The majority of the Microsoft Zune 30's problems are software-related. Be sure to run through the following software troubleshooting before you tear into your Zune and attempt any hardware repairs. Hardware troubleshooting assumes you've done this first.
According to Microsoft, the most up-to-date firmware version is 4.5 (114) for the Zune HD, which replaces the original player firmware that ships on the device, 4.0 (356). In the case of the Zune 4, 8, 16, 30, 80, and 120 players, the most current player software version is 3.3, which provides compatibility with Zune 4.2. The Zune eventually restarts and begins the reset process. Wait until the reset process completes, then use this article's 'Update Firmware' section to finish the reset.
Software issues
Most software issues can be resolved by following these steps:
Restart Zune
Simply restarting your Zune player will often solve problems. To restart your Zune, ensure the hold switch is disengaged, then hold down the back button and the top button of the pad. Release the buttons when it restarts.
Update Zune software
Sometimes bugs get fixed in Zune software updates. To get these updates on your Zune, first make sure you have the most recent version of the Zune software installed on your computer. You can check this by running the software and going to:
- Settings -> Software -> General -> Check for Updates.
Next, connect your Zune to your computer via the USB cable and run the Zune software on your computer. The software will automatically look for a new version of the Zune player software. To manually check, go to:
- Settings -> Device -> Device Update.
Erase Zune and Resync Files
If the Zune is having trouble playing synced songs, erasing all of the content and resyncing may help.
Caution: This will erase everything on your Zune, so be sure to back up anything that won't get resynced from the Zune software.
Connect the Zune to your computer and run the Zune software. Go to:
- Settings -> Device -> Sync Options -> Erase All Content -> Yes.
After you have done this, all of your songs and other content will be erased, and you can resync your media back onto your Zune.
Restore Zune
A last step to try, restoring your Zune deletes everything, content and software, from your Zune. This allows you to revert everything to the state it left the factory in.
Caution: As with erasing content in the previous step, this action will remove everything from your Zune. Assuming your Zune still works well enough to do so, back up anything you want to save before proceeding.
Hold both the back and top buttons until the Zune starts to restart. When it does, immediately press and hold the back, left, and center buttons on the pad. This will cause the Zune to restart again, and display 'Please wait,' followed by 'Clearing contents. Please wait.' When it has finished, the Zune will display 'Connect Zune to your PC.' Do so, and run the latest version of the Zune software on your computer, which will automatically install the latest firmware on your Zune.
Zune won't turn on
Having trouble booting up your Zune? One of these may be the reason why.
Hold Switch on
Check to make sure the hold switch is off before you get too worried. With the hold switch activated, none of the buttons will register with the Zune, and it will appear dead. If you aren't sure which way is off, switch it both ways and try turning on your Zune.
Bad/drained Battery
Sometimes when you don't use your Zune for a long time, the battery can drain on its own. Try plugging the Zune in to your computer or an AC adapter. If it comes on and starts charging, you're done. If not, you may need to replace your battery.
Bad Display
If the display is pixelated or cracked, or if you can get music to play with a blank screen, the display is bad and needs to be replaced.
Bad Logic Board
If nothing happens at all when you power on and plug in your Zune, the problem is most likely the logic board. A guide to replace this is available here.
Bad/disconnected Button Pad
It is also possible that the button pad is bad, or its cable to the logic board is disconnected, preventing the power button from doing anything. If the Zune powers on when plugged into a computer or AC adapter, but the buttons do not work (and the hold is disengaged), it is possible that the button pad is defective or disconnected. A guide here shows how to replace/reconnect this.
Zune Can't play songs
Faulty Hard Drive
A faulty hard drive can cause your song files to be corrupted and unplayable. Replace the hard drive with this guide.
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Microsoft's Zune MP3 player is available in several different models, each of which is prone to 'freezing' due to a software issue, corrupted update, broken song file or other software-related issue. Once frozen, simply pressing the Zune's power button will not be enough to shut it off, requiring you to perform a hard reset, which forces the device to reboot. Unfortunately, a hard reset erases the data on the Zune, including your business' audio files and photographs, and should only be performed as a last resort.
Zune HD
2.Hold the 'On/Off' button down for 10 seconds. The Zune's screen will darken, and then the device will power on.
Zune 4GB, 8GB and 80GB
1.Press and hold the 'Back' and 'Up' buttons on the device until it reboots.
2.Release and then immediately press and hold the 'Back' button and the 'Center' button simultaneously.
3.Release the 'Right' button and press the 'Play/Pause' button.
Zune 30GB
1.Press and hold the 'Back' and 'Up' buttons on the device until it reboots.
2.Release and then immediately press and hold the 'Back' button, the 'Right' button and the 'Center' button simultaneously.
Things Needed
- Zune data cable
Warnings
- A hard reset will erase the information contained on the Zune.
- You will need the Zune's USB cable and a computer with the Zune software installed to restore the device.
About the Author
Gemma Craig began writing in 1993, expanding to various websites in 2007. She writes about interior decorating and design, travel, film, literature, technology and consumer electronics. Craig's work has been published in 'Spinner,' 'USA Today' and numerous regional newspapers.
Cite this Article Choose Citation Style
Craig, Gemma. 'How to Do a Hard Reset on a Zune.' Small Business - Chron.com, http://smallbusiness.chron.com/hard-reset-zune-53191.html. Accessed 10 November 2019.
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