One more thought ... you said in the original post "I downloaded the firmware ZIP file from iRiver" Did you mean the
global site at:
http://www.iriver.com/html/support/d...pSearchString=
(Hope that long link formats properly)
If you did download the updater from that link then try getting it from this one instead:
http://www.iriveramerica.com/support/mtpupdate/
The second link is the iriver America site, the updater from there is not likely to install EU firmware while the updater from the first link might. I used the updater from the iriver America site and had no problems, upon upgrading firmware it has always installed the US version. Also of note, the updater from the iriver America site
never asked if I was in the US or Europe, so it does sound like you may have downloaded a different update utility.
Before using the updater from the iriver America site first delete the other updater, including any file called "test.dat". That file should be in the same folder as the old updater utility. It's important to delete that so the new updater from iriver America site doesn't inadvertently read the old test.dat file and end up reinstalling EU firmware.
By the way .... the "jp" site I referred to is here:
http://nyaochi.sakura.ne.jp/iriverupdate/
That one's for manual updates. As you'll see though, the owner of the above site suggests going that route
only if you're sure you know what you're doing.
The updater from iriver America should work fine and install US firmware. If for some reason it does not then, then again suggest doing a search for complete instructions on manual updates with the appropriate frimware from the above site. Step-by-step instructions for manual firmware updates have already been posted and can be found with a board search.