re: 4GB Crashed

On New Years Eve I attempted to turn my Zune on. It just lit up with a black screen for about ten seconds and the light went off. I hit another button, it just lit up a black screen for ten seconds again. After that it was completely unresponsive, and is still unresponsive. I've attempted to reset it several times. The software and everything is up to date. I don't understand why it broke. One of my friend's 4GB Zune's also crashed like this recently.
I'd really like to know what I can do to fix this. Or should I send it to Zune for repairs?

Well, the darn thing didn't crash since there is no hard drive--only flash memory, which has no moving parts.  Therefore, it could be a battery issue or, perhaps, corrupt firmware.  Does your player show up in the software when you connect it?  Does it show anything when you charge it (e.g., a small battery icon with a lightning bolt inside)?  Let us know, so that we can help you troubleshoot.

Dave

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Dave :-)

Alright. Whenever I connect it to the computer or any other USB plug-in it does nothing. No battery icon appears on the Zune, and nothing appears on the computer indicating it's connected. Back when my Zune quit working it did have a full battery.
It has acted like this before but after having the Zune disconnected for about 24 hours I was able to connect it to my Wii's USB port and quickly reset it and it would start working. However, in this case, nothing seems to work. Also back then, instead of lighting up with a black screen before it became unresponsive it would simply not light up and do nothing back then.

hmmm....Did it come into any contact with static electricity (quite common this time of year)?  If so, it might be fried.  I tend to doubt it because it sounds like there were issues that gradually led up to the current state of affairs.  My guess is that it is a battery issue.  However, other forum posters who are more savvy than me might want to chime in.

In the end, if it's still under warranty, you might want to send it in for repair/replacement.

Sorry about your Zune.

Dave :-(

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Dave :-)

Well I got it around Christmas time in 2007, so I don't believe it's under warranty. And the darn receipt got lost anyway.
But I have a curse apparently. Christmas of 2006 I got an Ipod Nano, one year after, it apparently fried or something. So for Christmas of 2007 I got my Zune, and sure enough just around that time again, that fries.
So if I wind up paying a ton of cash for some other mp3 player what would be a good way to keep it away from static electricity and from this happening yet again.

Well if it is a static electricity problem, you have to be real careful--especially in winter when the air gets dry and we tend to wear fleece and stuff.  I once put my finger close to the Zune touchpad, discharged some static electricity and actually caused my 4GB to restart!  Fortunately, there were no lasting negative effects.  In your case, I still think it's a battery issue, however.

But if you do decide to get another player, you have to remember to discharge the static before touching the darned thing.  Touch some metal, or if you are obnoxious, another person.  A case might also help matters; however, once you touch a control, you again are running the risk.  Some silicone cases actually cover all the buttons.  Since it is rubber, I imagine it would insulate the player from the shock.

Dave

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Dave :-)

Well I've never actually felt a shock from it so then again maybe it isn't the static electricity. I figured it was static electricity from it being in my pocket alot.
So let's say it is the battery. What can be done about that?

You can search the forums; there is a third-party repair service that might be able to help you since you are out of warranty.  I'm sorry that I don't remember the name off the top of my head.  However, once you contact them and get a price quote for a diagnostic and, possibly, battery exchange, you'll have a decision to make: Cost of new battery/repair vs. new player...

[Edit] Ahhhh!  Here is the link: http://www.rapidrepair.com/
If you go through these guys and are satisfied with their pricing/service, post it on the forums.

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Dave :-)