Free Up HDD Space While Keeping Files On Zune

TraJiK · 01-31-2008, 09:34 PM

Hey everyone, I'm new to the forums, but love the community. You guys rock.

I have figured out a way to keep large files (movies, podcasts, etc.) on your Zune and remove them from your computer's harddrive, using the newest firmware and most recent Zune application version. A very easy little trick that should work fine until this issue is resolved (hopefully) in upcoming updates.

NOTE: This little trick works for my Zune, and has not been fully tested on other Zunes as of yet. (I am in Canada, where very few people own them ATM.) So anyone willing to try this beware of the risk of losing the files you are removing. Backup to another source if possible until this is confirmed by more users.

This has only been tested with my larger video files, as I had over 26GB worth of WMV's that filled up my laptop's HDD. May work with podcasts and mp3s.

1. Sync all files to Zune (obviously)
2. Take note of each file's filename before removing or moving to another source.
3. Once file is removed from sync folder, create a new text file in the sync folder with the EXACT filename and extension as the file that was removed. Make sure the file is changed to the new extension and does not stay a .txt file.
4. The file will be 0kb, and the Zune application will not change or remove the larger sized file already stored on Zune when syncing is active.

I have tried to sync additional files AFTER this "mod" was added and the 0kb files are still untouched, so everything SEEMS to work great. I hope this works for everyone else, and would love some input (positive or negative) from everyone who tries it.

Cheers!

kylemert · 01-31-2008, 09:49 PM

not sure why you are renaming files...but. If you want files on your zune and not on your HD all you have to do is put the media you want to sync in an unmonitored folder. Easiest way to do this is a folder on your desktop. Drag the movies/songs from this folder to the appropriate tab in the collection section of the zune software. Sync the files that were dragged and you can delete any of the files on your HD with no worries of you zune losing them. When you check your zunes collection you will still be able to see the file that has been synced in this manor. However, if you attempt to play it, on your computer, you will get an error since it is no longer located on your HD.

TraJiK · 02-01-2008, 03:06 PM

Uh, that is not entirely correct. With the newest version of the Zune software, using your method of dragging and dropping the large files onto the device directly forces you to use the containing folder as a sync folder as well. When the files are then removed from your computer, and the Zune is synced to it, the files are removed from the Zune and lost forever. That may have been the case with past versions of Zune software, but not with 2.3.

With my method, the files are still technically "there". The filesize change is not checked during Zune syncing, therefore the stored Zune files are untouched.

Can anyone else back me up here? Or am I completely delusional.

FlyingIsFun1217 · 02-02-2008, 08:58 AM

This is... VERY interesting.

I'm using Linux right now, so I can't try, but I would love to see whether or not this works on others' zunes, and if it works on music and such.

Nice find!
FlyingIsFun1217

Saffy · 02-02-2008, 09:04 AM

Illtry that later i think, could be useful, ive only got 2 gig left on my hardrive, and thats why im not putting films on my CPU

got zune? · 02-02-2008, 11:57 AM

hmm, interesting.

has anybody tried it to confirm if it indeed works?

TraJiK · 02-02-2008, 07:48 PM

I messed around with a few more tests today, removing and adding other files with the 0kb files stored on the zune, syncing the files, etc. And the trick still seems solid to me. I've only tried it with movies, so podcasts, mp3s, and pictures (not like pictures take up much room) are still unconfirmed. I could see this being quite a space-saver trick for the Zune 80's out there, 80 GB's is a lot of space to lose on ones harddrive.

jackluo923 · 02-02-2008, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TraJiK

Uh, that is not entirely correct. With the newest version of the Zune software, using your method of dragging and dropping the large files onto the device directly forces you to use the containing folder as a sync folder as well. When the files are then removed from your computer, and the Zune is synced to it, the files are removed from the Zune and lost forever. That may have been the case with past versions of Zune software, but not with 2.3.

With my method, the files are still technically "there". The filesize change is not checked during Zune syncing, therefore the stored Zune files are untouched.

