Scratch that...

The key is to not plug it back in to sync with the software. You can plug it in to charge from your computer, just dont let the software (Zune) auto start. You can turn it off in the options of the software before plugging in your Zune. As a side note that may be helpful, if you dont have a screwdriver small enough, and you have children that play with TechDecs, ask them for one of their screwdrivers for the techdecs, they are the perfect size. Also, be very careful about where you put whatever it is you use to remove the clip around the charging jack, be sure to use something like an exacto knife and lift at the points where the clip is the thickest, which should be the right and left sides, not the skinny parts that run the length of the interface. The clip will break at it's skinny spot. But just for the sake of clarity:

DO NOT PLUG BACK IN TO YOUR COMPUTER TO SYCN AFTER COMPLETING THE BATTERY FIX!

And if you have a 30G Zune, chances are likely that your warranty is already expired.

Well it's 2253 out here in Iraq and mine has been locked up for the better part of the day.  I don't think it has anything to do with the computer software, since I have not had mine sync'd up in months.  I thinks it's just MS's way of making us buy more of their stuff.  I even let the battery die completly, then recharged it, only to have the "Zune" screen and line return.  I hope the fix is sooner then later.  I use this thing when I work out.  Guess I will have to actually talk to people at the gym until it gets fixed.

Yeah, really, most of these things are getting pretty old...

On the battery fix: I've tried it a few times already today. The first time it worked perfectly. (that was when i got up at eleven this morning) but then it froze-up again while I was out shoveling earlier today. (no pun intended.) So I took the battery out again, this time it booted up just fine, but then the scren went blank. The backlight shut off in 5 seconds like I have it set to, and touching a button brought it back on, but no colour. No menues, nothing. I've tried virtually everything I can think of short of disconnecting the HD, I've let the battery run down, then I plugged it into the computer again (I don't think that mattered since the software didn't even open) but I'm not sure if the battery actually ran down since it hasn't been long enough, (it was fully charged this morning) and the HD isn't spinning, just the screen is on. *** So now I'm waiting for it to turn off again (w/e the reason, battery dieing again, or w/e) and I'm going to plug it into the wall. see if that helps....
I'll report back if nething helps.

EDIT 3.45 : just as i thought plugging into the wall charger doesn't seem to make any difference.

JUST GOT WORD THAT THEY ARE CLOSE TO THE SOLUTION!! ZuneInsider hey folks. we are making progress and close to being able to ID the issue for you all - just running thru additional checks and testing 2 minutes ago from web

I am also reporting that my 30g is not working.  Same issue stuck on the Zune screen.  My husband's 80g is fine. 

MusicboxMare is my wife, I was logged in under her account as I was in the process of "The Fix" for her Zune. It did work, and it stayed on until I plugged it in to the computer, somehow the Zune software decided that it was going to auto connect to her Zune which was turned off long before this issue. So, alas I guess we will have to wait to see what comes of it. The fix does work barring you need to plug it in to the computer. My thoughts though are that this is not going to be an easy one for Microsoft due to the fact that there is no access to the device via the user or the computer. There is no way to install a patch or reboot the device. My guess is that the only way they can "Fix" the issue is to have us all send them in, or send out replacements to all those that have the 30G serial on file and force us to send in the "Broken" ones.

But, I would like to mention, that I had taken apart the Zune twice this morning and there is nothin in the Zune that would denote that it was taken apart. Aside from breaking something, there really is no way that Microsoft would be able to tell that it was disassembled. No warranty tape or anything of that sort. So if you feel capable and comfortable with taking it apart and trying the battery fix, you should be ok if/when you have to send it in to Microsoft. I cant wait to see how they resolve this one. I am SUPER curious.

Just adding my name to the plaintiff/class-action list. I wonder if a trade-in to a new Zune will be the solution.

True, it will be difficult for them to give us a patch or something like that unless.....

THEY ACTUALLY LET US DO SOMETHING WITH OUR DEVICES OTHER THAN PUT MUSIC/VIDEOS/PICTURES ON THEM USING THE ZUNE SOFTWARE! (Zune team take note)

If MS breaks down and offers us access to our Zunes through something like Control Pannel or My Computer then I (for one) will be extatic! That's what I've been praying for for quite a while now. lol. but hey, this is MS. They wouldn't do that probably. So yes, it will be interesting to see how they fix it.. I just hope it happens soon.....

I did the hard reset over 4 hours ago and it seems to be fine.
No way am I going to connect to the computer until there is a fix.
I do not mind taking apart anything that I own, but then I am in the maintenance field and it comes natural to me.

i set the clock on my computer to jan 1st 2009 and did a hard reset and now its working perfectly even when i reconnect to my computer

edit: scratch that, it froze again...

add me too. this sucks. just got mine back a month ago from the last melt down