HOW TO – Copy data off a Microsoft Zune (use as a hard drive)

Music
HOW TO – Copy data off a Microsoft Zune (use as a hard drive)

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If you have a Zune, or know someone who does, you’re likely disappointed that it’s pretty much the only music player that doesn’t let you access the hard drive on it, all 30 GB are hidden because it’s “confusing” and we’re all “pirates” or something – but Dan seems to have figured out a way around, here’s how —

1. Make sure your Zune is not plugged in and your Zune software isn’t running
2. open up regedit by going to the start menu and selecting “run”. Type regedt32 and hit “OK”
3. Browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemControlSet001EnumUSB
4. Search for “PortableDeviceNameSpace”. This should be contained in the Vid_####&Pid_############_-_########_-_########_-_########Device Parameters within the above …USB The ##’s listed here will be numbers and letters specific to your Zune
5. Change the following values:

  • EnableLegacySupport to 1
  • PortableDeviceNameSpaceExcludeFromShell to 0
  • ShowInShell to 1

6. Plug in your Zune, and make sure the Zune Software starts up.
7. Hopefully at this point you can open up “My Computer” and browse your device, though it does NOT show up as a drive letter.

HOW TO – Copy data off a Microsoft Zune [via] – Link.

Zune hacks:

  • HOW TO – Use a Zune with Windows Vista – Link.
  • HOW TO – Add a 40gb drive to a Zune – Link.
  • HOW TO – Rip DVDs for your iPod, PSP, Zune – whatever device… – Link.
  • Zune guts – Link.

Update: Here’s one more tutorial – Link.

Someone apparently from Zuneboards says this information is “theirs” and would like the post updated, MysVidel writes “I will ask you only once that you give us credit for our hack. If not you will be reported to the authorities.”

There seems to be a rivalry between www.zuneboards.com and www.zunescene.com – looks like one site might be getting content from another, who knows – it’s zilly.

It’s worth noting that MAKE sells an open source MP3 player. And you can do whatever the heck you want to it.

28 thoughts on “HOW TO – Copy data off a Microsoft Zune (use as a hard drive)

  1. jbond says:

    Sounds like MTP support is built in but normally hidden. I guess that’s what legacy Support means.

    If that’s right then it should work fine with WMP and Winamp (and others) that support MTP.

    Note though that MTP is fairly limited compared with full USB mass storage.

  2. MysVidel says:

    You have stolen this content from http://www.zuneboards.com I will ask you only once that you give us credit for our hack. If not you will be reported to the authorities.

  3. afaust says:

    LOL

    can hacks be copyrighted?

  4. philliptorrone says:

    MysVidel – we are LINKING to how-to in both cases, you should really email those folks and/or report them to authorities, i’m certain your claim will be extremely important to law enforcement and copyright lawyers.

  5. SarahP says:

    Anyone who does any hacks or even links to zune hacks on the internet needs to pay zuneboards $10 per hack. It’s covered by hack copyright laws.

  6. amp2003 says:

    *oh snap*

  7. chief420 says:

    I just want to Say thank you. I just lost all my music off my hard drive and the only thing that had the music was my zune.

  8. Anonymous says:

    I would actually pay to watch the outcome of a lawsuite like this. I really really need a good laugh.

  9. jjj says:

    Hack copyright laws…
    That was sooooo funny that i fell over and broke my arm, now im going to sue you for intact arm infringment.

  10. usb says:

    taken straight from popular science magazine:

    USE IT FOR STORAGE

    Unlike almost all other players, the Zune can’t be used as a USB drive out of the box.

    1. Install .NET Framework 2.0 from microsoft.com.
    2. Download the ZuneHDPatch at cppworld.com/Zune/ZuneHDPatch.exe, and run it on your PC with your Zune unplugged and the Zune software closed.
    3. Plug your Zune into your PC, and it should appear as an external hard drive.
    4. To copy files, make sure the Zune software is running and set to “syncing.”

  11. Mr. Spockalo says:

    Well, at least i can search my zune, but no hope as to putting files directly without any other program or crap.
    I just hope the ten bucks i got for Christmas is safe – damn you HACK copyright laws.

  12. Rasheem Killuminati Harris says:

    where is in the hell is the how to?

  13. GustheOttsel says:

    It says the files on the device aren’t supported when i try to play the music in Music or any other program. What do?

  14. Estelle says:

    Hurrah! In the end I got a weblog from where I be
    capable of really obtain valuable information regarding my study and knowledge.

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