Creative Zen V & Creative R

Well my third Creative Zen V has just failed, the first one failed within days due to a complete screen failure. The second and third units both failed the same way, they keep freezing. Both within weeks of operation, it is not as if they led a hard life, they were only ever used when flying.
Finally my third one, bought as gift to the girlfriend has started locking up, reset doesn't matter because it boots and then freezes almost straight away. The recovery method does not work.
I finally went back and fished out my Creative Zen Micro, which incidently failed outside its warrenty. Took it apart and fixed it, the design and quality of Creative's connection of the headphone jack to the pcb left a lot to be desired.
So to anyone reading this looking at buying a Creative MP3 player, my advice would be don't. To substantiate this, look at the threads below this one, at the time of writing this nearly all of them are negati've relating to product failure.

Mine locked up constantly when I first bought it but we used the recovery tools and methods as suggested by creative and have had no further problems at all!! Try it! The zen v plus is cool and hubby and I both own one and use them for hours every day!

Similar Messages

  • Creative Zen Plus & Creative Soundblaster Audigy 4. Can the two be linked in any w

    Hello and good morning. I've an extensi've collection of music consisting of 35,000 tracks which I play through my Creative Soundblaster Audigy 4 via my hi fi system. In order to access these tracks when using the Creative Zen Plus, I notice it calls up only the file name which is a time consuming effort to get tracks transferred. To your knowledge,is there a way to use the Creative Soundblaster to 'drag and drop' individual tracks straight into the Creative Zen using the 'burn now' facility?
    Any help and assistance would be highly appreciated. Thank you very much indeed for your help.
    Alan L.

    Didn't your soundcard come with MediaSource? If so, you can transfer the tracks that have already been converted to MP3 or WMV format directly to your player. MediaSource also displays the content by ID3 Tag titles once they've been entered into the Music Library.

  • Creative Zen vs Creative Vision M question regarding d

    Ok im traveling a lot so i descided to purchase one of those players so i can watch moovies . The problem is that i like the creative zen but i read that there is a problem with this model regarding the divx playback well not much of a problem but its still pain in the neck if you need to convert every video file to 320x240 everytime you wana watch something wich is not the case with the Vision M model with wich you just need to upload the moovie into the device from what i hear is there any truth to that because that will determine wich one i choose or that problem has been solved already !

    What about direct playback in the vision M series do you need to convert the file to 320x240 divx format in order to play it or it will play anything with curent resolution lower than 720xXXX ?

  • Creative Zen and Creative Media Sourc

    A couple of years back I bought a creative MP3 player and it came with Creative Zen Touch software. Just recently I purchaed a new laptop that came with Creative Media Source 5. I used to use the Creative Zen Touch to load my music cds and transfer files from my computer and my MP3 player. My question is since now I have Creative Media Source 5 (along with Creative Li've! Cam and Sound Blaster Audigy) do I even need to load the Creative Zen Touch software on my new laptop inorder to transfer music files from my MP3 player and my laptop. Thank you in advance.

    Ok.... I tried many times to put the PlaysForSure "firmware" on my actual player (I have version .0.03). The problem is I can not figure out how to actually put the firmware onto my MP3 player. Can someone please help me with this as I am leaving for Iraq VERY soon and I need to get the MP3 player to be recognized by Creative 5 and Windows Vista (32-bit). Thanks in advance.
    BrianY wrote:
    If you're new laptop is a Vista system, you won't have to load any software drivers for the Touch, but you'll have to update your Touch to PlaysForSure firmware since Creative doesn't do Vista drivers for the MP3 players. If your laptop is an XP system, and you're on V.x firmware, you'll need to load the drivers so that MediaSource can recognize the Touch.
    lemondrop wrote:
    My question is since now I have Creative Media Source 5 (along with Creative Li've! Cam and Sound Blaster Audigy) do I even need to load the Creative Zen Touch software on my new laptop inorder to transfer music files from my MP3 player and my laptop. Thank you in advance.

  • Fixing the creative zen xtra - creative firmware won't bring me dow

    Hi all,
    Recently my zen xtra crashed as a result of Creative's shoddy firmware! Anyway, I'm out of warrenty, creative want to try charge me about 20 quid and I ain't having that (read my other posts you'll hear the whole story)
    Well now I've decided I'm gonna try fix things myself. I've ripped my player apart to reveal the 2.5" harddri've. I've got hold of a caddie to hold this in and connected to the computer. Dri've is not recognised (as i suspected, the firmware has corrupted toc and whathaveyou). So I'm formatting the dri've now, seems to be going ok (i'm thinking if I can't get the player working again at least I can make a 40gb external mini hard dri've)
    Anyway, what I need now is to compare this hard dri've to another zen xtra one thats working and well. If anyone has (for some bizarre reason) backed up their zen dri've in this way cause you let me know. I need to know the file structure that it uses (as the software hides the real structure) and also the firmware (a working copy please!) that is as how it is installed rather than by using the installation software for the more conventional way :smileytongue:
    Any help with that is appreciated, and those of you who are like me and have a ?200 paperweight should consider making it an external dri've like this also. (cheap caddies on ebay for those who want to know!)
    hope this helps
    phil

    if i get a friend's zen xtra dri've and put it in mine, would you reckon it would work or am i likely to bugger up that too?
    if the firmware is part in hardware then i doubt there's a lot i can do, but my intention was to copy my friend's dri've to mine then put it in and see if it works...
    any ideas?

  • Windows Vista and Creative Zen Touch/ Creative Media Sou

    Hey there, I just got a shiny new laptop with Windows Vista (32 bit) and would like to install the media source player. Unfortunately I lost the CD with the installation long time ago. I downloaded all kinds of files for the Zen (the media player and the drivers) from the Creative site, but I just can't get it to work. Can anyone please tell which files I need to download and in which order That would be lovely! Many thanks,Julia

    I would work through the reset procedures given under the various FAQ threads and then try the firmware upgrade again after getting it out of recovery mode as that seems to be the issue. There seem to be a number of threads with things to try. I would not give up but first work through the various suggestions to get it out of recovery mode. Then post separately re the recovery mode problem to see if anyone has ideas for solving that first. Did it go into recovery mode immediately after the firmware upgrade? Will it let you try to do the firmware again?When I connect it takes about 20 secs before the player is recognized by media player. In terms of transfer to your own laptop - do you have a burner on the friends PC for burning a DVD or 2. Or a slower way is multiple transfers using a USB memory stick.

