Screen failure on Creative Zen Mosaic

My screen quit working on my Mosaic. ?It lights up, but it has odd patterns and lines in it. ?I didn't drop it or anything, and I have no idea what to do. ?I have tried resetting and powering it off and on. ?I even tried to run down the battery and nothing works. ?It still plays just fine, but I can't make anything out on the display. ?The player is less than 3 months old. ?I emailed Creative's support desk 3 days ago, but they have not gotten back to me. ?Has anyone else had this problem?

This is good to hear. I am now on my third Zen, First I had a Zen Creative M, the screen died in about a years and one month. Then I got a Zen Stone, (figuring I'd get a new screened Zen later) but didn't miss the video feature that much..screen died in (again) one year..this time almost to the day. Looking through a jeweler's loop I could see a small micro-crack in about the middle of the screen..just like you, player worked fine but I had no clue where I was or ect. So then I got a Zen Creative..the screen was dead out of the box, luckily I was able to return it. I am also finding that almost no stores in my area carry the Creative line anymore. Since I'd spent the money at the store, I tried a mosaic, the only other product they had..it works, but has far less capacity than i wanted and I am less than happy I'll need to get accessories like a carry-case seperately.
This is the lsat time I purchase a Zen.. I regret that, because the reason I love the Creti've line is for the Zencasts.
This screen issue seems to be "Creative-wide" according to several big-box retailers I spoke to and they all recommended I get a different brand. I am very sad about the whole thing and disappointed in creative for cheapening the screens.

Similar Messages

Error connecting my Creative Zen Mosaic to my computer

When I try to connect my Zen Mosaic to my computer and install the hardware, I get this error: "Cannot Install this Hardware. There was a problem installing this hardware: MTP Device An error occurred during the installation of the device. The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect."
I have tried changing USB ports.
I have uninstalled and reinstalled the device.
I have uninstalled and reinstalled the Creative Centrale software.
I am running Windows XP with the Service Pack 3.
I do have Windows Media Player .
?I don't know what else to do. I don't have another computer to try it with at the moment.

:? I listed the error I get above. This is the error I get when I try to install the drivers through device manager and/or the hardware wizard. I can't find any other information aside from this. If there's another place to look, please let me know.
This is the error:
"Cannot Install this Hardware. There was a problem installing this hardware: MTP Device An error occurred during the installation of the device. The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect."
I did try formatting the device (although there is nothing on it yet because I haven't been able to get it to connect) I also rebooted it. I am hesitant to remove the firmware since I can't get it to connect to the computer. I'm not sure if I would be able to put the firmware on it again if my computer won't recognize it. And I'm not sure if the problem is my PC or the player. If it's my PC, I'd really be out of luck then!

Creative ZEN Firmware 1.21.03 Released

Hi Everyone,
There is a new firmware update for the Creative ZEN available in the Support section.
Creative ZEN Firmware .2.03
Filesize : 7.6 MB
Release date : 9 Jan 09
File Name : ZEN_PCFW_L22__2_03.exe
This download contains an improved version of the firmware found on your Creative ZEN® player. It ensures smooth operation of your player's FM Radio. For more details, read the rest of this web release note.
Fix:
Ensures smooth operation of your player's FM Radio.
Requirements:
Microsoft® Windows Vista®, Windows® XP (Service Pack 2)
Windows Media® Player 0 or later
USB port
Creative ZEN player
Note:
To install this firmware
Download the ZEN_PCFW_L22__2_03.exe file into your local hard disk.
Close all application windows that are currently running on your computer.
Connect your player to your computer.
Double-click the downloaded file and follow the instructions on the screen.
If your player fails to restart after the firmware upgrade:
Turn off your player.
Disconnect your player from your computer.
Press and hold the Play/Pause button. Continue to hold the button while you perform steps 4 and 5. If you accidentally release the button, start the procedure again.
Gently push a straightened paper clip into the Reset hole.
Slide the On/Off switch towards the USB port and hold until the display lights up. The Recovery Mode screen appears with four options: Clean Up, Format All, Reload Firmware, and Reboot.
Select Reload Firmware, followed by Yes.
Connect your player to your computer.
Double-click the downloaded file and follow the instructions on the screen.

