How to Do a Hard Reset on a Zune

The Zune MP3 player is generally regarded as a very reliable device, but like any other personal media player, it is has its moments of technical difficulty. Fortunately, if your Zune starts locking up, freezing or does not charge properly, you can perform a hard reset to try and combat the problem. Performing a hard reset is very easy and should not take you more than 10 minutes. However, be advised that a hard reset will erase everything on your Zune.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Set your Zune on a flat surface where it is room temperature. This will prevent any outside variables from interfering with the hard reset.

2. Press firmly on the back button until you see the screen flicker. Then release the back button and press and hold the "Up" button. Hold this until you see the Zune reboot itself. If you have 4 GB, 8 GB or 80 GB model, continue to the next step. If you have a 30 GB model, skip the next step and proceed to Step 4.

3. Press and hold the "Back" button as soon as you see the Zune rebooting. Then simultaneously press down on both the right side of the Zune control pad and the "Play/Pause" button. Continue to hold both of these buttons until you see a "Clearing contents, please wait" message flash across the screen.

Tips & Warnings

• If your Zune is still having problems after you perform the hard reset, you may want to contact Microsoft Support for further help (see Resources).
• Performing a hard reset will erase everything on your Zune, so it is a good idea to have all you music and videos backed up on your computer before proceeding.

Resources

• Microsoft Zune Support Site