  • What are the defects that occur in the Creative Zen produc

    Hi! I am new to all these MP3 players (I am still stuck in the CD player era) but I have been wanting to upgrade to a new, high tech player. After researching for a LONG time (I have considered the Creative Zen micro, Creative Zen Micro photo, Ipod mini, Ipod Nano, 4th gen Ipod, Cowan Iaudio, Olympus M:Robe500i, and Archos Gimini 402) I have concluded with the Creative products, that unlike the Ipods, have more features for the same price or lower. I briefly thought about the IAudio and the Archos since they play movies but decided that they were too expensi've. Plus, it having a removable battery was enticing since do not li've int he United States and I wouldn't have to be sending things in for repair or replacement of battery.
    Now, I was very pumped about the Zen Micro but have since learned that there are a few defects.
    the Creative Zen micro, from what I gathered, has a problem that the player stops working and only boots up to the Creative logo. I think I understand that this comes from something disconnecting from the HD inside. ANOTHER problem seems to be the earphone jack breaking and being pushed in.
    I want to know if this is fixed in any of the versions of the Zen Micros. I think I heard that the 5GB ones are the ones that do this. If anything, i would get the 6 GB version and would like to know if the 6GB Zen Micros do this. It is at Best Buy for $50 plus tax ($60+ total).
    I am also considering ordering the Zen Micro Photo (though it costs $40 bucks more just for color) form Best Buy ($202 total). Does the Zen Micro Photo fix the problems of the past players? Does it have any new defects?
    Another player I am interested in is the Zen Sleek, which is the same price of the Zen Micro Photo, but has 2 GB more (though I don't really need it). It doesn't have color but whatever. Does this player have any of the previous defects or any defects at all? Can I use it to transfer files, like the the Micros can (I assume the Micro Photo can also) without having to install software on a PC (like the whole partition thing from the Micros). Does it have a removable Battery?
    ANY HELP would be appreciated. I am a very cautious buyer and I do not want to hassle with stuff. I li've in the Dominican republic and I do NOT want to go shipping stuff overseas to get it fixed. That is why I am buying a Zen product, since it has removable Batteries and I don't have to send it in to get replaced. I do not want to spend 00 bucks and 3 months of waiting for things.
    Also, on any defect, what seems to be the percentage? I know creative has not acknowledged any defects but there obviously are, since things happen to the same product, the same way, the same place.
    Thanks for any help, again. Sorry for being so lengthy. I just like to have as much info down. It is that that Best Buy deal is too good.

    jimm20 wrote:
    the Creative Zen micro, from what I gathered, has a problem that the player stops working and only boots up to the Creative logo. I think I understand that this comes from something disconnecting from the HD inside.
    I wouldn't call this a common problem.
    ANOTHER problem seems to be the earphone jack breaking and being pushed in.
    Not sure about being pushed in, but the solder connection on some Micros was too weak and easily broken.
    I want to know if this is fixed in any of the versions of the Zen Micros. I think I heard that the 5GB ones are the ones that do this. If anything, i would get the 6 GB version and would like to know if the 6GB Zen Micros do this. It is at Best Buy for $50 plus tax ($60+ total).
    No-one knows for sure if it was fixed. Creative Support didn't confirm or deny it had been fixed on the board here. Others have had emails from Creative saying that it has been fixed in newer players.
    I am also considering ordering the Zen Micro Photo (though it costs $40 bucks more just for color) form Best Buy ($202 total). Does the Zen Micro Photo fix the problems of the past players? Does it have any new defects?
    People say the sound quality isn't as great as past players, and there is some slight noise when the backlight is turned on. Aside from not being able to view photos and listen to music at the same time. Search back for reviews by other folks.
    Another player I am interested in is the Zen Sleek, which is the same price of the Zen Micro Photo, but has 2 GB more (though I don't really need it). It doesn't have color but whatever. Does this player have any of the previous defects or any defects at all?
    The Sleek seems to be a great player. I don't recall seeing any common issues with it.
    Can I use it to transfer files, like the the Micros can (I assume the Micro Photo can also) without having to install software on a PC (like the whole partition thing from the Micros). Does it have a removable Battery?
    It doesn't have a removable battery.
    It has the MTP/PFS firmware that means you can only use it to copy audio files with Win XP.
    It has the USB mass storage function that means you can copy data files to it with Win 98/Me/2000 and XP.
    Also, on any defect, what seems to be the percentage? I know creative has not acknowledged any defects but there obviously are, since things happen to the same product, the same way, the same place.
    No-one except Creative knows these figures.

  • Java platform for Creative Zen X-fi

    Would it be possible for someone to create a java platform for the creative zen X-Fi?

    %Re: Creative Zen or Creative Zen X-FIE hi
    i have Zen X-FI 6gb only and bought it last September.
    i want to say that
    Zen X-FI = Zen + speaker + EP 830 + wireless lan + more EQ( i think X-Fi crystalize is just another EQ )+ more buttons.
    i love the player and the headphone.
    the sound is clear.
    but i seldom use the wireless function.
    and i think the battery isn't strong enough for me.
    my fingers aren't to big to handle the buttons so it isn't a problem.
    fortunately, the player works fine except the sortware.it is a little bit confused.
    this is my opinion.
    hope it hel
    ps.
    http://forums.creative.com/i/smilies/6x6_smiley-happy.gif[/img] title="Smiley Happy" alt="">

  • Questions about Creative Zen MP3 Players.....which one to b

    I had a Rio Carbon 6GB and I really love it (until it died on me), and I heard that Creative Zen 8GB, Creative Zen Micro 8 GB, Creative Zen V Plus?8GB are good choices to buy? I have readed all reviews from PC World, CNET, MSN, and all three sound good, but what are main differences between them that I need take in to consideration before I buy? I also I have read that you can replace the battery in all of them....is this true? What is the battery life before it needs to be replaced and how much? Thanks

    If you listen to a lot of audiobooks, then I personally recommend the Zen V Plus 2, 4 or 8 GB. It doesn't have a user replaceable battery.
    The battery is is built into the player. The audiobooks and albums seem much easier to find and use than on the Zen Micro. You can find these players on the Creative Savings Center refurbished for about half the price of a new player. (The Zen Micro, you can find on eBay used The refurbished Zen V Plus Players I have received when ordering, have been brand new and work just fine. They have a 90 day parts/labor warranty. I consider the 2GB Zen V Plus to be a throw-away(when or if it breaks after the warranty) at $35.99 plus shipping.
    luvmyrescuedogs

  • Creative Zen Style M300. My story.