Re: New Creative ZEN Firmware .2.03" firmware does not work$ I updated my Zen 32GB using Vista x64 so it can work under some situations. Can't say my upgrade went problem-free but it did work in the end.
You might try some of the following (no promises they will help, but can't really hurt):
Re-download the firmware updater. Maybe you got a bad download.
Make sure your Zen is directly connected to a system USB port (i.e. not to a port on a monitor, keyboard, ext USB hub, etc.)
Try running the firmware update as Administrator if you aren't already
Try uninstalling the Creative drivers before the update.
In my case I got stuck on a message that another application was using my Zen. Turned out the simple act of hooking up the player resulted in Vista running a headless "wmplayer.exe *32" process. I had to manually kill it from TaskManager in order to proceed. Even then the first update attempt ended with the Zen reporting a firmware problem and rebooting into the Recovery Menu. I had to use Reload Firmware to erase what it had and then try again. Second time was the charm.
After all that I can't for the life of me see any changes/improvements in the new firmware. The forum is full of gripes and wishlists yet none of them complain about the radio functionality. I've used it almost every day for year without issue (aside from the rare Zen hang/crash when messing with the headphone jack and/or sliding the power switch). Thank goodness after waiting 0- months since the last update they got around to fixing something nobody noticed was broken. /2?:smileyvery-happy:

Creative Zen 32GB White Screen

I've started having a problem in the last 2 days with my Creative Zen 32GB. I've had the player since July 2010. The only problems I've really had with the player have been some minor freeze-ups, but other than that, everything else has been smooth sailing.
The other day, my player froze up to a black screen while the power-on button was still on. I let the battery run out as I didn't have anything near by to help reset the player. I charged the unit some and tried turning on the player, but I had to still reset the player. I then began getting a white screen. After another hard reset and plugging in my USB to charge it, it came back on, but I've been having problems keeping a charge on the player. I charged the player to 100% and turned it off, but the next morning when I tried to turn it on, it was dead again.
Is this a problem with the battery? My player isn't under warranty anymore, but I like it and want to keep it. I just want to make sure this is the problem before I start asking for repairs or anything. Anybody else had problems with this?

Tried charging it with 2 cables. I think the battery just can't hold its charge anymore. It'll hold for about 12-16 hours, but when I wake up the next morning and try to turn it on, it's dead.
What's the best way about getting this replaced? Is it possible to still pay for Creative to service it (since it's out of warranty), and if not, is there anywhere else I can send this to get it serviced?

Creative Zen Mozaic EZ100 stuck on 'rebuilding' screen

Hi,
I bought my Creative Zen Mozaic EZ00 in February and yesterday, after adding files to it and disconnecting the usb, it went onto the 'rebuilding' screen and became stuck there. I reset it and when I turned it back on, it stuck on the same screen once again. I have tried accessing the recovery menu, but it won't appear.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
LK

:Mine does this sometimes. i tried to recovery mode-nothing worked. tried firmware-nothing. so i deleted everything on my ZEN Mozaic and unplugged and waited for it to load up and then i plugged it on the USB and aded my music and took it off and it worked. but i hate to do this everytime.

My Creative Zen X-Fi Screen Is Bro

My Screen broke in my pocket and i didnt even realize till the next
I want to know if i should buy a new Creative Zen X-Fi but this time a 6GB instead of my standard 8GB
?????????? or
Buy a screen on the internet and if i want to do that where can i get that and can i the Creative Zen srceen for the X-FI
Hope To Get Answers To Help Make A Good DecisionMessage Edited by JohnnyDJunior on --2008 0:30 AM

Nvm,the cleanup works Thanks man

Creative Zen overheating error, and now just a white screen?

<C CHi, My Creative Zen mp3 player, 8Gb, 2 years old recently decided not to work properly, it's the first time in 2 years of loyal service it finally failed on me It happened like this: I turned it on, and first it began to execute commands without me pressing any buttons, like skipping to next song, or pausing, in a wild frenzy of quick actions, and strange colours. Then a error message, "overheating, shutting down" appeared, and then the player shut down, but the player did not feel hot, there were no sounds coming from the player, and i have never left it in a hot place, ever I left it alone overnight, the next morning, i turned it on again, the error message came up again one more time, and then i turned it off again, the third time i turned it on, no more error message, now simply it turn on to a white screen, which fades into a lighter white, or like a grey, and after 20 seconds, goes to black (off again, by itself). I tried to connect via usb to my laptop, and at first it appeared in my computer, but i wasn't able to keep the connection, and now it doesn't connect at all What do i DO?

