MAJOR Problems with Zune software on Vista

[djlogan910]

Okay, so I just got a new laptop about 2 weeks ago, installed the latest software from the web, and everything was gravy...

Moving forward to 11/13/07 -- downloaded and installed the new Zune software, and the new firmware onto the device. Firmware works beautifully, all is good there! I got 2...TWO whole days of the new software before I started having problems.

I've uninstalled (through 'Programs & Features'...the new Vista name for 'Add/Remove Software') three times now..and I even tried loading the software from my Zune's original box (which wouldn't handle Vista).

Anyways..I keep getting this message box saying "Microsoft Zune has stopped working"...and "Windows is checking..blah blah blah" -- yet it NEVER fixes the issue. I've looked around on here a bit...and maybe it's right under my eyes...but I don't see anybody having this exact same problem!

If anybody experienced this (which, incidentally, happened after a successful install, and two successful re-installs) and has any tips...I would greatly appreciate them!

I just kinda miss my old Zune software. I understood it MUCH better, and it wasn't loaded with the ugly pinkish color scheme either!

Much thanks...and again, if I passed this topic over in another thread, my apologies...it's late, I'm tired, and ready to launch my Zune in to space since I can't sync it!

[Mitch]

can you post a picture of what the error says, or tell us the error code if you are given one? They usually help a lot.

[djlogan910]

This is what it starts out with...then cycles through the whole "Windows is checking for a solution...." crap...and wants to "Send Info", etc.etc.etc.. but no error codes, and while I'm kinda' computer savvy (not necessarily with Vista, but getting there) -- I've never ran into a problem like this before! Usually a total uninstall and registry cleanup will do it, but this is odd!

[Justananomaly]

Crashes On Start fix here:
Exit the Zune software:
1) Rightclick Zune icon/shortcut
2) Click "Properties"
3) Click "Compatibility" tab on the top
4) Check the box by "Run this program in compatibility mode for:"
5) Click the drop-down box and select "Windows 2000"
6) Click Apply, then ok
7) Restart the zune software
If problem still persists please make sure you sync your windows time, as a wrong date could also cause this issue.

[djlogan910]

Thanks Just...

Tried it...no work...even after a time sync!

[Justananomaly]

Oh just by looking at that screenshot i see its a rendering error, white box

Garbled Lines/White Box fix here:
(this also fixes overall program slowness).

Exit the Zune software
1) Start->Run->regedit
2) Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Zune\GeneralS ettings
3) Right click and click New->DWORD Value. Name it ReevaluateVideoSettings
4) Right click again and create a new DWORD Value. Name it UseGDI.
5) Press enter, then right click it again and click Modify
6) Change the Value Data to 1. It should be hexadecimal by default.
7) Restart the zune software.

If that doesnt work let me know

[djlogan910]

Justananomaly,

THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!!

That did the trick!

I'm not all that great at registry stuff, and I would've NEVER known that stuff!

You guys on here are always great at helping people, and once again -- you did the trick!

Thanks Again!

[Dizzy]

That's interesting... that's the fix for accelerated graphics. Vista must throw a different error...

[Justananomaly]

Actually, Dizzy,
I've found out that the error is one in the same for the most part, both are caused by video errors

Either way the program is going to get the software crash error,
If they get a white box and nothing ever loads they need to do the registry trick,
If they get the error still see the program working in the background with the error still in front the enhanced features work but their computers trying to run it too fast and running in windows 2000 compatibility mode seems to be the only way to even it out for now.

[Dizzy]

I'll take your word. I'm too cheap to get Vista

[djlogan910]

Well...that worked, initially. It has since quit working!

The software is now actually showing up behind the error, but you can't get into it to do anything.

Prior to this happening, I was also having sync problems or something. All of my downloads using my ZunePass were showing up, but wouldn't play thru the Zune software...strangely, I could go right to the file folder, and open them in WinAmp! Who knows?!?!!?

But yeah...back at square one again, can't even get into the friggin' software! Microsoft needs to get more bugs out of their updates before releasing them! I'm about convinced to go over to the dark side...with an iCrap, just because I've seen less problems with them!

[Dizzy]

What's "the error"?

[djlogan910]

Same error, but the initial "fix" that I used is still there... I tried deleting it -- and doing it over, but that didn't work either! I'm just fed-up at this point, and even after a call to Microsoft (or Zune support line) they couldn't tell me what to do! They just had me un-install, and download from another site and re-install! They gave me a reference number to call back if that didn't work (which it didn't), and then told me they had to let me go to assist other callers...how nice, eh?

[Dizzy]

Try using SZIPv2 in here: http://www.zuneboards.com/forums/completed-59/

[djlogan910]

Still getting the error:



After using this method of installation, I no longer have the option to run the Zune software under a different Windows compatibility mode (i.e. XP sp2 or Win2000, etc.)

Microsoft makes me wanna' punch babies! lol

[Dizzy]

Heh, one of the reasons I've yet to upgrade to Vista. You might want to call MS on this one.

[Justananomaly]

Thought I would go ahead and post the official MS Fix thread I made:
http://www.zuneboards.com/forums/gen...ash-start.html
I had the same issue and this fixed it for me. The software uses a windows component to scan for DRM licenses when you launch it, and if that component is bugged it causes .net framework to bug up too, causing the program to crash on launch.

[djlogan910]

I would like to know how you get in touch with someone at Zune Support who actually has a clue...I've tried calling, and always get a moron on the other end!

I tried following the steps on the KB thing from Microsoft, etc..etc...etc... NOTHING...still!

I'm thinking of writing Microsoft regarding a refund for my purchase of the damned Zune!

[zombie278]

this might be a solution... right click the zune shortcut and open as administrator
the exact same thing happend to me... but for media center..everytime i would start it, it would close for no reason... but when i start it as administrator it works,