Android Market app failing on tablet

[Pinmac1]

A friend has an Android tablet running 2.2 which had the Market app pre-installed. It has been running OK but has suddenly failed. When you press the icon it starts to load, says "Loading" and then comes straight back to where you started. I have had a look under Manage Applications and have cleared data but nothing changed. It was Version 1.8 so an old version compared with the 2.3.6 I have on my Desire.

Is there a way to get the Market apk and install it onto the tablet? It has a USB socket so I could get it on to a data stick if necessary. Or would it be better via an email? (although he hasn't set up email on it, that shouldn't be a problem.) If I can get the apk file would I just uninstall the Market and run the apk file?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Newgrass]

Sorry I'm not posting a solution, but this has just happened to my Tablet too, it's been working fine for the last few months, but when I went to use it yesterday the market behaves in exactly the same way as you describe.
Coincidence or something else going on?
Mines a cheapie MIDX5A, but running 2.1, thinking about re-installing the O/S and possibly rooting as it has a number of weird faults, but looking for guidance as it looks like a minefield when looking at how to do it on a tablet, so many different types:http://androidforums.com/general-tablet-talk/329403-would-re-install-cure-few-issues-would-rooting-help.html