# Korg M1 stuck on “Init Prog” — need repair advice

**URL:** <https://forums.syntaur.com/t/korg-m1-stuck-on-init-prog-need-repair-advice/9583>\
**Category:** Synth Repair\
**Tags:** korg, m1\
**Created:** [October 25, 2026, 11:11am UTC](https://forums.syntaur.com/t/korg-m1-stuck-on-init-prog-need-repair-advice/9583 "2026-10-25T11:11:09Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![DizzyUA](https://forums.syntaur.com/user_avatar/forums.syntaur.com/dizzyua/32/2718_2.png) [@DizzyUA](https://forums.syntaur.com/u/DizzyUA)\
**Post date:** [October 25, 2026, 11:11am UTC](https://forums.syntaur.com/t/korg-m1-stuck-on-init-prog-need-repair-advice/9583/1 "2026-10-25T11:11:09Z")

</div>

Hello! I’m trying to repair an original Korg M1 (61-key).

**Symptoms:**

- On startup, the display shows `KORG Music Workstation M1 #25`, then `Init Prog`.

- The INT and PROG indicators remain lit.

- The keyboard produces a piano sound, but the factory programs (such as Universe) are missing.

- The internal battery has been replaced.

- Changes to program parameters can be saved and retained after power-off.

- I tried reloading the official factory preload file `m1preld.syx` using MIDI-OX and Bome SendSX, but the display and programs did not change.

- I also tried requesting program dumps over SysEx, but currently receive no MIDI input data when attempting a dump from the M1.

I have checked the global MIDI channel, EXCL is enabled, and Memory Protect is OFF.

**My question:** What hardware or memory-related faults could cause this behavior? Is there a reliable way to determine whether the problem is with the main board, program memory, or MIDI interface before replacing components?

I would appreciate advice from anyone experienced in repairing the original Korg M1. Thank you!