Can anyone else back me up here? Or am I completely delusional.

That's not entirely correct also.

A more simpler way of doing this would be :

1)start zune software
2)click video/audio/podcast section under the collection catagory
3)drag your video/audio/podcast into the video/audio/podcast section
4)Sync

maka · 02-02-2008, 09:12 PM

hmm
the TRULY easiest way is:

go into settings and tell it to forget your device.
then delete your songs and whichever you wish
then reconnect and reestablish your zune.

TraJiK · 02-02-2008, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackluo923

That's not entirely correct also.

A more simpler way of doing this would be :

1)start zune software
2)click video/audio/podcast section under the collection catagory
3)drag your video/audio/podcast into the video/audio/podcast section
4)Sync

Have you tried this recently, with the newest Zune update? This method does not work for me, once the file is removed from my computer's HDD, and I try to sync, the added files are removed from the Zune as well. And when files are dragged/dropped into the application in the collection section, it forces me to make the containing folder another sync folder. (if that makes sense). My method MAY not be the ONLY solution to the problem, but I found it an easy way to make sure that my files would always be there.

ZGamer · 02-02-2008, 10:13 PM

This is...
interesting.
But I dont really need it, I use my zune as a guest.

jackluo923 · 02-03-2008, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TraJiK

Have you tried this recently, with the newest Zune update? This method does not work for me, once the file is removed from my computer's HDD, and I try to sync, the added files are removed from the Zune as well. And when files are dragged/dropped into the application in the collection section, it forces me to make the containing folder another sync folder. (if that makes sense). My method MAY not be the ONLY solution to the problem, but I found it an easy way to make sure that my files would always be there.

Yep... it works... I tried it 10 minutes ago. Synced 5 movies onto it without a problem. I have the latest software which i updated 1 week ago. The only possible reason why mine works and yours don't work might be that i had zune explorer hack working before and the newest zune software integrated the hack into the software.

Do you want me to give you a video tutorial to go with it?

TraJiK · 02-03-2008, 12:26 PM

Nah, not necessary. Maybe your previous mod had something to do with it, or maybe I'm just crazy and missing a step, but I don't know, it's something to do with this message I get when I drag the files in. Makes the folder that I am dragging from a "monitored folder" in the Zune application, and from then on, the files are watched, and when they are removed from the system, they are removed from the Zune as well.

Who knows though. I'll just continue to use my method. If it works, why change, right?

TraJiK · 02-03-2008, 12:27 PM

Here's a picture of the message I receive.

jackluo923 · 02-03-2008, 12:42 PM

IF you want the video you can downoad it from this link;

http://cid-2fedd1342ad58911.skydrive...rger%20Project

I didn't want to make another folder in skydrive, so i just put in zune AA charger project folder. There's a file called S6300226.AVI and it's the process i useed to upload video to the zune just by drag and drop. After i've done that, i just synced and delete the video off my hard drive.

TraJiK · 02-03-2008, 01:08 PM

Well that definately must have something to do with the patch you had previously installed on your Zune application. Because once I dragged and dropped the files into the Zune program, that's when that message pops up for me. That message is no where to be found on your video. So I guess that patch bypasses the forced "monitored folders" deal. Either way, thank you for the vid.

jackluo923 · 02-03-2008, 02:28 PM

You should try the all the zune hd mod. I've applied all of them including the one with manual regedit method.

TraJiK · 02-03-2008, 05:01 PM

I will try that thank you.

NightFire · 02-03-2008, 05:44 PM

Interesting find, I must say, especilly with people who use laptops that don't have much space, but with people who have massive hard drive space, I can see why they would pass through this. Even then though, this is a very nice find, and you do deserve rep for this.

TraJiK · 02-03-2008, 06:18 PM

Why thank you very much. And you hit the nail right on the head. My laptop has a measily 60 GB HD on it and I use it for everything. Filling my Zune with 30 GB's of music and videos puts quite a dent on my computer, and slows everything down immensely. I'm just glad some people may find this useful, others may not, and that's fine too. Thanks.

