PityOnU, a respected member at ZuneBoards:

Finally, a release candidate of zAlternator is here! Yay! zAlternator is a program that will allow the Zune to be picked up and synced with programs other than the Zune program. It has been fully tested and proven to allow the Zune to be picked up and synced with the Zune program (duh), Windows Media Player 11, Winamp, and MediaMonkey. I have been unable to fully test the iTunes side of the program, but hopefully it should work. Instructions and details after the jump...

Remember, unlock the Zune first if you want to sync to it in any program other than the Zune program.

Manual Unlocking:

It actually has nothing to do with manual labor (aka hardware modifications), so it does not void your warranty.

By default, the Zune can not be accessed by anything other than the Zune program. To get it to work in other programs we have to (at this point) manually unlock it. Here is how:

1. Start up the Zune program
2. Get media and start a sync to your Zune
3. When your Zune is displaying the "synconizing" screen, end the Zune process through Windows Task Manager
4. Fire up zAlternator and set Zune to use a different program

If you download, please leave feedback! Thanks!

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JL - About Time   | 12.152.176.xxx | 2008-01-21 14:56:07 About time. Thanks Pityware. Now I just need to put the Asian fonts back in the Zune... Reply | Quote 0   10

ariel   | 201.81.31.xxx | 2008-01-23 12:26:40 how do you enable japanese fonts on the zune? Reply | Quote 4   4

pj.paito - Nice Job   | 142.46.130.xxx | 2008-01-21 15:06:23 Good job PityOnU! Been waiting for this! Reply | Quote 5   1

Skullfighter   | 74.170.176.xxx | 2008-02-12 19:45:27 I did not come up with this better explanation. I just thought it should be at the top of the page. ____________________ ______________ WOW it is totally working now!!! the instructions need to be WAY clearer. go to the zAlternater..switch to the Zune Start Syncing zune..then do the ctr-alt-delete. Go to Processes and find the Zune.Ex and end process. Go back to zAlternater..switch to Generic WMP and before exiting out do ctr-alt-delete and end that process. Start up WMP and it actually will start!! Reply | Quote 2   2

TheDevilMyself - more clarification   | 24.163.238.xxx | 2008-03-24 15:43:44 Pretty good explanation, but i'll elaborate a little further. Start Zune Start zAlternator Make sure zAlternator is on "Generic WPD" Start a sync w/ zune (so that the screen on the zune says "syncing" ALT+CTRL+DEL and end Zune.exe process like described above Go ahead and use whatever program you want at this point to sync Before you disconnect your zune, make sure you stop the sync - to do that:: Start up zAlternator again (if it was closed) switch back to Zune then start Zune program and then close Zune program. I was told by a service dude that the only bad time to disconnect the Zune is when the "Sycronizing" screen is on, so i'd assume it wouldn't be great to disconnect it w/o it being gone. PS - Skull, what are you closing when you say "Go back to zAlternater..switch to Generic WMP and before exiting out do ctr-alt-delete and end that process." As i see it, there's nothing to close at that point. Reply | Quote 0   0

justin - howw??   | 71.176.45.xxx | 2008-04-17 18:49:25 how do u get zAltenator? Reply | Quote 0   0

BrianLikesZune   | 24.177.102.xxx | 2008-01-21 15:08:51 NOICE PITY! Everyone make sure to plus rep him on the support thread as well. Really nice hack, now even more of my friends will get a zune! Its virtually flawless now. Reply | Quote 2   3

Jzune - Awesome   | 72.166.1.xxx | 2008-01-21 15:18:16 Im gonna give this a try. Great work one reason why i love the ZB. Reply | Quote 2   0

DUBEDITION209 - .....     | 70.135.103.xxx | 2008-01-21 15:38:00 i dont really see the point in this since you have to already open up the zune software Reply | Quote 4   1

BrianLikesZune - re: .....   | 24.177.102.xxx | 2008-01-21 15:47:26 DUBEDITION209 wrote: i dont really see the point in this since you have to already open up the zune software Because now editing meta tag data is a breeze, you can manually sync, create sync playlists, and the zune program wont be a system hog, because now you wont have to have all your files monitored by the software. You can just use whatever you choose. I might download itunes just to see if it works. Reply | Quote 4   0

mincho - Digg     | 4.233.127.xxx | 2008-01-21 16:07:10 Digg it here http://www.digg.com/gadgets/Zune_zAlternator Reply | Quote 2   0

Anonymous   | 71.77.11.xxx | 2008-01-21 16:17:44 does it sync anything or just zune compatible files? Reply | Quote 2   2

Angela - question?   | 24.58.53.xxx | 2008-01-21 16:23:53 in task manager what's the process name that you have to stop? is it just entitled "zune"? Reply | Quote 0   2

BrianLikesZune   | 24.177.102.xxx | 2008-01-21 16:48:55 Yeah. =] If you click on the Mem Usage, and scroll to the bottom, most likely it will say zune. (It will be easier to find.) Reply | Quote 2   1

JOhn   | 72.22.25.xxx | 2008-01-21 17:30:33 Will it work with Windows Media Center software? Reply | Quote 0   0

