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

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:

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.