Ok I have have tried several different configurations with the test mode files and the unit just doesn't seem to want to boot into test mode.

So....

Define the file structures i.e. f:/NNtestmode.exe or is it f:/testmode/NNtestmode.exe

Can there be other folders on the disk?

I have tried it both ways

I have tried ipod connected /disconnected

I have tried parking brake lead active /deactive (mine is on a switch because I do want to disable video while driving sometimes on long drives and still listen to a movie.)

I watched the video i have cruised the forums relentlessly, I may be overthinking or overlooking a step.

I did verify that the unit can access the SD card as that was my first thought I did so by changing the backsplash pic.

Do I need to format the disk a special way?

It never fails that if i ask the question aloud I will tend to answer it myself.

Start with FRESH format of a SSD car Fat format not fat 32. I had a bunch of 8gig ssd cars that i used with my Nikon d80 and they put hidden files on the disk.