SimonSays   | 66.248.222.xxx | 2008-01-21 17:34:46 I want something like this for the iPod! I hate iTunes but love my iPod Reply | Quote 6   6

NightFire   | 75.36.19.xxx | 2008-01-21 17:44:18 Alright, before someone else downgrades this pose, which iPod? The only one I can truly see getting is the Touch. Reply | Quote 2   8

SimonSays   | 66.248.222.xxx | 2008-01-21 17:46:17 I have a Nano Reply | Quote 2   8

Roflgoat     | 141.154.65.xxx | 2008-01-21 18:58:39 You can use Winamp or MediaMonkey with iPods anyway. Just look around in their plugins sections or forums. mediamonkey.com winamp.com Reply | Quote 3   1

VariousArtist - Try Anapod as an alternative t     | 66.252.132.xxx | 2008-01-21 18:41:28 Hello SimonSays...if you want an alternative for your iPod try Anapod by Red Chair: http://www.redchairsoftware.com/anapod/ I liked using Anapod with my iPod. However since my device is now a diePod, I'm going to take a serious look at the Zune. I played with one extensively at CES in las Vegas and really enjoyed it. Reply | Quote 5   3

enric   | 76.245.62.xxx | 2008-01-21 20:14:18 i use my ipod with linux even Reply | Quote 4   8

Joe Avino - Joe   | 24.169.1.xxx | 2008-01-26 10:11:24 Um... don't you have that reversed? iTunes rocks (it's functionality is superior to that of WMP11 and Zune Software), but the iPod Classic is not nearly as good as the Zune 80. Reply | Quote 2   7

Supapeach - WTF?   | 216.161.88.xxx | 2008-01-26 16:10:58 what the hell r u talking about itunes sucks its way more complicated then it needs to be Reply | Quote 4   4

Mike   | 72.193.126.xxx | 2008-01-21 17:44:12 It's not working for me for some reason. I start the sync, end Zune at task manager, then I run zAlternator. It doesn't let me switch service provider from that point though. Reply | Quote 9   0

xxdesmus - great work!     | 74.69.28.xxx | 2008-01-21 17:46:56 Great work, I've been waiting for an app like this before I bought an 80GB Zune. Great job! Reply | Quote 1   0

Daniel - Now finish the job...   | 66.193.124.xxx | 2008-01-21 18:18:21 I want it to go the other direction. I have a nano, iPhone, and Zune, but would love to use the Zune software for all three! iTunes is just horrible, in my opinion. Already had it erase information on my iphone twice! Reply | Quote 7   1

AlfredTV   | 162.119.232.xxx | 2008-01-21 18:31:36 hey do you think a shortcut that executes a batch file that has the kill task id and then the start zAlternator would work?? I am thinking making a batch file that kills the zune exe by the task id and then launches the zAlternator would be perfect?? Reply | Quote 0   0

Dan Diephouse - Play For Sure   | 75.210.106.xxx | 2008-01-21 18:34:11 Probably a stupid question, but this doesn't allow it to work with PlayForSure type files does it? Reply | Quote 1   0

Xopher - re: Plays for Sure   | 68.34.213.xxx | 2008-02-03 10:58:52 Plays for Sure is a DRM license format for Windows Media files. The Zune does not have the rights to read the DRM, so it won't play them. It's a licensing issue. At the moment, the Zne only supports DRM-free media and DRM music from their marketplace. I would love it if they would incorporate Plays For Sure to the Zune. Currently, the Zune firmaware doesn't support it, so your Zune won't play it, no matter which software you use to sync to the device. Reply | Quote 2   0

Roflgoat     | 141.154.65.xxx | 2008-01-21 18:57:40 Can I still use my Zune 80 with the Zune software after this, you know, to update? Reply | Quote 4   1

Daniel   | 24.18.33.xxx | 2008-01-21 19:23:36 Can somebody please help me!! I did everything that it says to do, i have zune opened i start syn then i close it down through windows task manager then i open up zAlternator and i switch the provider then i click apply and it goes back to zune(default) someone please help me!!! Reply | Quote 7   0

Zaq   | 72.87.210.xxx | 2008-01-21 19:53:53 does this work for Gen 1 zunes?? if so i love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!! I hate to say it but Micorsoft screwed up the zune software i'd much perfer wmp of winamp THANKYOU!!!!!!!!!!OM G!! Reply | Quote 5   0

john   | 69.249.144.xxx | 2008-01-21 20:06:33 if i do this, will i be able to use it with fedora? Reply | Quote 0   1

Skiks   | Registered | 2008-01-21 20:27:25 [color=blue] woohoo to PityonU!! Great job man!! [/color] Reply | Quote 0   0