    Hello to all,
    The following is a list of features that, in my humble opinion, every decent MP3 reader must have:
    1) Must be SMALL. Images and video must be avoided because they increase screen size: MP3 reader is for playing music, I use it during jogging and I need to hold it in a single hand. If I want to see images and videos I use my smartphone.
    2) Must have a great capacity even if you play only music. I usually buy 8 GB players and expand it with 16 GB SDHC card. 24 Gb is enough for me.
    3) Must have a battery duration of, at least, 15 hours.
    4) Must have a processor fast enough to have a good response time.
    5) MUST support browsing by folder.
    6) Must have FM radio.
    7) Buttons must be responsive and placed in right places in order to be easily accessible with a single hand.
    8) The output must be sufficiently loud.
    9) Must support MP3 and WMA.
    10) Must have a good SNR.
    One year ago the only player that fits all these requirements was Sansa Clip Plus. A very well designed MP3 reader (in terms of features). BUT, my first Sansa Clip Plus battery dead after 6 months. At the time no other valid alternative exists... so I buy a second Sansa Clip Plus. After some months, it stop to works with apparently no reason. How sad. Look like that battery and/or power system of Sansa Clip Plus is very poor. So I have tried to find a valid alternative. I have tried the Creative Zen Style M300. But it lacks some important features. Referring to the previous list:
    1) The size is acceptable.
    2) OK
    3) OK
    4) Not fast and responsive as the Sansa Clip Plus but could be accepted (Sansa Clip Plus is very very fast).
    5) This feature is absent and IMHO is a totally wrong decision. I have tons of MP3 organized in folders and now I have to reorganize they differently. In addition the reader come with no software and I don't know how to edit ID3 tag.
    6) OK
    7) Touch buttons are a really bad choice for a MP3 reader. They are not very responsive and badly located (hard to be handled by a single hand). To be more comfortable the volume buttons should be placed on the left side (usually managed by forefinger and middle finger of the right hand).
    8) Volume is poor. Equalizer have no effect if your volume is near the maximum level (31), because the output power is limited. Look like Creative limit power for European models. Sansa Clip Plus also limit power, but you can choose your country in the configuration menu and if you select a country outside Europe, you can overcome that problem.
    9) OK
    10) OK
    I wish to report my experiences hoping that Creative designers can read it.
    - A disappointed customer

    Hi,
    Most music (classical) is from ripped CD's, some albums from eMusic. If needed I use Mp3tag.
    The problem is that the pics seem to show up or not at random. It's not a big deal really, just odd.
    I don't have this problem with my Zen X-Fi 2. Only problem there is pics for .flac files.
    Gilles

  • Creative Zen Review With the AudioBook Listener In Mi

    Here is a copy of my review of the Creative Zen which I just published on the amazon.com mp3 player forum in the thread I started over a year ago entitled "What's the best player for AudioBooks " It is the longest thread in the forum with little indication of slowing down, and it can usually be found as the first thread in the forum.
    http://www.amazon.com/tag/mp3%20play...MxM6KCQW5Q9B6C
    I wound up getting the Zen 4GB a few weeks ago but delayed posting until I figured out how I liked it.
    - I like that it has a big screen with big text that I could get by using without my reading glasses (old eyes) in a pinch. That is a very toughtful touch I have't seen on any other players (not that I've seen them all.)
    - The big screen will also show pictures and videos which I don't care much about but is a nice feature if desired.
    - The big screen doesn't come with a cover and it will get scratched up fast. It took me a while to figure this out so my screen got a little scratched up before I realized it.
    Consider screen covers mandatory. They are sold seperately in a 3 pack for around $8. This is so important the device ought to have come with at least one screen cover in the box, even if it raised the price $2. My screen cover has been on for a few weeks and shows no sign of wear or coming loose. I did combine it with a rubber device cover I got on amazon for $3 which protects the whole device and covers the edges of the screen and screen protector. The unit is now protected. The cover comes with a little strap and D-Ring clip which is good for hanging onto some piece of clothing.
    - It has a built in battery which is good. It supposedly takes a long time to recharge but that is not an issue for me. I just plug it in to a USB port with the included 4" long cable and it has plenty of time to charge during the day for my use. A fast AC charger is available at extra cost (~$25 I think.)
    - Defect: The unit shuts off after being on pause for a few minutes (good) but it starts up at the beginning of the track when you restart (bad.) If you turn it off, it restarts where you left off as it should. This would not be an issue for music listeners, but it is for audiobook listeners when the track may be an hour to several hours long.
    - Defect: Bookmarks are not at the top of the Menu list and although some menus are customizable, the one with Bookmarks is not.
    - Defect: You can't get to Bookmarks when in the book. You have to back up to Music Menu, click to get to menu, and scroll 2 spots to get to Bookmarks. Not a deal breaker when you get used to it, but clearly not designed properly with the audiobook user in mind.
    - Sound quality: very good. Even with music, very nice.
    - Included headphones: Nice sound. They fall out of my ears and get tangled up a lot but I think thats true of most earbud headphones. I'm going to get the Sony Sport headphones I've had before with a foldable over the head strap.
    - Bookmarks: 0. Plenty for me. (Who listens to more than 0 books at a time )
    - Price: $90 for 4GB. I thought that was quite reasonable.
    SUMMARY: With a few menu enhancements and the ability to return to it's place after a pause/shutdown, I'd consider this device close to perfect for the audiobook listener.

    Try going into "Control Panel->Administrati've tools" and clicking on "Computer Management". Find "disk management" in the left pane and click it. Your Stone should be in the right somewhere. I think you need to right click, then "choose dri've letter and paths" and give it a dri've letter with the "add" button. Let us know if that works.

  • Creative Zen 32GB - Is it Dead?

