Zune in Winamp

[FollyRob]

I just recently found out that I can abandon the terrible zune software and start to use winamp with my zune. Wonderful! However, I downloaded a copy of zalternator and it doesn't seem to be doing the trick for me. I did as it said, started a sync, ended the process, and changed the service provider to Generic WPD. Winamp sees the zune, but just keeps saying that it is loading the device. After a while of "loading" the zune doesn't show up in winamp. Poof, just disappears.

I have version 3.1620.0 of the Zune software and a 120gb Zune.

What, if anything, can I do to get the zune to work with winamp?

[Space Toast]

I dont believe zAlternator works with the new firmware.
But i could be wrong.

[FollyRob]

Is there a way to revert the firmware then?

Even better, is there newer software that will allow me unlock the device and recognize it in winamp?

Basically it comes down to this: How can I sync my Zune with winamp? I'll do anything to stop having to use the terrible microsoft client.

[Bolt]

Here's a tutorial on how to downgrade.

[FollyRob]

So downgrade to 1.4 then run zAlternator? Is there no other way? Because that tutorial says it will only work with 30g zunes, I have a 120.

[Charge]

Works with any Zune.

It doesn't work with the new firmware. You can revert back. but its a hard process. You will have to UnZoone your pc, reset your zune and then download software 1.5 and stop auto updates for the Software. If you want more details of this please ask.

[FollyRob]

I would love some more details. Whatever the easiest way to get my zune to work in winamp is what I want to do.

What exactly needs to be done? (details please)

[Azu-nyan]

Originally Posted by Charge

Works with any Zune.

Nope, only on 30's. You'll need to revert to a newer version, like 2.5, which is still zAlternator compatible.

[Charge]

Ack. Sorry. As most of the hardware and firmware are the same throughout i thought it worked with all of them. Oops.

[Bolt]

Originally Posted by FollyRob

So downgrade to 1.4 then run zAlternator? Is there no other way? Because that tutorial says it will only work with 30g zunes, I have a 120.

Good job reading the fine print. Since there was no 1.4 firmware for 120 gig zunes (it was past that when they were created), the hack doesn't work for them. I don't remember where another guide is, though =\

EDIT:

Originally Posted by Locke

If you wipe the newer firmware, you can add the older one on.
Hold Back-Up to reset the Zune
When you see the Zune logo:
-Hold Back-Center-Play on a Zune 4/8/16/80/120
Connect to the computer to reload the firmware and media

You'll have to find the 2.5 firmware floating around somewhere.

[FollyRob]

zAlternator doesn't work with the 2.5 firmware. Any other sugguestions? All I want to do is sync with winamp, I hate microsoft for making it so hard!

[Azu-nyan]

Originally Posted by FollyRob

zAlternator doesn't work with the 2.5 firmware. Any other sugguestions? All I want to do is sync with winamp, I hate microsoft for making it so hard!

It doesn't? O.o Try zSuite then, it has zAlternator built in and should support 2.5 firmware. Alternatively, you can look for any other software from the 2.x series.

[PS1226]

try using Zsuite i think thats compatible with 2.5