Have you tried resetting the player with the little button on the side?

Creative Zen Vision: M, Firmware 1.40.02 and screen backlight not blank

Is there a bug in the .40.02 firmware?
I just bought a Creative Zen Vision: M yesterday.
I noticed that with the out of the box firmware (.30.02), the LCD screen backlight would turn off to conserve battery power.
Later in the day, I upgraded to the .40.02 firmware posted May 24, 2006. Now my LCD screen backlight stays lit all the time.
Since the player is so new, I wonder if I'm imagining things.
Can someone with .30.02 or earlier firmware confirm that their screen backlight turns off after some period of time turning the screen dark?
Can someone reproduce the problem with the .40.02 firmware that the screen backlight stays lit, no matter how long since the last button press?
If I'm not imagining things, this would seem to dramatically affect the playtime on a full charge.
Thanks.

This is INDEED a problem.
The screen is? SUPPOSED to blank all by itself , NOT only with the lock button engaged. I have this exact problem and returned one player only to see the same thing with the next. I also have the .40.02 firmware !!! Creative support said to upgrade my firmware to .6.xx? and see what happens. If the screen doesn't blank by itself without the lock button,? they are sending me another player !

Creative zen menu question/cracked screen

Hello
I have an unusual request.
<img alt="Cracked screen" src="http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/644/pa50006.jpg" height="600" width="800[/img]
Firstly I must say that my lovely creative zen's screen is cracked :< some guy kicked me on the side of my leg where zen was in my pocket and then I realized the screen got cracked.
The thing is, it still works quite well (despite flawly "back" button which I have to press several times to get it to work) and I keep listening to music with it, new screen costs more than an used zen so I will stick with it for some more time before upgrading to new model.
As the screen is cracked I have to navigate through the menu tbe way I remember, so the question, or request is as follows:
. I would like to know if when I'm in the main menu, if I press UP several times, will it stop on the st position in the menu or the selection will continue from the bottom towards first position again ? (like looped selection)
2. I have brightness set to 00%, would someone be so kind giving me instructions how to get to the settings/brightness and set it back to minimum 0%? Like down 5x, OK, down3x, OK, left etc.
3. I'd like also instructions how to play all the tracks, so far I remember how to play an album, It's like 3x or 4x down, OK, 3x down, OK, OK, play. Whenever I put new tracks the playlist gets updated and I can't play them like that with the play button :<.
I'd be really gratefull for the information provided.

You're SOL dude...
I've had a cracked screen for a month now and have tried everything...
-tried to return it-too late
-tried to buy a replacement screen-can't find them anywhere and they're made in singapore
-tried to use an ipod video screen-doesn't fit
-So you gotta send it back to creative-cost: ~$20.00 and no player for a few weeks
Good luck, you're taking it better than I did

Creative Zen bright screen

Few days ago I bought new pmp Creative Zen 6gb. Very good mpm but he has one problem. Some times screen becoming very bright. After reset button all become to normal. Some one had this problem?

Sounds like you screen is busted or the internal connection to it is bad. I'd call Creative and send it back. Sorry to hear that.

Creative Zen stuck on blank screen!!!

I turn on my Creative Zen and it just sits on a dark screen. It doesn't turn off when I flick the switch to off. I have to hit reset to turn it off. Then I turn it on and it does the same thing, I hit reset does the same thing again or sometimes for a brief second the message Firmware Problem shows up then a dark screen or it justs stays on the creative for both to turn the Zen off I have to hit reset. Someone help me please. The online premade solutions thing doesn't work and I'm currently waiting for an e-mail back from the Creative Support. Someone Please Help Me!!!!!

I have had this Zen for almost 2 years now and have never had a problem with it other then it freezed while trying to play music once did. Rebooted and it worked fine ever since til this problem came up. They told me to reboot in Recovery mode the is I was only able to get to it by draining my battery and plug it into an outlet with my wall charger. I did the cleanup and reboot got to regular operation of my zen it showed my battery was pretty much full I unplugged to see if all my stuff was still on it. The menu stayed for a brief second then went to the same usual stuff, dark, blank screen. And I haven't been able to it again since exceot one more time and I thought trying to reload the firmware, I did that on Recovery mode plugged it into the computer to put firmware back on but the computer recognizes the Zen as not connected. So I can't even do that so I sent them a reply back just now so I waiting to for a reply back to see what the next solution is. I just hope this can be solved without having to send it in for servicing or ending up having to buy a new one because I'm not sure if its still under warranty, I don't know how long the warranty is good for. Does anyone know? Also any ideas of what I can try while I wait for a reply?