    Hi. I bought a Creative Zen 32gb Flash player in January 2009.
    It was mostly OK for the first year or so. By then, it was almost full.
    Last summer, it began crashing on me every so often. I assumed it was just because it was almost full, but as time went on it crashed more and more.
    Sometimes it would play slightly garbled songs, almost like in the good old days when your cassette deck would chew up your D-90s.
    When using the locking function, it would crash completely, requiring the judicious use of a pin to reset it.
    Then it would crash when plugging it into headphones or the cable connecting to my AUX port on my car stereo.
    The other day, it crashed and I thought - right, its been going a couple of years now, I'll back it up and then go into recovery mode, clean up the memory and then reboot, as recommended in the user guide. I tried backing up the player but it got about halfway through and crashed out.
    I then thought to hell with it - I've got most of my music backed up anyway, and the clean up might not mess with it too much, so I tried to follow the cleanup instructions but everytime I let go of the Play button, it would crash out.
    If I held the play button down, it would work, but the buttons are so close together, if I changed pressure on the play button while selecting "clean up", it would crash out. Still, I thought I'd managed it but it would not restart or dock, or pretty much do anything except let me go into recovery mode (while pressing Play, of course).
    I then thought I'd just reformat the player - again, through the recovery menu since it would not dock with my PC (Win Vista, 32bit). That made no difference. It would not start, would not dock etc etc.
    I then thought I would upgrade the firmware, downloaded it from Creative, and managed to get it to go so far, before it crashed out. And that's it - I can just about get it to start, sometimes, and then the screen will go black, or white, or red and black striped once. It will not dock at all. I can press reset as much as I like but the best I can get it to do is get to the recovery menu for a few seconds before crashing, or I can get it to display the Creative logo for a few seconds before, again, it crashes.
    Its sat right now with a black screen and the blue light on. I cannot turn it off, or get any response from it at all.
    So, is this now a dead mp3 player? Is it likely a hardware fault? If firmware/software, is there any way to fix this or should I just chalk this up to experience and accept that ?60 odd of mp3 player just isn't built to last very long?
    And if its dead, what to replace it's I want Creative stuff to be better than it seems to be, and I am loathe to buy iPod. Sony? Wife has one and its fine, but not enough storage. Any recommendations?

    Stormgeer wrote:
    I've had my Zen32GB for a year and have loved it up to this morning. I added a few photos to it and now its been stuck in "Rebuilding" for the last two hours. I can dock it and get into it, copy files, etc, but it will not play. I have been using a handy pin to reset it, then it goes back into Rebuilding. It doesn't appear to be a hardware problem as the buttons were working fine. A lost cause?
    On the recovery mode screen, can you try doing a CleanUp>Reboot?

  • Creative Zen Aurvana headphones

    Wow, creative has the WORST customer support on earth, the website is circular, and you can't get anywhere with it.
    So I have the Creative Zen Aurvana headphones, used them for 3-4 months and one side doesn't work anymore, they were mildly used, and well taken care of, but one side stopped working.
    I tried filling the warranty form but it doesn't even list the headphones anymore as a product.. wtf?
    Can anyone give me the Creative customer support phone number, they don't list it anywhere on the website, every link leads to one another.. CREATIVE SUCKS.

    Hello fellow disgruntled Creative customers. I just got a pair of the new EP-640's and am having the same problem... after just a week! The sound hasn't gone out completely from the right ear, but it's still barely audible. I'm probably going to take them back and get some from a different brand. I can't wait to get a Creative pair after this problem is over.

