A solution that works - sometimes - to resolve the E04 error message. I use the JVC to rewind tapes shot in a prosumer Mini-DV camera to avoid putting unnecessary hours on the good camera.

Turn the camera off. Remove the battery. Replace the battery. Wait a few seconds between each step that follows. With the camera powered off, lay it flat. Open the camera. It will briefly power on, then off. Insert a tape and push down the tape carriage. The camera will power on, load the tape, and then power off. Close the outer door. Turn the camera to play mode. Press Fast forward. When the tape reaches the end, turn the camera off. Turn the camera to play mode. Push rewind. When the tape fully rewinds, turn the camera off. Open the outer door. The camera will power up, pop up the tape, which you can now remove. This trick occasionally lets me record or play back the tape, but since I only need the JVC to rewind tapes, it's not something I try very often. Hope that helps. Cheers, George Smartypants.com

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