title_body: Kindle paperwhite needs repair
upvoted_answer: I searched all over and could not find the solution until I came across a russian site http://kindle.zzweb.ru/paperwhite/repair/. Basicly it sates this:
  
  
  Connect the Kindle Paperwhite to a computer USB-cable.
  Create an empty file in the root directory DO_FACTORY_RESTORE.
  Safely disconnect the reader from your computer.
  Reboot your device by holding the power button.
  
  
  I did this and my kindle paperwhite did a factory reset and I was able to use it again. I had previously tried to format the drive and place a firmware update on the drive so I do not know if this will remove your books. Please try and back up your books if you can before you do this.
  Hope this helps others.
  
  Copied from: https://www.reddit.com/r/kindle/comments/2xojx2/how_to_fix_your_paperwhite_if_it_says_your_kindle/