened to my entire flip story said and would send me a new flip ultra and he did, I got that the next day and guess what, it will not upload videos for sharing, which is the whole point of having the thing. Further on playback the videos look like a poorly dubbed foreign film when viewed on the flip software. I have tried plugging in the front, back, side nothing helps. I was going to bring this on vacation with me this weekend but what’s the point.
Does anyone have a clue what to do to get the flip to do what it is suppose to do???
Simply take a video and upload it without pulling your hair out in frustration.
FLIP GET IT TOGETHER or GO AWAY!.
6 Bernie // Feb 11, 2008 at 3:43 am

Our Flip malfunctioned after 2 months. My son plugged it into the T.V. and played his videos. When he unplugged it the Flip never worked again, he tried turning it on, but no luck.
7 Jesse // Feb 29, 2008 at 6:56 pm

After reading some of the Flip posts, I must be one of the lucky ones as I have had no problems so far (holding my breath). I have a particular issue that I hope someone can help me with:

I will be taking the Flip on vacation but will not have access to a PC in order to transfer images after 60 mins. of use. Does anyone know of a USB portable transfer device that will allow me to transfer my images from the Flip to a flash drive? I located a Belkin device that says will do the trick, but the reviews I read stated that it doesn’t transfer large files well, if at all. Since the Flip files can be rather large, I’m still searching for a solution. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jesse
8 miinta // Mar 2, 2008 at 1:08 pm

My story is the same as Gregs. It simply won’t turn on anymore. After transferring videos to my computer (which took a good 45min) I thout maybe the battery died or something. It woul turn on fo r a sec. and then immediatly shut off. I sent it in for repair, but haven’t gotten it back yet. Hey maybe Oprah can send us a different camera that works!
9 Gianna // Mar 24, 2008 at 9:24 pm

Thank you so much! I got a Flip Video for Christmas and was never able to get it to work with my computer. I am so glad I found this!
10 hanna // Mar 24, 2008 at 11:49 pm

When I first got the flip, everything worked great. At some point, when I plugged it in, the flip application stopped coming up. I was still able to access the flip using Windows Explorer. Then, it stopped working. It was still listed in Safely Remove Hardware and the Device Manager, but not in Windows Explorer.
Several phone calls and (lame) emails from Flip later, I gave up and had my husband download the videos from his Mac.

This evening, I remembered that there was a conflict between a drive number I had mapped and the drive that the Flip was trying to use - the Flip was overriding the drive number . So, I tried something new (I couldn’t remember the drive number). In the Safely Remove Hardware dialog, select Properties and then Volumes. Click Populate. The Volumes list shows the drive number that the Flip is trying to use (on my computer, L:). I deleted the mapping that I was using for that drive letter and the Flip showed right up in the Windows Explorer. At this point, you can click the .exe to bring up the Flip program.

Good luck!
11 GOTHMOM // Mar 25, 2008 at 8:06 pm

I’m in the middle of my Flip nightmare. I loved that thing - I didn’t have the issues you guys are talking about but it gave out on me - the batteries got hot and I pulled them - after that - no go at all. I sent it in and waited more than 2 weeks. I just called to see what the deal was and got some very unsatisfactory customer service from someone who sounded bored and said it normally takes 3-5 weeks so I called too early and I should wait and call again next week. I find myself recommending tech devices quite often to friends and colleagues - if they screw this pooch, then this Maven will be letting the world know.
12 Tracy // Apr 2, 2008 at 2:56 am

Lame Lame Lame.
After I read about this in the NYTimes I thought I HAD to have one.
Got one, went out and shot some classic footage. Can’t get it to work on my mini-mac, so tried on my PC. Again, no go. Tried the update and the update just failed, quit with no error msgs. Now my computer doesn’t even recognise the device.
It’s going back, and my videos are gone. Ugh…crappiest product I’ve ever bought…even worse than that Ford Cavalier I got when I was a teenager. Trust me, that’s really really bad.
13 Sandra // Apr 3, 2008 at 2:54 pm

Haven’t ever been able to get my Flip to work. Took about 5 minutes of footage, which is still on the camera, but have tried installing it and the software on 5 different XP computers (!) and the program always freezes. Have to take the batteries out of the camera to get it to turn off! And I wrote customer support, was advised of the patch, and can’t even get the patch to be recognized! Piece of crap. Never again.
14 shelley // Apr 8, 2008 at 1:27 pm

