Just another Microsoft MVPs site
It’s been a few days since I dropped my ZuneHD off (prepaid) to the UPS shipping store. Strangely, I started missing it today and decided to check on its status.
You can check on your Zune repair status by going here (they don’t make it easy to find):
http://www.zune.net/en-us/repair/
Once logged in I find:
And, they give me a link to:
But, alas…clicking to view details gives me the famous asp.net error…
Microsoft released the v4.3 firmware update for Zune HD players and it includes the following additions and fixes:
Zune is a better product than the iPod, but Microsoft has had trouble pushing through the thick Apple hype. Maybe, the real cost between Zune Marketplace and iTunes will turn the tide. We’ll see…
As stated on the Zunepass.net web site, a completely full 120GB Zune costs just $14.99 per month. The same capacity iPod filled with songs cost a whopping $30,000. Shame on you Apple!
Jump out to the Zunepass.net and try the calculator for yourself to see just what you are really paying if you’re using the Apple brand:
Official response for Zune 30 Freezing Issue (Zune 30gb stuck at reboot screen)
Early this morning we were alerted by our customers that there was a widespread issue affecting our 2006 model Zune 30GB devices (a large number of which are still actively being used). The technical team jumped on the problem immediately and isolated the issue: a bug in the internal clock driver related to the way the device handles a leap year. The issue should be resolved over the next 24 hours as the time change moves to January 1, 2009. We expect the internal clock on the Zune 30GB devices will automatically reset tomorrow (noon, GMT). By tomorrow you should allow the battery to fully run out of power before the unit can restart successfully then simply ensure that your device is recharged, then turn it back on. If you’re a Zune Pass subscriber, you may need to sync your device with your PC to refresh the rights to the subscription content you have downloaded to your device.
Customers can continue to stay informed via the support page on zune.net (zune.net/support).
We know this has been a big inconvenience to our customers and we are sorry for that, and want to thank them for their patience.
Q: Why is this issue isolated to the Zune 30 device?
It is a bug in a driver for a part that is only used in the Zune 30 device.
Q: What fixes or patches are you putting in place to resolve this situation?
This situation should remedy itself over the next 24 hours as the time flips to January 1st.
Q: What’s the timeline on a fix?
The issue Zune 30GB customers are experiencing today will self resolve as time changes to January 1.
Q: Why did this occur at precisely 12:01 a.m. on December 31, 2008?
There is a bug in the internal clock driver causing the 30GB device to improperly handle the last day of a leap year.
Q: What is Zune doing to fix this issue?
The issue should resolve itself.
Q: Are you sure that this won’t happen to all 80, 120 or other flash devices?
This issue is related to a part that is only used in Zune 30 devices.
Q: How many 30GB Zune devices are affected?
All 30GB devices are potentially affected.
Q: Will you update the firmware before the next leap year (2012)?
Yes.
Matt Akers
Zune Product Team
Looks like the Midwest isn't the only thing that's freezing up this holiday season: many people are reporting their 30GB Zunes are spontaneously going on the fritz as well.
The symptom is reported widely on discussion boards about Microsoft's music player, including Zune.net, ZuneUser.com, and ZuneScene. With the problem, people's Zunes reboot but freeze when the startup status bar reaches 100 percent.
Some users reported the problem happened at exactly midnight PST, at the very beginning of the last day of the year, leading some wags to call the problem Z2K after the Y2K problem that was widely feared to cripple the computing industry when computer clocks moved from 1999 to 2000.
"It reset itself. I don't know why," said one owner who posted an account of his Zune problem on YouTube after reporting it on the Zune.net forum.
Microsoft didn't immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday morning.
Users report 30GB Zunes seizing up | Microsoft – CNET News
When you open the Zune Software today, you’ll be presented with the option to upgrade to the latest revision.
You can also grab the update for a manual installation from the following link:
Read about the new games included with the update along with some improvements to the Zune interface:
http://zuneinsider.com/archive/2008/11/18/zune-3-1-update-your-zune.aspx
Zune Social now offers ready-made code to put your Zune card on your myITforum.com blog.
Mine looks like this:
Zune social users, you can now show what you’re listening to in your Zune software through Windows Messenger.
Also, now, whenever your song changes in the Zune software, you’ll also receive a Messenger Alert to let you know what’s next…
