Serious Problems with a ZVM

[hp2444]

My brother's ZVM (30GB) is acting up. I connect it to a USB and the computer will not recognize. I have been searching the forum for over a hour and have tried many solutions proposed, examples

reinstalling programs (WMP 11 etc.)

resetting the player

I know it is not a computer or usb connection problem because my ZVM works fine with the same setup.

When I connect the player it goes to the docked screen and the arrows begin moving as if the player is sending and or receiving. I have run out of ideas, so if anyone has any other thoughts let me know.

thanks

[CrowdAds]

[munkymaze]

Try resetting the Zen first. When you turn it on, hold the power switch on, then press the reset button at the bottom of the player inside with a pin.

[ZenChick]

Supposedly, he's tried that already.

I'd suggest finding another computer to try it on. If it doesn't work on that computer either, then there's a very good chance his ZVM is an RMA-candidate. But, honestly, it sounds to me like some sort of software conflict going on in your computer.

[jazzman]

I dont know if this matters much,but are both Zen's running the same firmware.

[hp2444]

Both of the players are exactly the same. I have reset the the player numerous times.

It is defienitely not a computer problem because the broken player does exactly the same thing on 3 different computers and the functioning player works fine on the same computers.

Has anyone replaced any of the components inside? I am sure sending it somewhere to fix would be $100+, which would not make much sense with ne 30GB coming down in price.

[jazzman]

You are right about that. It would be better to sell it for parts and use the money to help buy new one. I have been inside one of my Zens. i changed the battery and hard drive, but your problem seems to be dealing with the mother board. I did pay $50.00us for an as is Zen on Ebay to fix one of mine, so I got lucky.

[ZenChick]

How long have you had the defunct player? Is it too late to take it back for an exchange?

[hp2444]

I have had it for about 8 months. I don't know what the warranty length is. I went to the creative website, but I need a receipt, and I am not sure if I will be able to find that.

[Simon]

have you had them both for the same length? if that is the older of the two, you might be able to get away with using the receipt from the other ZVM
you said you tried reseting the player, but have you tried formating it?

[hp2444]

what is the process of formatting it? i download a firmware update, but since the computer will not recognize the player it will not load

[ZenChick]

Do you know how to get into the player's Recovery Mode menu?

With the player turned off, insert the end of a paper clip into the reset hole until you feel a "click", and hold it there. Move the power switch to the on/off position, and hold it there. Let go of the reset button. As soon as the Zen logo appears, let go of the power switch. This should boot you into the Recovery Mode. From there, select Disk Cleanup, then Format, and then Reboot.

[hp2444]

I am doing the happy dance.

reformatting worked and now the player works. this forum rocks. i am so glad i found it.

zen's forever

[jmkeuning]

Stinkin' awesome. Congrats!

Makes note to self about Recovery Mode.

[hp2444]

may i suggest someone (zen chick = zen master?) makes a how to on reformatting. i did not find it when i was searching the forum for possible solutions.

[issa]

i was having the same problem: i disconnected the usb cable because my pc froze, and then my zen "locked up". the pc recognized it but couldn't transfer nor access files. it was obvious that installing WMP11 wouldn't help to my situation. i have one week with my fist ZVM60gbs and i was really frustrated.

thank you zen chick for the solution. will you marry me?

by the way, the guys at creative support should add the clean up/recovery thing in their troubleshooting guide. i followed the instructions at the "ZEN MP3 Player Is Not Detected (Recognized)" article and eventually, it lead me to call support. the recovery mode screen wasn't mentioned and i was about to give up until i decide to search here for solutions.

maybe to post it as an sticky?

[PeppermintLNNS]

thank goddddd this did the trick! it's about time. i was about to give up. ugh!

yeah zen chick... you're pretty much awesome at life.

[ZenChick]

lol... Thanks hon!

Since this is now a proven fix, I've added it to the "General Issues" tips in the FAQ forum.

[toretore]

Dear Zenchick

If I follow the procedure will I loose all data (whem formatting)?
Because if I do and the thing doesn't work (my player isn't recognized by my PC) then my player is all dead - no content and no connection to my PC.

Originally Posted by ZenChick

Do you know how to get into the player's Recovery Mode menu?

With the player turned off, insert the end of a paper clip into the reset hole until you feel a "click", and hold it there. Move the power switch to the on/off position, and hold it there. Let go of the reset button. As soon as the Zen logo appears, let go of the power switch. This should boot you into the Recovery Mode. From there, select Disk Cleanup, then Format, and then Reboot.

[ZenChick]

Yes, you will lose all data when reformatting. Before trying such a risky thing, try connecting your player to a different computer. If it doesn't work there either, then you really have nothing to lose by trying the reformat trick.