New Zen Micro..Battery life prob

I bought a new Zen Micro yesterday...followed all the instructions..even bought the CCPP..while i was using the USB to charge it..i ripped 5 albums to the device...When it was fully charged.. I unplugged it.. This morning I played it for about an hour and then lost one bar on the battery icon..an hour later, i lost a 2nd bar. What's this all about?..what happened to the 2 hour life of a charged battery? When i phoned tech support they told me "sometimes when you rip an album, it corrupts the battery icon and you may not be fully charged'>..Sounds like a lot of techno doubletalk....HELP!

A new Lithium Ion battery takes 2 or 3 charges to reach peak performance.
You should also make sure you have the ..0 firmware which reduces the standby time, and standby drain.
Also make sure you read the FAQ post about how to maximise battery life.

Similar Messages

Zen Micro Battery Charging Prob

I have a Zen Micro, had less than 2 months, after the battery going completely flat i have suddenly got a problem with charging it.
The player has the latest version of the firmware from creative.
I can plug the mains charger in and the icon in the corner flashes to say that it is charging, i have left this to do it overnight.
I come to use the player the next day and the battery indicator shows it has only got one bar on the battery icon.
After 2 hours of use the low battery warning comes on and it will not let me do anything at all until i charge it again.
I can use the player while it is charging, but if i remove the battery and have the charger plugged in i cannot use the player.

i had this same promblem. basically when i installed the software something went wrong and my pc wasnt reconizing the micro. so just reistall everything and try that. went its charging it should have the icon in upper right hand corner and also say DOCKED.

My new Zen Micro is vexxing

OK, got a new Zen Micro, installed the software as directed on a WinXP Pro machine, SPa, and I reboot. I plug the thing in, and it says that the device is not detected correctly, and it does not work. I reinstall drivers, move to another port, play with my BIOS settings, the whole 9 yards...
I also notice something odd. I plug in the USB cable, and the player freezes. Requires me to unplug the battery to reset.
I plug in the battery charger, it freezes, requiring the battery to be pulled.
Unfortunately, I do not have another cable to try.
Any idears? Is it just defecti've, or is this something simple? I reall ylike this thing, but I am not gonna struggle with it or deal with an unstable product, you know?
I don't want to be one of those dorks with the iPod, but if I have to... LOL
Anyways, any help would be most welcome.

Well, I got it working on my home PC, but cannot get it working on my laptop. I turned off the PM on the USB root hubs in the device manager, and I plugged it into one of the rear ports rather than my case's front USB port.
Then it started working. But I do not seem to be aqble to get it to work on my laptop, which is a brand new IBM Thinkpad T4 running Win2K. Perhaps I do not have the proper drivers and crap installed, but my IT department has this thing locked down pretty well. I can install some things with some creative workarounds, but not others.
When I plug the player into this laptop, it sees it and knows it is a Zen Micro, but then Windows wants to install the drivers(which I already did and rebooted), and it cannot find any compatable drivers, and so it sits here.
From the songs I loaded onto it from my home PC, the sound quality is good, but unless I can get this resolved by early afternoon, I am just gonna swap it out for an iPod mini I think. I am not gonna bash this product, but sometimes there is a reason why one brand or item dominates the market... But I will see what I can dig up during the day, perhaps I can get this thing working properly afterall...
Any other ideas, throw them my way, thanks!

Transferring VBR mp3s to new Zen Micro: H

Hi, I just got a new Zen Micro.
I've read that people often have trouble transferring mp3s encoded at variable bit rate (VBR) to the Micro with Creative's software. Almost ALL the songs on my computer are VBR mp3s.
Can I skip installing Creative's software and just transfer my VBR mp3s to the Micro with Windows Explorer? Or what is the best way?
Thanks in advance.
(brand-new black Zen Micro. battery now charging for the first time OMG!!!)
(Windows XP Home)

Update: I did install Creative's software from the included disk -- my computer didn't recognize the Micro without it. Then I just dragged and dropped mp3s to the Micro's Music Library with Windows Explorer -- worked perfectly! No trouble at all with VBR files (except one or two with messed-up tags), and they sound great on the Micro.
P.S. I have Windows Media Player (no idea what version; it came preinstalled on my computer in late 2003) but I never run it -- I use Winamp instead -- and didn't need to for this purpose. I also didn't need to download any firmware updates or anything. Sweet!