  • Helpful hints for new Creative Zen MP3 2/4/8/16/32 GB (flash) Users On

    Summary of helpful hints (from this forum and me) for new Creative Zen MP3 2/4/8/6/32 GB (flash) Users Only!
    Rev..
    Date: 4/28/2008
    Author: ZenAndy
    Creative terminology:
    MP3 Player Recovery Tool - A program that resolves the majority of player problems quickly.
    One click is all it takes to update your player to the latest available firmware, and to give your player a clean bill of health.
    Link: http://www.creative.com/products/mp3...me.asp region=
    Note: You can also go to "Creative" "Support" "downloads" choose your MP3 Player type to obtain the latest firmware and software releases.
    Note: On your Zen you can look under "System" & "Information" and then compare the firmware download
    releases OR you can have the "MP3 Player Recovery Tool" (above) do it for you automatically.
    Note: Creative Zen 4/8/6 GB "MP3 Recovery Tool" DOES NOT stop on a firmware comparison match.
    Note: All firmware releases/revisons for the 4/8/6 GB Zen also works (is the same as) for the 2 GB & 32 GB Zen.
    Recovery Mode - If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, it is recommended that you boot the player into its unique Recovery Mode, and then clean up, format or reload the firmware.
    . The player is not detected in Creative MediaSource or Windows Media Player
    2. The battery does not last as expected
    3. Your computer stops responding during file transfers
    4. There is a power outage during file transfers
    5. There is an error about firmware
    6. LCD displays a "Firmware Problem" message
    7. Your player is not responding.
    8. The player is performing erratically.
    Getting Started
    . Load your Creative Zen software from CD FIRST and BEFORE plugging the Zen MP3 player, using the short cable, into the PC USB port to charge it.
    2. Try charging the Zen MP3 player directly from the USB port on the PC. If not, make sure the USB Hub you are using is adequately powered to provide full charging current to the Zen player. Also, try to have the Zen MP3 player as the only USB device, if possible, on the USB hub.
    Some/most Creative Zen flash MP3 Music players come "fully discharged" so, in the mean time, just read the manuals.
    FULLY charge the Zen MP3 player for several hours (~4.0 hrs max) until the battery symbol is NOT flashing AND the battery symbol/icon has a small plug/key symbol in the middle.
    After the first full charge - additional charging is much quicker about 2 /4 hours. (From 0% empty to full)
    3. Go to Creative/Support/Downloads and check for the latest software releases for the Creative Zen. Then check on your Zen MP3 player under System/Information for your firmware revision. Make sure you have the latest software downloaded on your PC and firmware on your Zen MP3 player. < Latest revision [.2.0] 28Feb08>
    OR
    You can run MP3 Player Recovery Tool - see above.
    4. In some cases you might have to do the Recovery Mode "paper clip reset" to get the Zen MP3 flash player started.
    See the Zen User's Guide FAQ. The paper clip reset hole is on the bottom edge below the music pause/run switch.
    (Not the slotted mic hole on the top edge of the player near the earphone jack and SD card slot!!!)
    5. My preference is to have the player shutdown/off before inserting and removing the earphone/headphone plug.
    Recovery Mode Using The Paper Clip OR
    Alternati've Method For Recovery Mode Without The Paper Clip.
    Why use it's
    If you experience one or more of the following symptoms:
    . The player is not detected in Creative MediaSource or Windows Media Player
    2. The battery does not last as expected
    3. Your computer stops responding during file transfers
    4. There is a power outage during file transfers
    5. There is an error about firmware
    6. LCD displays a "Firmware Problem" message
    7. Your player is not responding.
    8. The player is performing erratically.
    Save a copy of your player's content, if possible, before cleaning up the memory!
    Recovery Mode Using The Paper Clip Reset Method
    #. Turn off player if not already turned off
    #2. Press/hold play/pause button. If you accidentally release
    the button, start this reset procedure over again.
    #3. Gently push the end of a metal paper clip into the reset hole on
    the botton edge below the play/pause switch.
    (Do not use the slotted mic hole at the top edge near the earphone jack)
    #4. Slide the on/off/lock switch towards the on position - slide it to the botton hold
    until the display lights up and then release.
    #5. The recovery mode screen appears and four menu items are shown - see below
    <Alternati've Method For Recovery Mode Without The Paper Clip>
    #. Turn off player if not already turned off
    #2. Press/hold play/pause button. If you accidentally release
    the button, start this reset procedure over again.
    #3. Slide the on/off/lock switch towards the on position - slide it to the botton hold
    until the display lights up and then release. Be patient and wait!
    #4. The recovery mode screen appears and four menu items are shown:
    < Clean Up> - cleans, rebuilds and reorganizes your player's memory and restores it to optimal efficiency.
    When the cleanup is complete, select Reboot. Your player restarts and starts rebuilding its music library.
    Note: Your player's firmware is reset to default settings after your player's memory is cleaned up.
    Note: This procedure the hide/show password is reset.
    <2 Format All>- Warning - Formatting your player erases all content on your player's memory and resets your player's firmware to default settings. If possible, back up all data on your player before proceeding.
    Also, you can do this from the PC see Zen User's Guide. FAQ
    <3 Reload Firmware> - Caution !!!! Selecting Reload Firmware erases your player's firmware.
    DO NOT select Reload Firmware unless you have downloaded a newer firmware version for your player, or have been advised to do so by Creative Customer Support.
    Note: My advice when loading/replacing firmware is to connect directly
    to the PC USB port without using a USB hub.
    <4 Reboot> Restarts the player just like the "on/off/lock switch" when switched ON.
    Note: Having NO battery energy/charge/juice this procedure will not work.
    Lithium-Ion Polymer Battery Hints
    Ref:
    http://www.omnica.com/omniview_electronics2.htm
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_ion_battery
    . Allow the battery to completely discharge from time-to-time then recharge it fully.
    2. Lithium-Ion batteries loses about 5%- 0% capacity per month.
    3. Lithium-Ion polymer batteries have about 300-500 discharge/charge cycles.
    4. A half full battery indication (50% @ /2 the battery color) used up about 24 hrs worth of battery. Below 50% the indication goes fairly fast to the max of 30 hrs. Note: The battery level indication seems non-linear through out its range.
    5. Battery is Empty~0% - warning screen will appear on LCD and player might shutdown.
    6. Battery is Full- 00% with battery symbol NOT flashing AND plug/key symbol in the center of the battery.
    7. It takes about 2 /4 hours to charge the battery from empty to full.
    8. It takes about 4 hours max to charge a "New" Zen player shipped from the factory.
    9. There is a battery manufactuer's failure rate, which is normal ~ % or less, in which the Lithium-Ion Polymer battery refuses to charge. Creative, ships the Zen MP3 players with some or no charge so there is very small probability that you could have one. I call it the "Deep Six Discharge Battery" Contact/call Creative for replacement.
    Documentation
    There are several pieces of documentation you might need to read to fully understand and use your Creative Zen MP3 flash player to its fullest capabilities.
    #. Zen Users Guide "English" - For Zen MP3 Player - download from Creative/Support/Product documentation
    #2. Zen Quick Users Guide /Front/Back - download from Creative/Support/Product documentation
    #3. Sync Manager (Creative Zen) Click on sync symbol on PC task bar then help
    #4. Creative Zen Media Explorer - Just look under the main help menu
    #5. Windows Media Player <if used>(Microsoft)Use the help files with this program.
    General Tips to increase/decrease the playing time on your Creative Zen flash player.
    <Creative Battery Spec: 5 Hrs. Video & "UP TO" 30 Hrs. Audio/Songs>
    Please do the following:
    . Volume control lower/higher - higher volume settings will decrease playing times. This is logical. More output "volume power" decreases the battery juice.
    2. Audio Settings: EQ, Smart Vol, & Bass Boost will effect your playing time but I believe they are not critical as the Volume & Bit Rates(28 kbsp and others) / File Format (MP3,WMA) & Lock Switch.
    3. Bit Rates & File Formats Do Matter. Bit Rates and File formats will increase/decrease your playing time.
    Per Catherina-CL
    "WMA files will use up more power than MP3 files, and higher bitrates more so than standard ones (like 28kbps MP3). Best thing to do is rip an album in 28kbps MP3 and leave it playing in a loop on a normal volume level. See how long the battery lasts then."
    Please Note: The main difference between MP3 and WMA is the compression. According to Microsoft a 64KBPS WMA file is the same quality 28KBPS MP3. This is of course up to a person's preference but you may find you can get better compression out of WMA.