I bought the 60 min version in dec ‘07. I’ve used it TWICE. The second time, it wouldn’t shut off. Batteries got very hot. Had to remove them to shut it off. When I put them back in, the flip pic comes up and just stays there. The only way to get it to turn off is to remove batteries. Like I say, I’ve used this product twice and because it’s past 90 days, they won’t do anything so I’ve in essence, thrown away $150. Never had an experience like this before with an electronic product. I’m very upset about this. I’m wondering if the good reviews I read prior to buying this were from those paid to say good things.
15 Stan Thompson // Apr 10, 2008 at 5:40 pm

I had problems with my Flip also. I was very frustrated with the whole experience, until I asked for assistance. I found the support for the Flip to be very helpful. I’ll admit, they did sound young, but noone was rude to me and I always got timely responses to any questions I had. Has anyone else with problems tried to contact the technical support for the Flip? Just a thought.

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: I e-mailed this guy because his comments seems totally fishy and fake — this whole thread is about how terrible Flip customer support is, so why would he leave a comment like this? His name seems generic but then my e-mail reply to him bounced, which tells me it’s totally fake.

So that means Flip Video staff, their PR firm or someone involved in the company is leaving fake comments about how great the company is. WHAT A JOKE!
16 Dana // Apr 11, 2008 at 9:12 pm

My flip video has worked fine, but the problem is that it is full and I would like to get a dvd made at CVS like you are supposed to do. The 3 different CVS pharmacies that I have been to are not able to do it. One tried twice but it didn’t work.
Has anyone else had a dvd made yet?
17 Interview with comic Paul Mecurio // Apr 14, 2008 at 11:27 pm

[…] I understand you’re a fan of the Flip Video. I’ve actually chronicled my experiences with their idiot customer service here, which is ranking pretty high on Google and getting lots of comments from peeved customers sick of the company’s 13 year-old customer service agents sitting in a warehouse somewhere. Flip is still ignoring me, but I’m just one lonely guy and his computer. Do companies you highlight in your stand-up act ever contact you to remedy your issues? No, never. They are afraid to confront the truth: to look themselves in the mirror and realize they are living a lie! Actually, that’s not true, there was this one company, the Rascal Scooter people — after my incessant complaints they explained that you are not supposed to be driving those things in the surf … who knew! […]
18 Mark // Apr 25, 2008 at 10:06 pm

My flip will not turn on anymore. I am waiting for a reply from tech support but from what I am reading here that will not be much help. Sounds to me like a class action suit is in the near future. I know 10 different lawyers that will be willing to file it. I’ll keep y’all posted
19 Wendy // May 4, 2008 at 10:34 am

I have a Flip video ultra (30 min.) that worked fine, until I agreed to upgrade the firmware when I connected it to USB port. I wish I hadn’t done that, because now the computer won’t recognize it. I am trying to download the software from the website, but my computer still refuses to recognize the camera (brand new computer - Vista premium). Any one else with same problem?
20 Mike Porterfield // May 7, 2008 at 9:00 pm

My mac stopped uploading video as well, but when I read the comment about using a fast USB slot, I tried it and it worked! I didn’t realize one was slow and the other fast… Why not make them both fast? Oh well, now at least my flip works…
21 M.A. Britton // May 12, 2008 at 10:37 am

Sad. We bought this for our 11 yr old for Christmas, she was so into ‘making movies’ and good at it - until, like many others on here - the flip-pin thing quit working - just turns on and then off - there has to be a fix for this.

We will call the company, but I fear like others we are out $150… because it has been 5 months.

