"Random" play doesn't work, stops after each song; multiple plays of same 4 songs

[lvmm95]

One of the more annoying things happening: random doesn't work.

I've gone through the Zen Media Explorer, reformated the Zen player, so there were no songs on it.
Went and built a list of 37 songs and uploaded via Zen Media Player to the Zen player.
Went to "Music" and selected "All Tracks"
Set my "System" "Audio Settings" for "random" play.
I had to pick the first song to start it off.
It played the first 5 or so songs correctly.
Then it stopped.
I used the bottom arrow key to "play" the next song. Then it stopped AGAIN.
Now I'm manually making each song play! This goes on for 4-5 songs, then it starts playing automatically - but repeating the songs it has already played. It does not go near the other 28 or so songs that I have not heard yet!
I go back to "Music" and re-set to "All Tracks"
I go back to "System" "Audio Settings" and re-set to play "random"
And it does this annoying routine all over again.
Went back to "System" "Audio Settings" and picked "normal" this time. So of course, its playing all the same songs I've heard over again.
I have to manually cruise the "All Tracks" to pick what I want to hear.

Can anyone help me with this? I can't stand it anymore.

[CrowdAds]

[BobbyRS]

Hello lvmm95. Welcome. What firmware version is installed on the Zen? I would ensure that the latest firmware is installed in order to get the most out of stability on the Zen. Also, I would try booting into Recovery mode and doing a Cleanup to make sure that the Zen's database is working correctly. See the Zen Faq for more info.

[lvmm95]

Thank you for your response.
I just purchased the Zen July 8th 2008, so whatever firmware came with it is what is playing it.
I will def try the recovery mode. I have not done that yet.
Thanks so much for the link!

[BobbyRS]

I just purchased the Zen July 8th 2008, so whatever firmware came with it is what is playing it.

Most likely the latest version, but you should verify and possibly attempt a reload if a Cleanup doesn't help with resolving the issue. Good luck!

[Palmerholic]

I don't think this is exclusive to the Zen. My Nomad Jukebox did exactly the same thing and the randomizer liked to pick the same 5 or 10 songs out of a billion in the playlist and play them over and over. Creative needs to reprogram their shuffle algorithms.

[BobbyRS]

Yeah, I've heard of that complaint before about Creative players. However, the issue here is a little more serious then just a possible poor algorithm. His Zen is stopping playback after the first 4-5 songs.