Putting CD/MP3 Audiobooks On Zunes (Working Method)

[blackwood550]

Well...after 3 hours of googling i've found a working method.

Originally Posted by some dude at Zune Scene

Black Range wanted to know how to import an audiobook he/she already owned. If the file is in mp3 pr wma format, you can import it onto your zune by creating a wax file.

1. put your mp3/wma file in a folder. if there is more than one file, you will need to name all of the files the same, but add a Part1, Part2 suffix to the name for each file. i.e. StarDust Part1.mp3, StarDust Part2.mp3
2. Place a jpg of the book cover or some picture you would like and name it the same as the book without the Suffix. i.e. Stardust.jpg
3. Open Notepad and Copy this text in there.

<asx version="3.0">
<entry>
<ref href="AUDIOBOOK FILE PATH PART1"/>
</entry>
<entry>
<ref href="AUDIOBOOK FILE PATH PART2"/>
</entry>
</asx>


4. Replace the AUDIOBOOK FILE PATH PART1 with the actually file path. Make sure to keep the Quotes. You will need to do this for each part. I always merge files into one large audio file. so it makes it easier for me.

Use Notepad to Save the file as booktitle.wax i.e. StarDust.wax Make sure to save the .WAX file in the same folder as the mp3/wma and jpg file.

5. Install Overdrive. Open this folder. C:\Program Files\OverDrive Media Console (C:\Program Files (x86)\OverDrive Media Console for x64 OS)
You will see a TransferWizard.exe.

6. Plug your Zune in with the cable and close the Zune Software. With the Zune still plugged in, just Drag the .WAX file you created earlier onto the transferwizard.exe

Overdrive will pop open asking to confirm your transfer of the audiobook to your Zune. This transfer takes about...2 minutes for a 400 Mb audiobook. The Program might seem like its not responding or froze up. It didnt, just wait.



Once the book is on your zune, you can either use the HD hack to delete the file and the listing will be removed on the next audiobook sync, or you can use the overdrive manager. Right click on an overdrive book, go to properties, browser folder. and then delete each book one at a time. I find the HD Hack easier to delete since you can do multiple files at once.

Ammendum:

The line below represents an example
<entry>
<ref href="C:\Documents and Settings\Alexander D. Wolle\My Documents\My Audio Books/Homeland/02 Homeland.mp3"/>
</entry>
If you have a multi-chapter book...you must provide one line per chapter
18 chapters = 18 lines...

After transfer you will see an "Audiobooks" option on the main menu of your zune device. Follow the directions to the letter and there will be no errors/lockups.

Enjoy...

See you in the social,
Blackwood

[Bionicspyder]

Sure would be nice if Microsoft would just integrate an easier way to handle this in their next Zune software update. Major pain in the butt that you had to spend 3 hours just to figure out a "workaround". Here's a rep for ya though.

[blackwood550]

Originally Posted by Bionicspyder

Sure would be nice if Microsoft would just integrate an easier way to handle this in their next Zune software update. Major pain in the butt that you had to spend 3 hours just to figure out a "workaround". Here's a rep for ya though.

oh no...i spent three hours on Google looking for a work around and found this. It took me ten minutes to do though

Thanks for the sticky...hope this'll help ya'll

[snick422]

When I open the WAX file it finds my player but doesn't let me select the parts of the book. here's a screencap.



SOLVED, +rep

Thanks

[Scotchtapeloser]

I updated the zune Wax creator. Just add a few minor features.

--Checks the default installation location for Overdrive on x86 and x64 systems, If not found, it will prompt you to select where the program is installed at
-- Added the ability to modify tags. Will prompt for Author name and Book Title. (your zune will display the information)

*** how to use this program ***
put your audiobook files in a folder, sorted by name or as one large file. (mp3 and WMA only)
Drop a jpg picture for the book cover in the same folder.
Run the ZuneWaxCreator program.

Remember that this ONLY creates a wax file. You will need to have the Overdrive software installed before hand. The Transfer wizard may take a LONG time. Just be patient. 10-15 minutes for a long book is COMMON.

[Scotchtapeloser]

I've added a few enhancements.

***Corrected the "Case" error on Book Cover images

***I've added a few tweaks that allows the Overdrive transfer wizard to start the transfer without the long pause.

The pause is between the Transfer Wizard's Confirm screen and Transfer screen.
I timed the pause using the same 2 mp3 files. (15.8 MB and 14.3 MB)
Using the official Overdrive Console to start the transfer Pause = 27 seconds
Using the Original Zune Wax Creator to start the transfer Pause = 3 Min 38 seconds
Using the Zune Wax Creator 2.1 to start the transfer Pause = 27 seconds

For people who want to know how to sync multiple chapters to their Zune and have each chapter name different;

The Overdrive program ALWAYS renames your files Part1, Part2 etc. There is no way to change that. If you want each chapter with a different name, then you will have to Sync each chapter SEPERATELY using the same Book Title AND Author. (and sync the chapters in order)

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=S93GMGJD <--- download

[Poppa1956]

I finally got on the Zune Boards again, and used the latest Wax Creator. Installing "12 Byzantine Rulers" by Lars Brownworth (currently free download from LearnOutLoud.com) and using the "cover" picture they have for this audiobook (having renamed it to "12 Byzantine Rulers.jpg"
Note that each mp3 file is named differently, but each starts with a number, thus "01 Introduction.mp3," etc.
Curiously, the program seemed to disappear after I entered the autror and book names, but in fact, it was renaming the "album title" for each of the files, as well as renaming the file name of the graphic ("01 Introduction.jpg").
The overdrive program does not like any kind of punctuation in the titles, so the whole title of "12 Byzantine Rulers: The History of the Byzantine Empire" cannot be used because of the semicolon." Also, the Prgram said the book title was "Lars Brownworth" while transferring to the Zune, but the book is properly named on the device, and each chapter is titled "...-Part01," "...-Part02" as expected.
With previous iteration of wax creator, I had an issue with "Part01" being added to the title of the book ("The Pilgrims Progress Part01-Part01." it was annoying.)
An improvement all around, and worth more than twice what I paid. ;-) Thank you

[Scotchtapeloser]

I updated the wax creator and you can find info here.

Zune wax creator

[jackcarter]

Thanks, man. Excellent work.

Another vote of thanks & support to Scotchtapeloser for making this possible.