Bummer

Guess the lesson here — you get what you pay for, eh?
22 C D Hansen // May 24, 2008 at 6:05 pm

I got a flip camera for christmas and it stopped working 2 months after i got it i have tons of videos of my new born son on it. It pisses me off that they have us buy a product that we are supposed trust that is going to work and put our most memorable events on them and then to have the product stop working. I am not only pissed off but i am sad about the videos that i had on it. customer support offers to take the videos off my camera but i want my camera to work 150 bucks is alot of money for people like me and to have it not work is rip off. Flip is taking advantage of people and not even posting anything about how to fix the issue. For there product they should offer an exchange for those cameras that don’t work or extend the warranty on them because they always seem to break a week after the warranty is expired. Its BS and i will never purchase this product again i just am waiting for another company to come out with a similar product so i can go and purchase there product and never let this company have my money again. This company has hurt alot of people for all problems they have caused there customers.
23 Stacy Bryan // Jun 4, 2008 at 12:02 am

I was only able to download videos from my Flip camera ONE time. Now I get a “Video Preparation Error” on both my Mac and PC. I called the tech help, and they did answer, but it took them a long time to find the software update which is different than the firmware update they have listed on their site. I’m not sure how someone would know that, but here’s the link I was given and I’ll see if it works!

http://theflip.com/app/prius/31/update/mac.aspx
24 Chris // Jun 18, 2008 at 3:00 pm

I just called CS today and they were actually helpful. My Flip Video shows only 18:54 time left to recrod even though it’s completely empty. I had this same problem a year ago and CS sent me a download to re-install the software on the Flip. That worked at first, but then it messed up again. I did the re-buy/return and got a new working Flip Video, but experienced the same problem with it after a month or two.
My Flip is over a year old and I have no reciept at all, but CS issued me a RMA and said they’d fix it for me. Sure there’s the delay of waiting for the label and getting the unit back, but all in all I’m satisfied with the RMA since it is an electronic and I’m way over the 90 day warranty period. I didn’t even have to argue with them about it.
I sure wish they’d just send me out a Flip Ultra or Flip Mino instead of fixing mine. :-)
25 T.J // Jun 19, 2008 at 8:14 am

My Flip Ultra worked twice. The Second time I worked for over an hour to get it to recognize on the PC-XP media. Then it stopped recognizing the connection. I can’t find it on My Computer. No USB ports work. The Tech support sucked. they told me my USB ports were bad. Then offered to reformat it but I would lose my video of my son’s graduation. It is still sitting in the Flip. I am going to try hooking it up to a new computer that i have never used with Flip before but am out of ideas. There probably should be a class action suit on this product. There is just no solution to these problems.
26 LP // Jun 28, 2008 at 4:42 am

Found my way here b/c I couldn’t get past the “reading videos” stage despite all the fixes on the site.

Finally just used Windows XP drive access to cut/paste all but one video to the hard-drive and ‘voila!’ that one it read.

Seriously, the Flash app errors out constantly… and no, I’m not sending any more data.

Great little camera - lousy connection with USB and Flash App.

Hopefully the “new” new one (Mino) will fix the errors, but it looks doubtful.
27 Chris Lomeli // Jul 3, 2008 at 12:29 pm

I have a flip ultra and i cant get it to work on my computer. i plug it in and my computer loads very slow and at times it doesn’t recognize the flip video at all. since day 1 i can not get the flip video software to load. Once i unplug the flip video my computer runs great. I don’t know what to do i have tried to down load new updated and still nothing Please help i love the product but the software sucks.
28 Alex // Jul 4, 2008 at 7:45 am

If you guys think you have had problems consider my position. I live in Scotland,and have been trying to get my non working flip to be recognised in 3 diferent computers from across an ocean .After the pantomime dialog with disintrested children,i have now discovered that the $150 dollar paperweight will no longer switch on at all.But all is not lost because the flip is coming to toys are us over here,and i shall take great pleasure in letting the scottish retailers know that the product is utter rubbish and will cause the outlet nothing but greif,long into their future.Lets see how much efort is put into something after they have our hard earned cash.I think you already know the answer to that one.
29 Mom in Wisconsin // Jul 4, 2008 at 7:07 pm

I bought my son’s camera for his birthday in January. After some initial trouble downloading the software and videos (I hired a professional to do it), he’s absolutely loved his Flip. However, today we went to a parade. The camera was in my chair cupholder. As I stood up to pack up, it fell onto the street. Now, it won’t turn on. I’ve called customer service and since it’s outside the warranty, they are telling me very politely that I’m SOL. I’ve tried to appeal to her sense of integrity - I feel this was a very minor, nonabusive drop and their product should be sturdy enough to withstand a drop of about 1 & 1/2 to 2 feet, tops. If they are unwilling to compromise on a solution, I feel like I need to replace my son’s camera, since I “dropped” it…but I also feel very, very hesitant to replace it with another Flip. It’s very unfortunate, because he loves making and posting his movies on YouTube, and he loves the Flip. NOTE - I wrote this as I was on hold with CS. She agreed to as a “one time only” service, send me a RMA to see what they can do with the camera. HOPEFULLY, they will actually look at it and fix it. I’ll keep you posted! :)
30 Mom in Wisconsin // Jul 8, 2008 at 10:04 pm