    4. FULLY CHARGE your Zen. This means the battery symbol is NOT flashing AND there is a plug/key symbol embedded within the battery symbol. The battery is 00% FULL under BOTH conditions. Having just the battery symbol all green will not do it.
    From the link:
    http://www.omnica.com/omniview_electronics2.htm
    Regarding lithium-ion shelf life, one of our engineers recently met with a battery-house representati've. It has come to their attention that repeated charging and re-charging of a less than fully discharged Li-ion cell affects the battery "gas gauge" included with many devices. Over a number of cycles there is a resultant loss in accuracy. Frequently, the indicated remaining charge has little relationship to the actual amount of life left in the cell! Fortunately, according to the battery expert, the gauge will reset itself if the battery is allowed to completely discharge from time-to-time.
    5. Having different types of earphones/headphones will increase or decrease the playing time by how much "electronic load" the earphones/headphones create on the Zen player. There are some power hungry earphones/headphones out there.
    The 6 ohm earbuds conserves battery power more than the 32 ohm earbuds supplied by Creative. (About 0% more)
    6. Always, always lock your Zen player while playing music. This cuts off the power drain from the color 2.5" LCD and blank the LCD screen. After all, you can't read the LCD screen if it is in your shirt pocket and playing music!
    7. Make sure you have the latest firmware upgrades in order to get the best of your Creative Zen Flash MP3 Player.
    Troubleshooting
    Your Creative Zen is extremely complex.
    Check this link to peek inside player http://www.anythingbutipod.com/archi...isassembly.php
    Also, this link:
    http://arstechnica.com/journals/hard...ssor-behind-it
    There could be a million things that could go wrong with your player so you will not be the FIRST or LAST to have a problem. Keep in mind, there are many, many others that have the Zen with no problems whatsoever. Things happen, but Creative is there to help.
    Dropping a Zen or any other player might/will/possibly ruin the player for good!!!
    Since this player is solid-state (no moving parts e.g. mini-disk dri've) then the only thing that will keep it from running for years is the non-user replaceable Lithium-Ion battery. I will concentrate on some troubleshooting tips which are battery related but I hope you have already the latest firmware downloaded and installed on your player
    Battery - Lithium-Ion Polymer
    #. Battery won't charge "out of the box" new player.
    A. First, read above "Getting Started"
    B. Next, try a different USB mini cable.
    C. Next, there is a battery manufactuer's failure rate < %, in which the Lithium-Ion Polymer battery refuses to charge.
    Creative, ships the Zen MP3 players with no charge so there is very small probability thatyou could have one.
    I call it the "Deep Six Discharge Battery" Call / Contact Creative.
    #2. Battery won't charge properly after using the player for some time.
    A. When you plug in your player into the USB port via mini USB patch cable, the connection resets the player to the "docked screen" with the battery level gas guage , in the right hand corner.
    Sometimes this action does not reset the player properly but there is no indication to you that the player is charging.
    Just disconnect/connect the USB cable again.
    B. Sometimes, the Zen player gets confused and you have to do a Recovery Mode "paper clip reset" which forces the player into a "special menu screen" to clean-up the player and to reset the player which allows showing the "docked screen" while charging the unit. See Zen User's Guide for explicit instruction und FAQ.
    C. Since the Zens came out late in 2007, the maximum of 300-500 charge/discharge should not apply YETbut users beware, as with any other Lithium-Ion Polymer battery it will not charge fully "like new"because of a " fixed shelf life" (2-3 yrs) OR too many charge/discharge cycles. A battery replacement is in order.
    Methods of charging the Creative Zen MP3
    . The short mini-standard USB cable provided by Creative from the factory. Plugs into a PC USB port.
    2. Uni'versal Power Adapter (Creative) plugs into the wall. Works "anywhere in the world"
    Note: Different countries have different wall AC voltages and hertz requirements. This has adapters for different countries/locations wall outlets and a uni'versal power supply for all voltage and hertz requirements.
    Note: This is a heavy duty high/fast charging wall outlet charging adapter. (2400 ma)
    3. Auto/Vehicle 2 VDC charger (Creative) or other compatible vehicle 2 VDC to USB charger.
    4. EARHUGGER IPOD POWER POD - MP3-8370 (White compact module)
    http://www.earhugger.com/powerPod.html
    http://www.amazon.com/Earhugger-MP3-.../dp/B000QTTKSS
    This compact module will solve all the following travel modes and conditions:
    . Camping, hiking or outdoor travel - no PC or noAC or maybe no auto/car.
    2. Airplane travel - no PC or no AC or no auto/car.
    3. Train/subway travel - no PC or no auto/car
    4. Car travel - no PC or no AC
    5. Foot travel - no PC or no AC or no auto/car
    It uses 4 ways to charge the Zen:
    . Retractable mini-standard USB cord for PC charging. <--- does not communicate with PC! - only for charging
    2. Retractable mini USB cord for auto/vehicle charging (Fused)
    3. Retractable mini USB cord for wall 0-20 VAC 50/60Hz charging. (non-international use plug style)
    4. 9 VDC battery terminal for using standard alkaline 9 VDC or high ma Lithium 9 VDC to charge the Zen via
    mini USB cable. Note:You might need several alkaline batteries to charge the internal 550 ma hr Zen battery!
    Great for remote destinations.
    5. Rechargeable portable battery packs.
    Black & Decker has several "Power To Go"models CPI0B-C & CPI20XB (not for international use because of 20 AC 60Hz only charging wall wart)
    Note: There are other brands that also do this method of charging.
    http://www.blackanddecker.com/Produc...Path=4033.4040
    You charge this portable NiMH battery pack from the AC wall outlet so you can carry with you on trips to charge the Zen.
    6. Mobile phone chargers. Some have a mini-USB plug for charging the phone but it could be used to charge the Zen BUT BEWARE IT COULD RUIN THE ZEN IF IT IS NOT COMPATIBLE! The output should have a voltage of 5 VDC +- 5% (4.75-5.25 VDC) ON THE PROPER MINI-USB PINS and a charging current at least 200 ma to 2400 ma. See this forum for the recommend phone phone chargers to use with the Zen.
    Note: You are charging an internal Lithium-ion polymer 550 mahr battery in the Zen so the lower the charging current the longer it takes to charge.
    Note: You will find that charging the Zen from the wall charger is much faster than the "current limited" charging on the standard PC USB port.
    Note: For diagnostic purposes and emergency charging of the Zen it is wise to have an external (non-PC) charging device for your Zen.
    Note: Only the battery charging symbol shows up on the Zen when using an external charger.
    Scratches
    All plastic screens will scratch, doesn't matter which type you have.
    For minor scratches you could use the Novus three part cleaner, polish and scratch remover system. Do not use the #3 coarse abrasi've in this system! Be extremely careful in using this product !!!! Please check the web.
    OR
    Low abrasi've toothpase <--- some say this works
    OR
    CD scratch remover/repair kit <---- have not tried this.
    The Zen (Flash) MP3 glass LCD screen is covered by the overlay plastic you see on the front. Worst case, you can have only the outer shell repaired and replaced by Creative.
    To prevent scratches in the first place:
    Use the Zen cloth bag which comes with the unit (sometimes ) to prevent scratches.
    OR
    Buy the Zen clear plastic case (Clear Case #70AB2600002). Sold by Creative.< I use this>
    OR
    Buy an clear plastic overlay. (Screen protector #70AB2600003) which goes over the LCD protector screen for protection. Sold by Creative.
    OR
    Also, you can cut up a "generic" PDA screen protector to fit the Zen.
    OR
    Obtain a "digital camera lcd screen protector" from a camera store or internet
    OR
    "Invisible shield" -The best protection money can buy
    http://www.zagg.com/invisibleshield/...ns-shields.php
    How to destroy your Zen - WHAT NOT TO DO
    . Leave it in the auto/car/vehicle - the vehicle inside heats up 20-35 F higher than the outside temperature.
    2. Leave it outside in freezing temperature 0C 32F. The LCD will freeze/discolor/absorb water.
    Note: It is remotely possible it could recover when warm-up at room temperature.
    Note: Just keep the Zen near your body heat when outside in freezing temperatures.
    3. Dropping it might cause the LCD screen to crack or loosen up the internal connections to the electronics or short out the internal electronics.
    Note: Use a protecti've case to cushion the blow from dropping the Zen.
    4. Dropping or submerging or getting the Zen wet in water might short out the electronics and battery.
    You could prevent destruction by immediately shaking the Zen vigorously in open air to dry it out.
    5. Sitting on it could flex the electronics and short or open circuits which would cause a defecti've/faulty Zen.