Brand New Zen Micro Hangs on "Creative" Logo Scr

Like some of you out there my new Zen Micro worked with the initial charge prior to my charging it although I never got to put any music on the thing.
Then after the charge, it hangs on the "Creative" logo screen. I've tried all of the instructions, including removing the battery, holding on-off switch "on" while replacing the battery, choose one of the options, but the clean-up, format, etc. all seem to start but do not finish (I've left each for half a day and it never finishes).
I downloaded the new firmware and connected my Zen via the USB cable to my PC, but my PC does not see the Zen device and asks me to connect it even thought the device is connected and the "Creative" logo screen is displayed.
Does anyone have a strategy for correcting this issue? I can return the device, but I hate to since I love the idea of using it. It's cool.

hi,
hope this is not too late... but try calling the creative support hotline .. have someone from creative walk you through the trouble-shooting in case something was missed when you tried it.
that way, you can get creative support to confirm if the device is defecti've or not and they can provide you suggestions on how to rectify it: return/exchange with seller, return/exhange through creative, etc.
i also went through that drama last week, when my micro was charging and never responded afterwards. turns out mines was defecti've even before i even played anything on it
i called amazon and was able to get them to send me another one. this new one was able to finish charging the battery ... i'm charging the 2nd battery to make sure and hopefully when that's done, i can start loading songs and test out the sound as well, recorder, calendar, etc .. as i wanted to make full use of all these features.
hope you get your micro working soon.. good luck!!!

New Zen Micro is detected by windows but not software - I have NOT done firmware upda

Hi, I just bought a brand new Zen Micro. The software installation went fine.
After plugging in the unit to my USB port, a message appears on the windows taskbar saying "Nomad Jukebox 2/3/Zen Detected".
I would assume this is the normal message. I then attempt to transfer files via Creative Mediasource. Howerver when I load up the creative mediasource software, I get an error message saying "Player is not connected". Naturally of course the Zen Micro is indeed connected. I can not transfer any files and the player locks up.
I have not updated the firmware or anything, it is a fresh out of the box brand new unit. I run Windows mediaplayer 0, windows XP (SP).
Is there a way to resolve this issue, or am I doing something wrong?
Please help a new zen micro user thanks in advance!

I also Just, few hours back fully charged my Micro and got it working. I downlaoded the latest firmware released in Feburary. But i decided il only use it if something was wrong with the player. Mine went smooth....
Fully charged it while installing the software on the CD, unplugged the AC, I didn't sue the White USB cable it came with (lots of people say tis crap) So i sued my Sony Digicam USB cable which is always connected to my pc anyway.
Plugged my player into the USB cable while the player was On.
Done.... Windows Xp Pro detected it, 2 icons in My Computer popped up, One was the shortcut to the media source software and one was the player itself kinda liek a removable dri've.
My firmware is .0.30 and opening Widnows Media player 0, and hit Synch Tab, my player responded, and said Docked. And within 5 minutes most of my music was on....
I dotn get how some othe rpeoples players are playign up so much.
Maybe only people who have problems ever post so it seems like everyones having a problem. lol
Oh and i would recommend not to do a firmware update unless soemthings wrong wiht ur player. I wont risk it if i were you.

New zen micro not recognized by pc - help Christmas prese

The software installed perfectly - no problems. But now, I am getting message that the device is not being recognized by PC. Customer Support is closed for holiday and my daughter wants to try her new Zen Micro. What do I do now? This is the only computer we have and it is Windows XP 2002 version. Any advice? Thanks!

ald3908 wrote:
yes
OK, that's good news.
Now we have to find out why the Zen & our computer aren't talking to each other.
From the NomadnessNet FAQ:
I have connection problems with my Zen, what can I do?
Here are some things to try if you have connection issues with your player:
. Reset the player and run a disk cleanup.
2. Install the latest drivers, firmware and application software. Download these from Nomadworld.com.
3. Try the player on ALL your USB ports and make sure you aren't using a hub.
4. Try some other transfer software (see the list above).
5. In Device Manager with the Zen connected delete it from the device listing. Physically disconnect the Zen from the USB cable, reset it, then reconnect to the PC to see if it is detected properly.
6. Test the player on another PC (ideally a different make), if possible. This will help determine where the problem lies i.e. with the player, or the PC.
7. Double check the files you are transferring. It's possible for the transfer to halt if the file is corrupt in some way, or the tag data within the file can't be read or is corrupt. The simple test is to try transferring a file that you know will work i.e. copy a file off the player, and then try transferring back to the player.
8. Try a replacement USB cable (ideal if you can borrow one from somewhere, or if you have another USB device that uses the same cable).
9. Check for BIOS and USB chipset updates.
0. Delete the USB ports in device manager, then reboot the PC to see if they are redetected with updated drivers.
. Make sure the player isn't locked.
2. Try going into Device Manager, update the driver manually by pointing it to C: Program FilesCreativeJukebox 3 Drivers.
3. If you are using a PCI USB card, try moving the card to all the other PCI slots in the PC.
4. Buy a known good PCI USB2 card from somewhere you can return it if it doesn't work i.e. the NEC USB chipset, typically used by Adaptec. Fit the card, and see if the player works with the ports on the card. Note that known problem chipsets include VIA, ALI, nForce and Intel, although it isn't clear if Creative and/or the chipset manufacturer are at fault.