Monday, July 7th - I was emailed a UPS shipment label tonight. I’m encouraged by this. So far, so good…My son wrote them a note and gave them his youtube address, so they can see that he indeed uses it regularly. They will hopefully see it and be inclined to fix or replace his flip!

Keeping you posted,
mom
31 Mark // Jul 13, 2008 at 3:13 pm

Hey,
we just got our Flip and bought it mainly because we thought it would be so much easier and quicker to get stuff uploaded to Youtube.
It turns out that the thing just won`t upload it.
It says it is converting the video to a better format but gets stuck at 20 percent formatting, always 20 percent, every time.
http://screencast.com/t/PCzd8ipQ
Anyone have a solution??? Thank you! Mark
32 Boom Daniel // Jul 18, 2008 at 2:37 pm

Got the Flip Ultra yesterday. Filmed great, uploaded once okay but now will not upload recognizable files to Windows XP or Vista. Windows Movie Maker will not recognize the file “UNSPECIFIED ERROR” is what I get….standard .avi file is what it shows from Windows Explorer.

How disappointing.

Going to try again and see how it goes.

Boom
33 Anthony // Jul 22, 2008 at 2:29 pm

Just thought I would add my experience here. I just got off the phone with BHphoto to return my Ultra Flip. You see, this is the second one within 3 weeks. The issue I had with both is that it would not turn on at all after replacing the batteries. I’ve used various type of AA and no luck. Both flip would get hot as if it was on, who knows. As it was stated in several posts here, customer service is the same quality as their products. I guest it’s true…you get what you pay for.
34 Anthony // Jul 22, 2008 at 2:32 pm

Clarification:
customer service was referring to The Flip company, not BHphoto. For BHphoto has excellent customer service.
35 MJ // Jul 31, 2008 at 10:06 pm

I could not get my WindowsXP/ MediaPlayer or any of my Sony media software to ever identify my FLIP. Then realized, like others did, that none of my USB ports would recognize the FLIP. So, I am discouraged to even try it plugged to a TV. No Youtube luck either. Another quackery of mass produced pretties that Americans trust will work.
I should have sent my money to Iraq so one of the soldiers there could buy a cell phone to call his family. Crummy Karma for me!!!
36 Cathy // Aug 2, 2008 at 4:46 pm

Cant get my mac to download my videos what am I doing wrong??
37 john // Aug 4, 2008 at 5:02 am

My flip mino will not turn on sometimes. It was frozen for half a day yesterday. I now have a black screen and cannot turn it on. It’s been at least 24 hours since I’ve been able to turn it on. The computer does not recognize it either. Anyone have any suggestions? Should I contact the company?
38 Matt // Aug 12, 2008 at 2:06 pm

Not sure what I did but I was able to get my vids off after seeing similiar symptoms.

SYMPTOMS:
- Flip will not turn on
- Flip will turn on but screen freezes when press record button.
- Flip will turn on and play 1-2 videos then freeze with still image left on screen but not as bright.
- Flip powers on when connected to USB but files only visible for 30-60 seconds then XP doesn’t recognize.
- Flip hot
- Batteries warm

FIX
- Get new batteries
- Blow in holes near battery contacts.
- Gently Twist like you would an ice cube tray
(twist top and bottom in opposite directions)
- From this point forward handle flip by edges and gently.
- Put in new batteries
- Leave cover off
- Power on flip with side switch
- Immediately start playing a video
- Sit Flip on flat surface allow it to play for 30 seconds or more.
- While still playing connect to USB
- Because I have a laptop I actually flipped my laptop on it’s side to connect flip to USB on the other (so there wouldn’t be any forces pushing
up or down on USB connection).
- Tell XP to open as a folder (I did not use the Flip program)…
- You may only be able to view videos if you previously installed the flip software (otherwise download from their site)
- Have your folder open on your computer and drag the whole \VIDEO\ folder to your PC not a specific file.
- Support the flip without shaking it during copying.

