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Article ID: 928145 - Last Review: April 21, 2008 - Revision: 2.3

Error message on the Zune device: "To recover from an error, Zune must clear all content"

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SYMPTOMS

When you are using your Zune device, you receive the following error message:
To recover from an error, Zune must clear all content.

CAUSE

You receive this error message if one or both of the following conditions are true:
  • As the Zune device starts, the device does not correctly read information from the hard drive.
  • One or more files on the data partition of the hard drive device contain errors.

THINGS TO TRY

  1. If you experience this behavior as the device starts, press the center of the Zune pad to restart the device. You should not lose any content.
  2. If you experience this behavior during typical use of the Zune device, you may lose the content on your Zune device. If you experience this problem, you must resync your device with your Zune library. To do this, follow these steps:
    1. Press the center of the Zune pad to restart the device and delete the content from the device.
    2. After the device restarts, start the Zune software, and then connect the Zune device to a USB port on your computer by using the Zune Sync cable.
    3. Use the Zune software to sync your Zune device with the library in the Zune software. This step will restore the content on the device.
If the previous steps did not resolve the problem, try erasing the Zune device and then re-syncing the content. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Set the Hold switch to the unlocked position.
  2. Press and hold the Back button
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    Back
    at the same time as you press the top of the Zune pad. When the Zune device begins to turn on, release the buttons.
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    Zune restart
  3. If you have a Zune 4GB, a Zune 8GB, a Zune 16GB, a Zune 80GB, or a Zune120GB, immediately press and hold the Back button
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    Back
    at the same time as you press the Play/Pause button
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    Play/Pause
    .
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    Zune erase

    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, immediately press and hold the Back button
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    Back
    while you press the right side of the Zune pad and the center of the Zune pad.
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    Zune erase

    Continue to hold these buttons until the Zune device restarts and you receive the following message:
    Clearing contents. Please wait.
  4. When the home screen appears, the erase is complete. Reconnect the Zune device to the sync cable, and then resync the content.

APPLIES TO
  • Zune Digital Media Player
  • Zune 4GB Digital Media Player
  • Zune 8GB Digital Media Player
  • Zune 16GB Digital Music Player
  • Zune 30GB Digital Media Player
  • Zune 80GB Digital Media Player
  • Zune 120GB Digital Media Player
  • Zune software
Keywords: 
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