If you own a Zune, then you probably know that you are restricted to only using the Zune software. Since you like the Zune, you may not want to have it work with iTunes or other programs, but in case you would prefer to use iTunes, then you may want to read on. In addition to iTunes, this hack will also allow it to work with other programs such as Windows Media Player 11, Winamp, and MediaMonkey.
This hack and program is called zAlternator, and has been tested by a person at the Zune Boards forums named PityOnU. All of the programs have been fully tested and are reported to work well, unfortunately, he hasn’t tested out the iTunes, but he is sure it works as well.
The full instructions are as follows:
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
Be sure to leave a comment if you are able to sync up your Zune with any of the above programs, and as always proceed with caution.
Via [Zune Boards]
it wont let me switch programs. after i press apply, it goes back to saying zune (default)
yuyyu
I have the same problem as mike, I manually unlocked as the instructions say, but when I press apply nothing changes and the current service provider remains at "Zune (Default)"
Any suggestions?
run as administrator… i think vista was a horrible idea
Kevin-
I don't have a Zune so I can't really help you there, but my suggestion would be to check out Zune forums to see if they can offer any help.