I think there is a short in the circuit board beneath the buttons on the back of the flip. Potentially form someone pressing too hard on ont in the center of the record butotn. The twisting potentially disconnects this short temporarily and the gentle treatment does not allow short to reconnect. Pulling out the batteries

- If at any point flip freezes, take out batteries and start over. Don’t leave batteries in flip. The warm battery symptop leads me to believe there is a short in the circuit board that could drain batteries left in the flip.

Sorry I didn’t have time to deduce the specific problem and solution, but something in this made it work just long enough to download my videos. (took 5-10 minutes)

Hope that helps!

Matt
39 Matt // Aug 12, 2008 at 2:06 pm

ps-Mine is a Flip Ultra.

If you have a flip Mino there is a video on youtube about doing a “reset”
40 Anne // Aug 13, 2008 at 9:55 am

I sent my flip to be reloaded as no sofware was ever even loaded. It has been over 4 weeks and after many emails to customer support to find out where my flip is, I am totally ignored.
Does anyone have the phone number available? I can’t seem to locate it.

Anne
41 Jerry // Aug 17, 2008 at 5:16 pm

I was able to download all my videos the very first time and since. My problem is Movie Maker refuses to recognize the Flip videos either in avi or mov? Does anyone have a fix for this? (using Windows XP Pro and/or Home)
42 Doris // Aug 24, 2008 at 5:32 pm

I bought the Flip Ultra in July and took it w/us on vacation and it worked great. Took almost 60 minutes of videos. Yesterday I was looking at some videos on the camera, deleted a few and then when I went to look at another one the sound was funny, kind of crackling and then the screen turned gray and snowy and that was it. I’ve put in new batteries a few times but it still won’t turn on. I contacted Flip support but the response was to download an updated version of the software onto the camera. Of course that didn’t work b/c the camera won’t turn on. I sent them another email. I’m so disappointed b/c the Flip seemed so great, until I saw all these messages. :[
43 Michelle // Aug 26, 2008 at 10:24 am

Bought the Flip Mino a couple weeks ago. No problems loading to my Mac. Files play in preview mode easily, as well as transfer — and pretty quick I might add. Transfer quality to youtube is mediocre, but I love the convenience of this thing. HOWEVER, tonight it froze. Video image froze and I could not turn off/on - rewind - nothing. Luckily I had backed up the videos last night- - but still - I was bummed! So I called CS, and a very nice but, honestly, seemingly in-the-dark girl tried to help me. I explained the problem — she said hold on while I open a new Internet browser so I can check online (Huh? I can do that). She put me on hold for 6 MINS so she could ask a colleague. Came back — still unsure — finally I asked if there was a reset button — HOLD again - then came back, YES, it’s in the same hole as tripod connector, but you will lose all your video (she was sincerely sad for me — points for that)— I had no choice. I lightly pressed it; everything came back! I explained to her that they appear to have a “soft” reset. Where if you press it once, it may react and your video won’t be deleted — but if you hold the button down for awhile - it will (I didn’t test that theory!) - Who knows, maybe I was lucky. Long story short - my video is back but I have a bad feeling this might happen again. Love the FLIP but when are they going to start offering better technical support — or at the very least a board where people can post their solutions to frequently experienced problems?
44 Bill // Sep 3, 2008 at 1:53 pm

My flip works just fine. Downloaded the new software after buying a new computer and that works great. However, I’m not using any version of Windows….. Get a Mac!!
45 Wes // Sep 26, 2008 at 1:32 am

Sending my camera off to flip video tomorrow. They issued me an RMA… It’s a brand new camera and these are the problems I’m having.

1. Longer videos around 10+ minutes won’t transfer onto computer.
2. Mac computers won’t detect it when plugged in
3. When trying to download longer videos on PC the camcorder screen freezes with the “connected” screen on it… even when unplugged from the PC it stays on. I must take batteries out to turn it off.
4. The “Time Left” indicator on the camcorder has less than 60 minutes and the only way to view the videos on it, are by plugging it into the PC. The camcorder will not let you view it.
5. An error pops up on the longer videos when trying to import them onto my computer that says “Data error (cyclic redundancy check)”
6. Flip Video Update Version 1.0.0.8 does not work and cannot be completed when ran.
7. Sound does not always match up to the video playing
46 Robert // Sep 28, 2008 at 7:17 pm

Got a Flip Ultra. Same problem as many have stated above. Connecting to and downloading videos worked ONCE…but not twice.