Angel   | 206.248.124.xxx | 2008-01-21 20:41:27 Thankx Reply | Quote 0   0

shadoblak   | 68.73.200.xxx | 2008-01-21 20:41:46 SWEET GOD!!!! THIS IS FREAKING AWESOME!!! Reply | Quote 1   0

aflyingedward - Freaking awesome indeed.   | 79.69.206.xxx | 2008-01-21 20:45:54 I got this to work perfectly on Vista-32 bit with WMP11. I just had to right click zAlternator and select 'Run as Administrator'. The best thing is... all my meta data is correct in WMP11, so I cleaned out the zune (gen1 30gb) and re-synced it and now all the meta data is correct on their as well! No more problems with various artists albums not showing their artists properly, woohoo! Reply | Quote 3   0

bash   | 68.199.112.xxx | 2008-01-27 13:31:16 hey im trying to get my wmp 11 to work with the zune it just tell me that i might have right to the zune or media do you know the default for the administrator on your comp b.c i have never changed it please help Reply | Quote 0   0

George   | 68.199.112.xxx | 2008-01-27 13:37:17 hey i get this error when i try seting up wmp it says "Windows Media Player cannot access the file. The file might be in use, you might not have access to the computer where the file is stored, or your proxy settings might not be corr" do you know why im getting this error thnx Reply | Quote 0   0

KeZzO08936   | Registered | 2008-01-31 16:34:25 i have the same problem and i have been having problems with this for a long time. i have tried to change files around and everything...no matter what i do, it does not sync from WMP on my zune. i did the steps so.....can anyone please help me???? or is anyone having this problem still?? Reply | Quote 0   0

Skullfighter   | 74.170.176.xxx | 2008-02-12 19:39:56 You probably do not had administrative rights. This means the program isn't able to access Windows processes. In Vista it's easy. Right click on the zAlternator and "Run as Administrator". If you are running XP, the program needs to be on an administrative account. Go to Start->Control Panel->User Accounts->Look at what you are. Reply | Quote 0   0

joei   | 131.107.0.xxx | 2008-03-31 14:17:08 I'm getting the same error when I try to sync. The Zune shows up in the device list but when I click sync it says: Windows Media Player cannot access the file. The file might be in use, you might not have access to the computer where the file is stored, or your proxy settings might not be correct. I'm running zAlternator as admin as well as wmp. I've also verified that I have full control over all the files in my media library. Does anyone have any other ideas? Reply | Quote 0   0

joi   | 131.107.0.xxx | 2008-03-31 17:26:26 Actually I did get it to work once using the method above, but the next time I tried to do it I got the error again. Do you have to go through the entire process every time you want to sync with WMP? Reply | Quote 0   0

Anonymous   | 76.180.221.xxx | 2008-04-22 11:22:30 I did all this and it still says i cannot access the file Reply | Quote 0   0

Tyler   | 75.146.160.xxx | 2008-03-04 09:24:21 Great Hint, this is what I was missing....now it works! Reply | Quote 0   0

Dizzy   | 64.126.34.xxx | 2008-01-21 21:29:24 For those wanting to sync with mediamonkey, I wrote up a tut.: http://www.zuneboards.com/forums/tutorials/16833-sync-your-zune-using-mediamonkey-zalternator.html Reply | Quote 4   0

rimco   | 24.171.58.xxx | 2008-01-21 21:20:37 Does anyone know yet if after doing this you can get the Zune to come up as a USB drive in Linux? Reply | Quote 2   0

memals   | 131.107.0.xxx | 2008-01-24 07:28:04 I only use linux and virtual machine never work with my zune so it sits doing nothing. I really need the ability to use the zune (class 30g) under linux. I use windows 2003 at work and that is impossible to get to work with the zune. Reply | Quote 0   0

Anonymous   | 76.223.8.xxx | 2008-01-21 21:49:48 Does this work with the new 80gb zune? Reply | Quote 0   0

Skiks   | Registered | 2008-01-21 21:55:04 yes it does Reply | Quote 2   0

Anonymous   | 138.238.217.xxx | 2008-01-21 22:30:30 Can anyone tell me how to format the Zune? Gen1 30gb Reply | Quote 0   1

ConfusedPerson   | 70.243.254.xxx | 2008-01-22 01:04:04 I did the sync thing and my zune is on sync mode. The Zune.exe is process is shut off. I have not started media monkey yet. I go and change the zalternator service provider to generic WPD but it changes back to zune default when i click apply. Please Help. Reply | Quote 3   0

Edward   | 79.69.206.xxx | 2008-01-22 12:23:46 Are you running Vista? Make sure you right click zAlternator and select 'Run as Administrator' when you are launching it. Reply | Quote 0   0

georgexx316 - yes!   | 199.190.225.xxx | 2008-01-22 06:09:03 Yes! Finally its here. Been waiting for this thing for years! Reply | Quote 1   0

fifthecho - Of course...   | 66.162.170.xxx | 2008-01-22 08:23:14 Of course this had to come out 3 days after I sold my Zune 30 to a friend because the Zune software won't catalog all of my library. Guess now I'm gonna be in the market for a Zune 80. Reply | Quote 2   0

ahdrond - MCE sune sync   | 216.253.223.xxx | 2008-01-22 08:46:05 cool program, however my question is this, can it sync to media center? thats where microsoft screwed the pooch and what im waiting for someone to fix. Reply | Quote 0   2

georgexx316   | 199.190.225.xxx | 2008-01-22 09:08:39 Do you have to manually unlock it everytime I restart my computer? Anyway to permanently unlock it? Reply | Quote 5   0