Cheers.

01-31-2008, 09:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
TraJiK Squirt Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 15 Reputation: 11 $zB: 9 Donate	Free Up HDD Space While Keeping Files On Zune Hey everyone, I'm new to the forums, but love the community. You guys rock. I have figured out a way to keep large files (movies, podcasts, etc.) on your Zune and remove them from your computer's harddrive, using the newest firmware and most recent Zune application version. A very easy little trick that should work fine until this issue is resolved (hopefully) in upcoming updates. NOTE: This little trick works for my Zune, and has not been fully tested on other Zunes as of yet. (I am in Canada, where very few people own them ATM.) So anyone willing to try this beware of the risk of losing the files you are removing. Backup to another source if possible until this is confirmed by more users. This has only been tested with my larger video files, as I had over 26GB worth of WMV's that filled up my laptop's HDD. May work with podcasts and mp3s. 1. Sync all files to Zune (obviously) 2. Take note of each file's filename before removing or moving to another source. 3. Once file is removed from sync folder, create a new text file in the sync folder with the EXACT filename and extension as the file that was removed. Make sure the file is changed to the new extension and does not stay a .txt file. 4. The file will be 0kb, and the Zune application will not change or remove the larger sized file already stored on Zune when syncing is active. I have tried to sync additional files AFTER this "mod" was added and the 0kb files are still untouched, so everything SEEMS to work great. I hope this works for everyone else, and would love some input (positive or negative) from everyone who tries it. Cheers!

02-01-2008, 03:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
TraJiK Squirt Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 15 Reputation: 11 $zB: 9 Donate	Uh, that is not entirely correct. With the newest version of the Zune software, using your method of dragging and dropping the large files onto the device directly forces you to use the containing folder as a sync folder as well. When the files are then removed from your computer, and the Zune is synced to it, the files are removed from the Zune and lost forever. That may have been the case with past versions of Zune software, but not with 2.3. With my method, the files are still technically "there". The filesize change is not checked during Zune syncing, therefore the stored Zune files are untouched. Can anyone else back me up here? Or am I completely delusional. Last edited by TraJiK : 02-01-2008 at 03:08 PM.

02-02-2008, 09:04 AM	#5 (permalink)
Saffy Experienced Zuner Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: France Posts: 174 Reputation: 10 $zB: 34 Donate	Illtry that later i think, could be useful, ive only got 2 gig left on my hardrive, and thats why im not putting films on my CPU __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. any help?

02-02-2008, 11:57 AM	#6 (permalink)
got zune? Zune Guardian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: 916 Posts: 675 Reputation: 73 $zB: 342 Donate	hmm, interesting. has anybody tried it to confirm if it indeed works? __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

02-02-2008, 10:13 PM	#11 (permalink)
ZGamer Jr. Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 411 Reputation: 15 $zB: 89 Donate	This is... interesting. But I dont really need it, I use my zune as a guest. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Alright! Now I'm going to try a new website, about the ZUNE!!! Visit if you like and tell me how it looks! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

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01-31-2008, 09:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
kylemert Zewbie Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 9 Reputation: 10 $zB: 6 Donate	not sure why you are renaming files...but. If you want files on your zune and not on your HD all you have to do is put the media you want to sync in an unmonitored folder. Easiest way to do this is a folder on your desktop. Drag the movies/songs from this folder to the appropriate tab in the collection section of the zune software. Sync the files that were dragged and you can delete any of the files on your HD with no worries of you zune losing them. When you check your zunes collection you will still be able to see the file that has been synced in this manor. However, if you attempt to play it, on your computer, you will get an error since it is no longer located on your HD.