Zen Micro - Battery prob

Hi, i got a problem with the micro battery i charged the battery but only after 3 hours 2 battery lines have decreased, why the battery empty itself so fast? (sorry for my bad english)

Frost wrote:Hello, I've got a question for You. On the main page is written that Zen Micro has 2-hours Battery Life, but mine is low after 6 hours !!! I've made what was recommended about battery but nothing has changed, ( worksh longer....thats all !! ) Is it general in Zen Micro, or only my product is faulty ? I hope You write me soon.
(Here I am!)
Frost: There's lots of information on this in the FAQ post. If you aren't getting the full life then something is different in your setup to the test specification, which is 28kbit/s CBR MP3s with no EQ, Smart Volume etc.

Do the new Zen Micros have the battery probl

I was going to buy a zen micro and I was wondering if that problem was fixed on the newer models/newer lines?

Well if you wait a few days/weeks/months then the battery issue will be fixed with a firmware update that Creative will release.

Brothers a new Zen Micro owner. He has a few battery questions..

Hey all,
I convinced my older bro to get a white Zen Micro, and he has a few questions. I answered most of them, but afterwards, he went online, and found info that told him otherwise (from what I told him, which is what I read here at the forums). Here are his questions....
. Is it safe to leave the Zen Micro charging overnight?
I told him yes, that it was. Someone from Creative here at the forums said that it would "turn off" automatically. He went into the Creative "Knowledge Base", and found this: http://dmzweb4.europe.creative.com/SRVS/CGI-BIN/WEBCGI.EXE/,/?St=732,E=00000000000490764,K=5277,Sxi=0,Kb=ww_eng lish,VARSET=ws:http://us.creative.com/,Case=obj(669),Kb=ww_english
2. When charging the Micro, does the adapter/charger go by a set timer, or charge accordingly to how full the battery already is?
Thanx in advance .

i've left mine plugged in a few times and have NEVER noticed any type of heat build up. it usually shuts off after full charging and then cools down after that. maybe i'm killing my battery, maybe not who knows. i have some players that don't automatically shut off and i've noticed those DO get heat build up and i never leave those plugged in but with my zen xtra and micro it *appears* that the shut off feature prevents the heat buildup....that being said, the micro's owners manual says DON'T leave it plugged in or it will get heat buildup....who knows.

New Zen Micros and the headphone jack prob

I unfortunately had one of the zen micros with the headphone jack that ceased to work. Has this flaw been fixed in the new ones?

SSR wrote:
The charge is likely to be expensi've, but as this is the second time it's failed and as the warranty has just ended try pursuing a repair under warranty with support.
repair under warranty with support? how do i go about? im located in Singapore, any website or support number to call for Singapore side? thanks.

What is going on with my Zen Micro battery?

Ok, so far I have been fairly happy with my Zen Micro (only one freeze/reboot) but something is serioursly up with my battery. Yesterday, I used my Zen Micro for no more than 2 hours after a touch up charge and I had two bars left on the battery display. Then when I tried to turn it on this morning it wouldnt turn on, so I plug it into my power adaptar and it shows that my battery is completely drained! How can this be? Does the player use up battery power while the Micro is off?
The has already happened to me once. I charged my battery the first day I got it and used it for a while. Then the next morning the Micro wouldnt turn on so I plug it into the adaptar and it keeps flashing the Creative logo so I had to clean the disk.
Two different battery problems not even within the first 5 days of purchase
(I can still return it to Frys thankfully). Please tell me what is going on or I might have to just swap it for an Ipod......

Well my player has been fine after I ran the disk clean for the first time, but it is my **bleep** battery and its battery life.
Maybe I should swap in the extra battery I got. Any suggestions on how I should handle it's Like what should be my charging routine? Because when I popped in my first battery it had one bar on it and I was using it for a while, then I did a full charge and used it for a while and the next day is when I had the freeze. so for the new battery, should I pop it in and just fully charge it before using it's
::I have visited the ipodlounge and have seen alot of problems with ipod, but since there are so many Ipods out there I am not surprised. I am surprised at how many problems the Zen Micro is having without having sold as many units::