Creative Zen Micro (Startup Failure) Need URGENT he

Hi, i was on holiday in Singapore about 2 weeks ago, and i bought myself a Creative Zen Micro from one of the local sho
ps.
It worked fine, music played brilliantly, i was happy. However, today when i turned it on, it would display the 'CREATIVE COPYRIGHT' Screen, then followed by 'CREATIVE' in large letters across the screen. It would then freeze on this screen, and the off/on button would soon become useless, which meant that i could either leave it on and kill the battery, or take it out.
When i took the battery out and in again, it would repeat with the 'CREATIVE' sign. Following the 'recovery' methods, i managed to load the screen with all the different options such as clean-up, etc etc. However, when i load any of them up, it would freeze once again and i would end up taking the battery out again.
I have tried the reset button with a pin but that doesnt do anything. I have a spare battery that does exactly the same too. My computer doesnt detect the Zen btw.
I have important documents and almost my lifetime's supply of music that took me almost weeks to rip and store into that Zen. Now that its basically dead, and i bought it in Singapore, i have basically no warranty, i feel as if i have been throwing cases of money into the toilet. I need urgent help, if theres any other ways of restoring access to my Zen.
Check the reviews on a respectable site like amazon.com: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Creative-Zen-Micro-6GB-Player/dp/B000AMR76S
After browsing around forums over the internet, I have found many other people complaining about this, which makes it a MAJOR flaw in the Creative Zens. Screw petty chargers and plugs, get the software right.

The problem you have is very simple, yet complicated to be solved. Your zen's hard dri've is dead. Most of the people who own a zen don't know it has a hard dri've inside. Some mp3 players have flash memory. Chances are that you've dropped your mp3 player. Zen's hard dri'ves are very sensiti've and must not be moved around too much. The way to go in this case is to replace the hard dri've. It is actually a micro hard dri've what you need. Seagate ST 5GB MicroDri've CF Type II. Once you have a new Hd installed you can format it using the zen's menu (remove the battery, hold the power button, place the battery in and wait untill you see the menu) This requires some experience formatting HD's and installing firmware. There is another option. You can buy a Patriot 4Gb Compact Flash Card, and follow what I've described above. The good thing about this is that your zen will take more vibration than the original. The bad one is tha those range from $70 - 99. I hope this hel
ps.

Creative Zen 8GB - White screen!! UK resident experience - pls post yours with advi

Having decided upon the 8GB Creative Zen I was very looking forward to giving this to my son..
good price.. good spec.. looks very neat too and then it worked for all of 5 mins on Christmas day.
The poor lad he'd been looking forward to his present for ages..
I loaded all software/firmware correctly.. charged for 4hours as stated.
The 'recovery tool' on this website is simply a tool that updates the firmware again.. well Ive done that 4 times now and completely re-booted the device with NO joy.
ALL I get is a white screen when its turns on.
I've also tried using a paper clip to re-boot.
What do I do? - send it back and receive another zen and run the risk of the same issue.. or simply look for a new mp3/mp4 device around the 00-40 UK pound price range.
This issue seems to be all over the internet.. i've seen it on amazon forums and this forum and in places such as UK and USA.
I am now going to try and load some older firmware onto the device if I can and see if that works..
I'll post if it does.
anyone got any suggestions/experiences?
Thanks
Rennie

Here is the phone number I used today here in the US, but it is only for people with problems with warranty and returns and who already have a RMA number. I used it to straighten out a length of warranty question. 405.742.2372? You can also contact them by e-mail.
luvmyrescuedogs

Screen\Back Light Problems with Creative Zen Visio

I hope someone can help me here.
A couple of weeks after i had bought my Creative Zen Vision M the backlight on the player would flicker until it eventually went out. The player works fine besides this. I sort of hoped it might come good (i don't know i suppose i thought the creative fairies would come and fix it ) but its been a few months now and the backlight still flickers .. Has any one else had this problem..Would downloading drivers or something fix the prob?.. any help would be greatly appreciated....
Thanks

Try Upgrading your firmware of the playerGo download section and leech the latest version there. If that still doesn't helps, i'll suggest you to exercise ur warrenty :smileytongue:

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

Screen failure on Creative Zen Mosaic

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for