02-02-2008, 08:58 AM	#4 (permalink)
FlyingIsFun1217 Experienced Zuner Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 194 Reputation: 9 $zB: 0 Donate	This is... VERY interesting. I'm using Linux right now, so I can't try, but I would love to see whether or not this works on others' zunes, and if it works on music and such. Nice find! FlyingIsFun1217

02-02-2008, 07:48 PM	#7 (permalink)
TraJiK Squirt Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 15 Reputation: 11 $zB: 9 Donate	I messed around with a few more tests today, removing and adding other files with the 0kb files stored on the zune, syncing the files, etc. And the trick still seems solid to me. I've only tried it with movies, so podcasts, mp3s, and pictures (not like pictures take up much room) are still unconfirmed. I could see this being quite a space-saver trick for the Zune 80's out there, 80 GB's is a lot of space to lose on ones harddrive.

02-02-2008, 09:12 PM	#9 (permalink)
maka Experienced Zuner Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 205 Reputation: 10 $zB: 33 Donate	hmm the TRULY easiest way is: go into settings and tell it to forget your device. then delete your songs and whichever you wish then reconnect and reestablish your zune.

02-03-2008, 12:26 PM	#13 (permalink)
TraJiK Squirt Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 15 Reputation: 11 $zB: 9 Donate	Nah, not necessary. Maybe your previous mod had something to do with it, or maybe I'm just crazy and missing a step, but I don't know, it's something to do with this message I get when I drag the files in. Makes the folder that I am dragging from a "monitored folder" in the Zune application, and from then on, the files are watched, and when they are removed from the system, they are removed from the Zune as well. Who knows though. I'll just continue to use my method. If it works, why change, right?

02-03-2008, 12:27 PM	#14 (permalink)
TraJiK Squirt Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 15 Reputation: 11 $zB: 9 Donate	Here's a picture of the message I receive.

02-03-2008, 12:42 PM	#15 (permalink)
jackluo923 Support Team Senior Zuner Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Greater Vancouver BC Posts: 1,274 Reputation: 121 $zB: 729 Donate	IF you want the video you can downoad it from this link; http://cid-2fedd1342ad58911.skydrive...rger%20Project I didn't want to make another folder in skydrive, so i just put in zune AA charger project folder. There's a file called S6300226.AVI and it's the process i useed to upload video to the zune just by drag and drop. After i've done that, i just synced and delete the video off my hard drive.

02-03-2008, 01:08 PM	#16 (permalink)
TraJiK Squirt Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 15 Reputation: 11 $zB: 9 Donate	Well that definately must have something to do with the patch you had previously installed on your Zune application. Because once I dragged and dropped the files into the Zune program, that's when that message pops up for me. That message is no where to be found on your video. So I guess that patch bypasses the forced "monitored folders" deal. Either way, thank you for the vid.

02-03-2008, 02:28 PM	#17 (permalink)
jackluo923 Support Team Senior Zuner Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Greater Vancouver BC Posts: 1,274 Reputation: 121 $zB: 729 Donate	You should try the all the zune hd mod. I've applied all of them including the one with manual regedit method.

02-03-2008, 05:01 PM	#18 (permalink)
TraJiK Squirt Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 15 Reputation: 11 $zB: 9 Donate	I will try that thank you.

02-03-2008, 05:44 PM	#19 (permalink)
NightFire Jr. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Little Elm, Texas, United States Posts: 375 Reputation: 15 $zB: 105 Donate	Interesting find, I must say, especilly with people who use laptops that don't have much space, but with people who have massive hard drive space, I can see why they would pass through this. Even then though, this is a very nice find, and you do deserve rep for this. __________________ Live life to the fullest, or you will miss something. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Yeah, I know, two different names, but Jax came first then I made one for my current e-mail. Have you caught them all? :P

02-03-2008, 06:18 PM	#20 (permalink)
TraJiK Squirt Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 15 Reputation: 11 $zB: 9 Donate	Why thank you very much. And you hit the nail right on the head. My laptop has a measily 60 GB HD on it and I use it for everything. Filling my Zune with 30 GB's of music and videos puts quite a dent on my computer, and slows everything down immensely. I'm just glad some people may find this useful, others may not, and that's fine too. Thanks. Cheers.

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