Zune USB drive hack 'splained

As promised, we have journeyed into the deep recesses of the internets and returned with golden Zune-bustin' instructions. Turns out the hack is just a clever bit of RegEdit action, so you shouldn't have much trouble following along at home and setting your Zune free to load whatever dang files it chooses over USB. The best news is that after renaming your .zip file full of super-secret Thanksgiving recipes to a .jpg, you can transfer it via WiFi to all your Zune-toting pals. Now if you only had some Zune-toting pals...

[Thanks, Nathan W]

[Rob @ Nov 25th 2006 2:54AM]

^^^^^^^^^ Mac user

[kerimeton @ Nov 24th 2006 10:49AM]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHH HAHA :>| not funny

this is cool though, i hope to see more hacks for the zune, third party hacks ( like linux for the ipod) are bound to unock this devices potential

as much as you try, you cant make me reget buying one

( gets flamed)

[Kizorblade @ Nov 24th 2006 10:52AM]

Has anyone actually found another Zune to wirelessly communicate to?

[Paul @ Nov 24th 2006 10:57AM]

Has anyone actually bought a Zune? Nevermind finding another Zune.

[Noam @ Nov 24th 2006 11:43AM]

There was one guy here who said he saw a couple WiFi-enabled Zunes in his area. I can't find his comment, though.
I don't think it's in here [http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/14/has-your-zune-gotten-social-yet/]...

[beecee @ Nov 24th 2006 10:55AM]

The slogan should be changed to " Welcome to the -No-Show"

[uNext @ Nov 24th 2006 10:57AM]

Love The Zune i personally think is kicks the ipods ass in the interface dpt, sound quality, features but not in the form factor but the zune comes back around to bitch slap the ipod with its 3 inch screen.

l heart the zune and i know for a fact more hacks will come out.

So that means we can rename mp3 files to jpeg and wireless share them without the 3 day limitation?

i see so many hacks being brwed right about now-that useless wireless function will definetly be extremly useful trust me.

[Trojan @ Nov 24th 2006 11:15AM]

So this works exactly the same way the Toshiba Gigabeat S PMC does, which shouldn't really be that much of a surprise, since it's basically a 30 Gigabeat PMC in a different skin with Zune plastered all over the UI.

[Pingspike @ Nov 24th 2006 11:38AM]

lol the Zune really is Microsofts funniest and most tragic product yet. Incredible to have a product like that tank BEFORE launch. Thats just funny :D
It was doomed from the second images came out. People would battle with the while DRM and locked device crap, but man its just not even 'nice'.

I wonder who microsoft hired to design this thing that thought 'hey, know what'd be great? lets make it a nice brown slice of brick'. they paid this guy ?! rofl.

[Jeff @ Nov 24th 2006 11:40AM]

Okay, so first, create a JPG which contains instructions how to modify your registry. Now, save that on your Zune. Next, create a .zip file with whatever interesting stuff you plan on sharing and rename it to .jpg. Now you're all set.

Find someone else with a Zune (most likely a friend, because we've all said how we feel about approaching - or being approached by - strangers) and send them both files. Even if they haven't figured out how to enable USB drive support for their Zune yet, they can use the instructions.jpg file to do that. Once followed, then they know to rename the coolstuff.jpg back to coolstuff.zip and presto, they've got whatever you wanted to send.

Yes, the Zune did just become more worth having.

[Dave95 @ Nov 24th 2006 12:24PM]

Love it! You buy a Zune go home and pray for future firmware updates and hacks to make it useful and worthwhile. Here is a thought, why not buy a DAP that�s already worthwhile?

[Archaix @ Nov 24th 2006 1:17PM]

Now if only it did anything cool.

[Darryl @ Nov 24th 2006 1:22PM]

the haters are back

[Jean @ Nov 24th 2006 1:38PM]

You really think Microsoft wont come out with an update to disable loop holes? Its bad enough they gave Universal a cut of every unit sold. such BS. I may not buy one for that simple reason alone, I dont need more record companies pretending they own everything Music associated. Next thing you know, Universal will tax me at the music store when I'm buying another guitar.

[Bobo @ Nov 24th 2006 1:47PM]

When a basic function has to be a hack, something is definitely wrong.

[RyS @ Nov 26th 2006 3:03PM]

I fail to see how using an mp3 player as an external hard drive is a "basic function".
The device was created to be used as a mp3 player, NOT an external hard drive.
In case you've forgotten, we actually have hardware that is specifically designed for such duties as "external hard drive". Lets think about it...Duoh! Wait, you've already missed that opportunity.

Go play dumbass somewhere else.

