cant I just run this on a disk and tell it to use the empeg utility

No. Although the Empeg is, technically, just a computer that runs Linux, it is a highly specialized computer using a non-PC processor chip that has a very nonstandard architecture. Empeg's disk-formatting utility can only run on the player itself, it won't run on a PC.

What I don't understand is why it's so vital to get the disk empeg-formatted outside the player? Why not just plug it into the player and use their utility?

If you're worried about damage to the hard disk, then I think you should probably be getting the upgrade directly from Empeg, and letting them purchase, install and warranty the new drive.

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Tony Fabris