    <A bit of humor ... There is No Santa Claus, Easter Bunny or Tooth fairy and Creative does NOT give away money. If you destroy or damage your Zen you will pay not Creative>
    How can you tell if your Zen is defecti've/faulty
    . A "white screen" or a "totally blank black screen" shows up on the Zen LCD.
    2. You cannot force the Zen into the special "Recovery Mode" menu screen.
    3. The Zen refuses to "take a charge"(To charge up the internal Lithium-Ion Polymer battery)
    4. The Zen LCD is cracked or distorted due to dropping or handling abuse.
    5. The Zen clock does not keep accurate time (within 2 mins max per month)
    Contact Creative if any of the above faults occur - the Zen is bad and nothing you can do will fix it!
    WSOD "White Screen of Death"
    The "White Screen of Death" is really caused by a hardware problem. You see, the internal Freescale/SigmaTel STMP3700 MP3 processor has to write to the LCD. If this operation is prevented by internal electronic opens or shorts, bad STMP3700, locked-up firmware, bad LCD or any other electronic component failure then the CPU might/will halt and refuse to write to the LCD which will be reflected in a "white screen of death" I cannot cover all the causes of the "white screen of death" but rest assured Creative should pick these problems up in their quality control manufacturing process with a 99% success rate. Problems do show up after the manufacturing process but Creative has warranty protection for this other % fault rate. (Which is normal in electronics manufacturing)
    Media Content
    Listening to the built-in music on the Zen is OK but after a while your question now becomes "What else can I do with my Zen "
    Note: The "How to" instructions for adding Media content can be found in the Zen documentation.
    Terminology:
    Album: Collection of tracks or songs under one "album" title.
    Artist: Track or song artist
    DRM: Digital rights management - copy protection scheme - Zen cannot use music with this music protection scheme. (itunes) (But "itunes plus" will work)
    Genres: Type or kind of music
    <The following genres are defined in ID3v>
    Blues,Classic Rock,Country,Dance,Disco,Funk,Grunge,Hip-Hop,Jazz,Metal,New Age,Oldies,Other,Pop,
    R&B,Rap,Reggae,Rock,Techno,Industrial,Alternati've ,Ska,Death Metal,Pranks,Soundtrack,Euro-Techno,
    Ambient,Trip-Hop,Vocal,Jazz+Funk,Fusion,Trance,Classical,Instru mental,Acid,House,Game,Sound Clip,
    Gospel,Noise,AlternRock,Bass,Soul,Punk,Space,Medit ati've,Instrumental Pop,Instrumental Rock,
    Ethnic,Gothic,Darkwave,Techno-Industrial,Electronic,Pop-Folk,Eurodance,Dream,Southern Rock,
    Comedy,Cult,Gangsta,Top 40,Christian Rap,Pop/Funk,Jungle,Nati've American,Cabaret,New Wave,
    Psychadelic,Rave,Showtunes,Trailer,Lo-Fi,Tribal,Acid Punk,Acid Jazz,Polka,Retro,Musical,Rock & Roll,
    Hard Rock
    <The following genres are Winamp extensions>
    Folk,Folk-Rock,National Folk,Swing,Fast Fusion,Bebob,Latin,Revival,Celtic,Bluegrass,Avantg arde,
    Gothic Rock,Progressi've Rock,Psychedelic Rock,Symphonic Rock,Slow Rock,Big Band,Chorus,
    Easy Listening,Acoustic,Humour,Speech,Chanson,Opera,Cha mber Music,Sonata,Symphony,
    Booty Bass,Primus,Porn Groove,Satire,Slow Jam,Club,Tango,Samba,Folklore,Ballad,Power Ballad,
    Rhythmic Soul,Freestyle,Duet,Punk Rock,Drum Solo,A capella,Euro-House,Dance Hall
    <A bit of humor: I think the above Genres lists are missing two - "elevator music" & Crying and Whining e.g. Country Western>
    ID3 Tags: Internal file information associated with an Mp3 or wav audio file. This format contains
    Track number, Album name/title, Genre, Artist and Song Title which can be sorted and indexed by
    the Zen device.
    IPTV: Is a system where a digital television service is deli'vered using Internet Protocol over a network infrastructure, which may include deli'very by a broadband connection. http://zencast.com/
    JPEG: Is a commonly used method of compression for photographic images.
    This is the only photo format used by the Zen.
    MP3 and WMA music tracks: Music format used by the Zen.
    Note: Having the wrong bit rates will drain the Zen battery faster. (See above)
    MP3: Is a digital audio encoding format using a form of lossy data compression.
    Non-protected AAC: Files are regular AAC files without any DRM: they can be converted to other formats (like MP3) and can be played on an unlimited amount of devices and burned an unlimitd amount of times. They have no restrictions.
    Podcast: Is a series of digital-media files which are distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds for playback on portable media players and computers. http://zencast.com/
    Protected AAC: Files are AAC audio files that contain DRM (Digital Rights Management), most often music purchased from the iTunes store. The Creative Zen cannot use these files.
    Note: "Itunes Plus Store" have songs without DRM which the Zen can use.
    Ripping CDs: Copying tracks from an audio CD on a PC and downloading tracks to the Zen.
    Note: Use the Creative Zen Media Explorer for ripping audio CD is one method.
    Song Title: Name of song or track
    Track Number: Numerical number of track of CD album.
    Track: General name for song or song title.
    Unprotected AAC format: Music format used by the Zen
    WMA:Is an audio data compression technology developed by Microsoft. The name can be used to refer to its audio file format or its audio codecs.
    WAV: (or WAVE), short for Waveform audio format, is a Microsoft and IBM audio file format standard for storing an audio bitstream on PCs.
    Note: The Zen's built-in microphone produces this audio file format.
    Zen Audio Format:MP3, WMA, WAV, non-protected AAC (.m4a), Audible (2, 3, 4)
    Zen Media Content: Video, Music, Audio, Photos/Images transferred/dowloaded into the Zen
    Zen Photo Format:JPEG
    Note: You can copy/drag/paste JPEG photos from your PC to your Zen for viewing.
    Note: You can import photos & view photos from the SD card.
    Zencast Organizer: Seamlessly integrates ZENcast media files with Creative portable media players and/or your computer
    Zen Video Format:MJPEG, WMV9 and (with transcoding - MPED4-SP, DivX 4/5 and XviD)
    Warning - In some countries (including the US) its illegal to do:
    Copying audio DVD & DVDs
    Defeating DRM MP3 Music (Digital Rights Management)
    Intercepting/copying (non purchased) music.
    Downloading music/songs from an illegal or "free" rouge website.
    General Media Content links:
    http://pro-music.org/Content/GetMusi...lineStores.php
    Note: Check to see if your music files/tracks contains ID3 tags.
    Note: ZEN also supports iTunes Plus tracks from the iTunes store,
    Note: The following media content is only a small fraction of means and ways
    of collecting/dowloading media content to the Zen.
    Media Content from Creative Website(s)
    Note: The Media Content can be found under "Fill your Zen" on the bottom of the Creative Zen product page.
    http://zencast.com/
    ZENcast is the ultimate source for free IPTV channels, video blogs and podcasts on the Internet. It provides quick and easy access to a wide range of interesting and entertaining video and audio content online.
    http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/cre...seBVCookie=Yes
    Audible.com - Audible.comis the Internet s leading audio provider of bestselling audio books, comedy programs and today s most relevant magazines and newspapers
    http://creative.vongo.com/
    VONGO is the video download service that gives you instant access to over 2500 hit movie and video selections from Starz .
    Watch movies whenever, wherever on your ZEN. A great entertainment venue for watching movies while on the road or on the go.
    http://www.napster.com/creative/
    Transfer unlimited music to your ZEN without paying per song.
    With Napster To Go you can:
    Choose from over 5 million songs, plus new releases every week
    Play music instantly from any internet-connected computer
    Find old favorites and discover new music by exploring playlists, radio, Billboard charts and more
    Create a library of your favorite music and build custom playlists.
    http://www.emusic.com/ZEN
    Choose from over ,500,000 songs
    Burn unlimited CDs
    Compatible with every MP3 player
    No confusing restrictions-Own your music!
    http://www.lala.com/frontend/action/...=user:2672@223
    Why pay 99per song when you can get the whole album for $At lala.com, you can trade your used CDs for new music.
    .8 million titles available for trade. CD quality guaranteed.
    Every CD you receive is yours to keep - no restrictions.
    Pay only $ per CD received. No monthly fees or commitments. Sign up is FREE.
    http://www.amazon.com/b/ &node=62663
    Buy or Rent Movies Online
    Watch DVD-quality video downloads on your PC or ZEN
    Conveniently download from your PC at work to your PC at home
    Discover thousands of TV shows & movies available for download
    I started this thread in April 08 to help other new Creative Zen MP3 (Flash) users. If there are common threads that are posted from new users then I try to make a section to inform other new users in solving their similar problems. I cannot believe that this thread was viewed over 0,000 times! Thank you for your "viewing" support.
    Please note: This thread is constantly changing so check back for any new helpful hints, problem solving, troubleshooting and practical solutions for the Creative Zen.
    "The Creative ZenR O C K S"
    Zenandy
    Message Edited by Zenandy on 08--2008 08:26 AM