[Chris @ Nov 24th 2006 3:30PM]

I just love that this has to be a hack. Why on Earth would you build a 30GB device without being able to use it as a storage device? Bunch of crazies.

[Jeff @ Nov 24th 2006 3:41PM]

"Bunch of crazies."

Bunch of morons, more like.

[Jonathan Allen @ Nov 24th 2006 3:42PM]

maybe someone will come out with a hack to disable the "suck" feature.

[Jeff Lewis @ Nov 24th 2006 4:12PM]

I wish Microsoft would just open the device as a drive. I'm betting they did this to make the Zune acceptable in corporate environments where iPods and similar devices are restricted to prevent people taking files home.

Me, I'd rather they let me deal with my company.

[John Doe @ Nov 24th 2006 4:40PM]

So let me understand. On any system you plug the system into...any Windows system. You have to mod the reg before it can work as a storage disk. Do you need to load the Zune software as well? Has anyone tried this on a Mac or Linux system?
Seriously. I use my 60GB iPod to move files from home to work to home again without needing to hack the reg or load additional software. Its simple and easy. Period. Why on earth would I even contemplate giving that up? And sorry fanboism isn't a legit reason.
Fuck the Zune. Its the XBOX of the MPM world. Wake me when they come out with the 360.

[swipe @ Nov 24th 2006 4:59PM]

Great news!!!!

[barnz2k @ Nov 24th 2006 7:27PM]

I prefer my Gigabeat S.
Unfortunately I dont think there will be much hacks for it though and wonder if certain ones made for Zune could work for the gigabeat? As they are both basically portable MCE??
I just want MASS STORAGE and to change the background or something.

[keith waddington @ Nov 24th 2006 8:47PM]

I like the Zune

It's a constant reminder on the open market place how totally incompetent MS really is.

And now tell me peeps, why do you all tie yourselves to Windows?

waddo
http://www.waddo.net/

[tekdroid @ Nov 25th 2006 7:13AM]

Yes. Finally. The Zune is useful.

Just last night I dreamed of Mass Storage mode on the Zune. Nobody on the market offers this because it's such a new new feature that hasn't been around for years, and I knew that Microsoft would go out of its way to give it to us, 'cause they are technological leaders, and extremely pro-"open standards". Even if the Zune sucked, I would buy it for the simple possibility that it might not in future - but of course it doesn't. It's great!

Anyhow, in my dream I said "how cool would it be to have me send a non-photo file to another Zune, but diguise it as a jpg photo!!!" That would be awesome.

Then I just explain to my nearby Zunester what I've done so he knows what to do with it when he gets it. Could it get any easier, I wondered? Nope, couldn't think of an easier way. I've ALWAYS wanted to send secret files and then explain myself like this!

Killer unit. Where do I sign up?

[Matt McNerney @ Mar 2nd 2007 12:05AM]

Ya know... my Zune syncs seemlessly with my Tivo every night (Tivo2go.) My hour and a half train commute is now blissfully filled with episodes of "Lost" and Heros"
I love it. I use the radio one a week. I use the "WMA" / "MP3" player once every few days.

The device certainly has its flaws, but it is hardly a piece of junk.

Any for that matter, I am quite keen on the brown / green color combo. Plus the thing is built like a tank.

That said, I haven't found another Zune in the wild yet.

PLus for all of you that need to support your arguments by insulting people as opposed to using credible technical knowledge... for shame.

[Carlos @ Jun 23rd 2007 10:17AM]

Can someone please help me figure this one out ? I have recently acquired a Zune and my computer wont install the software because apparently my windows xp home edition does not have in the system tools folder, the local users and groups folder.
Apparently the installation disc looks for those, and it is not finding it, therefor it gives an error on installation.
Anyone has encountered this problem before and solved it ?
Thanks

[Ben @ Sep 26th 2007 8:07PM]

i got my brown/green zune at the start of summer, listening to what not...and i heard from somebody that you can play movies on it or episodes w/e.. but since i have no idea what to do, and or where to start.. i would like step by step instructions,

Thanks

[Ben @ Jun 25th 2008 6:43AM]

umm... referring to the hacking;

what if you don't have a 'controlset001'. doesn't look good... got 002-004. just not 001. i really would like to LIKE my zune. the wi-fi
is sweet fun though.

please help guys, even you haters!

[Ben @ Jun 25th 2008 7:57PM]

umm... referring to the hacking;

what if you don't have a 'controlset001'. doesn't look good... got 002-004. just not 001. i really would like to LIKE my zune. the wi-fi is sweet fun though.

please help guys, even you haters!