Following Hanna’s advice (SEE her “hanna // Mar 24, 2008 at 11:49 pm “) post… I was able to get the Flip working again. Turns out that our newly re-installed USB external hard drive device was blocking the Flip. I removed the USB external hard drive device via device manager, and now can use the Flip.
HOWEVER… as I type this, I am waiting for the videos to transfer for the FIRST time since getting this thing working. So, I’ll have to test to see if I can do it a second time. And, I believe I have disabled the use of my wife’s Canon USB port (just before I leave town) shhhhhh…don’t tell her. Also, I guess now I have to figure out how to use the USB Flip AND the USB external hard drive device together. I’d rather have a good backup strategy than the ability to transfer personal videos. …the testing continues.
47 Alicia // Oct 12, 2008 at 6:47 pm

I am having similar problems getting videos to transfer… :( I’m with the guy about a class action law suit.
48 niki // Oct 28, 2008 at 1:23 pm

hi. my aunt gave me this flip ultra just last month and i loved it until today. i uploaded the videos for the first time and it all worked fine (although i used the windows explorer) then when i was about to use it a few hours later, all i could see was the flip icon. it won’t do anything and the batteries as well as the flip was hot. i will try matt’s theory about the batteries and hopefully it will work not just to get the videos but to use the flip again..and again…and again, with no problems.
49 Archie McDowall // Oct 31, 2008 at 9:27 am

Buyer beware at Pure Digital
I received from Amazon my (Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Orange) on July 31st 2008 Initially all went well and the quality was great and no problems with software. however I noticed a problem getting the camera to start and stop, it continued to worsen and I decided to contact tech support on October 11th 2008. After several email exchanges I was given a RMA# but no offer to send a prepaid label, believing that as it was still in warranty, I paid $7.00 to ship UPS. Than on a web search regarding problems with this item I was amazed at the number of very negative responses to their customer service and did discover that some has been issued prepaid labels and when I challenged them about that was told that it was not their policy to pay shipping, however they would make an exception and attached a prepaid label (now was too late as I has already paid shipping and requested a refund which was denied) I requested was action was being taken on my start/stop problem and the only answer I got was that it was being returned to me. They were unable to save any of my video’s (that was not an issue)
So I urge you to consider well before you make a purchase
If you ever need customer service, BE AWARE
I am awaiting return to see if the problem has been fixed
50 Alex // Oct 31, 2008 at 12:32 pm

My sister got the flip for her birthday but she was torn between the Kobian HD camcorder which is $99 and the Flipvideo ultra $160. i got the other one to try it and i found that it works great. the only problem with the Kobian is that you also have to buy a SDHC card as well. The problem with the flip on is there is a lot of software issues. all i can say is dont use the software on the product it self but to get new software off the internet.for the flip get the new 3ivx decoder 4.5.0.2 it should clear alot of the problems. the flipvideo to pc or mac should be alright as well. but the problem my sister is having is that now she cant make movies. when it gets to 100% it locks up. plz help if possible.
51 josh // Nov 4, 2008 at 1:56 pm

i have had a problem with the flip ever since ive purchased it.ill plug it into my pc,and it recognizes it but it wont load past 1% if anybody has any answer please help

thanks
52 Isabel // Nov 5, 2008 at 12:55 pm

@josh this may the same problem I was having. Look for the system folder and then the install folder - you can then pick the option suitable 3ivx thingy for your system. Once you have done that when you try and load the software it should load straightaway.
53 Amanda Galbincea // Nov 17, 2008 at 6:01 pm

I am having a problem with my flip ultra. It will work about once a day it seems. I turn on the camera and it freezes at the initial screen. Has anyone figured out a solution to this? I received this camera as a baby shower present so that I could video the day that my first girl is born and I am afraid if I send it in (as they are suggesting) that it won’t be back in time. Should I just chalk it up to a lost $150 (not mine but I still feel badly) and buy a new more reliable one?

Flip Video Problem

FLIP VIDEO STOP WORKING AFTER 90 DAYS WARRANTY

53 responses so far ↓