The Microsoft Zune is a popular digital media player and rival to the Apple iPod line. Before use of the Zune, the Zune software must be installed on your PC and the Zune must be properly set up. If you are encountering problems with the setup and installation process, there are solutions to get everything working correctly.
Software Installation
If you cannot get the Zune software to properly install on your computer system, make sure that the specifications of your PC meet the minimum system requirements. Zune requires Windows XP SP2 or newer, and a minimum 256 MB of RAM, 200 MB of free hard-drive space, USB 1.1 and a 500-MHz processor or better. Use of a more advanced system will result in improved software performance. The Zune software does not support 64-bit versions of Windows XP and is not compatible with Mac systems.
Installation of the Zune software is actually a two-part process. The installation CD contains a bootstrapper that, when opened, will download the latest software revision from the Zune server and then proceed with the installation onto your computer. Because of this, you must be connected to the Internet in order to complete installation. If your software fails to properly install, check to make sure that your Internet connection is active.
The complete install package (without the initial bootstrapper) can be downloaded via Microsoft's download center if you do not have a web connection.
Device Not Recognized
In some cases your computer or Zune software may fail to properly recognize your device. If your Zune does not begin charging when you connect it via USB, check to make sure that the USB port is working correctly. Try connecting the device using a different USB port if possible. The Zune USB cable may be faulty if other devices work when plugged into the same USB port.
If your device does charge when connected but is not recognized in Windows, there may be a driver conflict. Zune users in the Microsoft Developer Network discovered a simple solution by navigating to the Device Manager in Windows and looking for "Zune" in the list of devices. If there is an exclamation mark on the side of the device name, right-click "Zune" and select "Uninstall" while the Zune device is disconnected. Reconnecting the Zune after this often reinstalls the drivers correctly, allowing the Zune to be properly recognized.
Other Issues
When installing the Zune software onto a PC with Windows 7, some users have reported conflicts with anti-virus software. According to a user within the official Zune forums, "The error code states there is something still holding the Zune.Exe process (setup must stop because the required package 'Zune' didn't install. Error code 0x80070020.)" To fix this error, try uninstalling your anti-virus software before installing the Zune software.
For problems syncing media onto your device, Microsoft recommends restarting the device and the software.
If you have a version of Windows XP prior to Service Pack 2 (SP2), Microsoft offers the latest service pack for download via its download center. Remember, however, that 64-bit Window XP operating systems and any older versions of Windows are incompatible.
Users encountering any other technical issues involving the Zune hardware or software can find solutions within the support section of the Zune website. Many troubleshooting techniques can be found here.
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