Zen Micro Battery Is

I'm posting this for my little brother, who purchased a 4gb zen micro a month or two ago and is currently having some issues with the batery life. He seems to keep it on the computer much of the time, i don't know how charging for lithium-ion works (weather it only charges when it needs it, or weather it charges by timer), so i don't know if this is bad for it. I tested it out the other day, it started from a full (yes i'm completly sure) charge. After about 30 seconds of playing a song it droped off a bar... I was fiddling around with it and noticed even when the power is off i get signal thru the headphones, does it really ever power down all the way? if not, is there a way to shut it down completly? it seems stupid to have it always running memory if your not gonna use it for a while, it would just deplete the battery...
anywho, if anyone has an idea to what the problem is i'd appreciate a reply
thanks much -Joel

ok, so new firmware should fix that. as far as the current battery only lasting a minute or two before dropping bars, is that battery just shot? also, i've read the battery sections in the read this before you post and stuff, and searched the forums, and i've heard mixed oppinions (top off charging being good vs. not), here is my question: say the battery is 75% full, is it bad to put it on the charger say, over night? because from what i understand it will put it thru a full charge cycle, and putting charge thru a full battery is deadly (or so i understand). some insight would be appreciated, thanks

My Zen Micro Battery Te

Hi Everyone,
I've had my new Green Zen Micro for 2 weeks now and it's great, I love it! I've got about 000 songs on my Zen and they are mostly CD rips at about 28-92kb
ps.
I been doing a battery test for the last few days and I just leave it on continuous play from when I go to work and when I come home from work. I can get aboout 0 hours out of the thing, but would want the 2 hours as Creative have told us. I think the battery bar indicators are very inconsistant, the first bar will drop after 2-3 hours and the last bar can last for 3-6 hours. I think it's to do with the songs the player is playing during the time.
What I'm going to do tonight is to fully charge my Zen up, rip a cd at low quality (64kbps) and see how long that lasts. I will be posting here tomorrow and let you know how it goes.
So far so good....

Well i just tested my brand new Micro, using SSR's wise advice and I am pleasantly surprised.
When I opened my new micro, there was a small charge in the battery, so I ran that down to empty before I did anything (as advised by CL).
I charged for 4 hours, making sure I left it after the lights went out and showed as charged.
I actually left mine off overnight, to test for battery drain when switched off, turned it on 9 hours later and still had 3 bars, so I hope this means mine is not one that acts like its on when its off )
Started my test at 8am, 28kbps MP3, EQ off, SV off. Lasted till 6.50pm, so a decent 0hrs 40 mins from the very first charge. So that is looking pretty decent. Have to admit about half way thorugh I kept playing wiht it and set EQ to on, so even better results )
so far I am pretty happy mine already ahd the .0.03 firmware installed.
Only had one glitch, on the first switch on, it did not track the progress of the tracks, the indicators just stayed at zero even though the track was playing...........so tried to switch off micro, but it wouldn't switch off, stayed on the now playing screen. It wasn't frozen as I could get round all menus okay.
Removed battery instead and switched back on and it had resolved itself, the track indicators worked fine and it switched off okay, so seems to be a minor glitch easily solved.
So far I am very happy, no sign of any dreaded things happening yet, and my battery life seems to be great too, almost hours on first charge is more than I expected, hopefully that will rise more over the next few charge cycles. i will be fully charging and disacharging it for the next 4 cycles at least....
have just done a second charge for 4 hours, will see how long it lasts this time............
BTW on first charge the blue light switched off when full, on second it stayed on, constant not flashing, I remember someone else saying this happened too....................odd but no problems )
hugs
babyd

New Zen Micro will NOT connect!

Hello all,
I just bought a Creative Zen Micro player. I installed the software, charged the battery to full and guess what.....the Creative software does not recognize my player as being connected. And yes, I've checked device manager to see if it appears. It does, with the correct name and everything. So what is the problem? I've read other messages on this forum about this problem but it usually seems to be a problem after installing a new version of firmware. But this hasn't been done in my case because I haven't been able to get the stupid thing connected in the first place.
I'm confused as to what to do next. I've tried resetting it by removing the battery and then holding the power button but this hasn't worked either. I first was using a usb hub to connect but after reading that you should avoid this, I tried plugging directly into a usb port on my machine. That also didn't make a difference. I've unistalled the player from the device manager about 5 times and reinstalled it. I've tried reinstalling the creative software/drivers about 5 times and no resolution. I've followed instructions from the Creative website step by step as the proper way to install the software but nothing works. I'm extremely disappointed to bring home a product that does not work out of the box. Oh, and yes I have Windows XP Pro so the OS isn't the issue here. I guess I will just return this useless product unless someone else has another idea that I could try. I'm really at my wits end.
Thanks for listening to this short novel,
Drawn-a-Blank

The software that will not recognize the player is the Zen Media Explorer and Media Source. I'm not sure what firmware I have and I can't check since I'm not at home. But, I can't install new firmware even if I wanted too since it won't connect. However, I have downloaded the lastest drivers but I don't think I've installed the lasted version of Zen Media Explorer, so I guess that is one other option.
Message Edited by drawn-a-blank on 07-23-2005 09:30 PM

New Zen Micro..Battery life prob

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