This article describes how to erase all content from your Zune device. Erasing the hard drive will remove all music, videos, pictures, podcasts, and friends that are stored on the Zune device.

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To erase all content from your Zune device, follow these steps:

1.	Start the Zune software on the computer.
2.	Connect your Zune device by using the Zune Sync Cable.
3.	Click settings, and then click device.
4.	Click Sync Options, and then click Erase All Content.
5.	When you receive the following message, click Yes: Please Confirm. Are you sure you want to erase the contents of the connected Zune?

You receive the "Erase All Contents" message. This may take several minutes. Do not move or disconnect the Zune device until the message disappears.

If you applied a custom background picture, the erase procedure will not remove it.

For more information about how to remove the custom background, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

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Erase content from a Zune device without using a computer

You can also erase the content from a Zune device without using the Zune software. This method is useful when you want to erase the content but you do not have access to a computer.To erase the Zune device without using a computer and the Zune Software, follow the steps for the Zune device that you are using:

1. Set the Hold switch to unlocked.
2. Press and hold the Back button while you press the top of the Zune pad. When the Zune device begins to start, release the buttons.
3. Immediately after you release the buttons in step 2, press and hold the following combination of buttons, depending on your Zune model:
- If you have a Zune 4GB, Zune 8BG, or Zune 80GB, press and hold the Back button while you press the Play/Pause button. Continue to hold these buttons until the Zune device restarts and you receive the following message: Clearing contents. Please wait.
- If you have a Zune 30GB, press and hold the Back button while you press the right side of the Zune pad and the center of the Zune pad. Continue to hold these buttons until the Zune device restarts and you receive the following message: Clearing contents. Please wait.

When the home screen appears, the erase is complete, and you can again use the Zune device.

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