    Hi,
    I'm from germany so no 'best buy' but I think I will lock around sleeve/bag for a different product with same measures. Any tip?
    The clear plastic case is not what I want. I would like to use the player without such protections. I just want a sleeve to protect the player while its in my jacket/pants.
    Btw, i have bought this version: Creative Zen (maybe european version?). I also doesn't seem to have your mentioned sleeve. I also couldn't find it on the website.
    Anyway, thank you,
    Chris

  • Creative Zen Vision: M 30 gb - DRM information corrupt or missing.....???????

    So I just started having this problem yesterday but it seem I'm the only ever to have it. I've scanned every page I can and can't find a solution. Yesterday I started playing my music then all of the sudden it stopped. Granted I was having problems before even though I just got this unit a month..........! I sent an email and still haven't received a response.
    Here's the problem. While listening to my music yesterday I encountered a message saying - Playback Error. This error persisted after changing the track. After going home and reformatting, reinstalling firmware, downgrading -> upgrading firmware, reformatting over and over and over again, disk clean up, system restore, reboots, default restore, reformatting, again reformatting, deleting every piece of information I could delete...... you might be getting the picture so far.... After doing all of this I was unable to download tracks again onto my MP3 player. The only ones I can upload are unprotected content. I got thinking maybe there is a problem in my DRM file..... Where is my DRM file on the MP3 player and how do I delete it's You can't. At least not what I found. So again I tried everything over and over again and nothing works. I'm at my wits end trying to figure this out. I have a 30gb Creative Zen Vision: M player, Windows XP/Vista 64, Napster ToGo and now I can't use my MP3. This unit is a month old and I cannot use it. PLEASE HELP ME. This is very long winded but I'm hoping this will help a little. Thanks in advance, I'm going insane without my music.

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