Whirlpool

How to replace the Creative Zen Vision M Hard Drive

Hi Everyone,

A few weeks ago my Zen Hard Drive died, and I loved the Zen So I thought I would fix it.
I will now show you how to!

STEP ONE:

Order yourself a replacement Hard Drive. I ordered an exact model off ebay. My Zen is the 30GB version, and for those interested the hard drive is: Hitachi HTC426030G5CE00. Have a search around, they can be hard to get, I managed to get mine off Ebay.

STEP TWO

Go To: www.anythingbutipod.com/...ision-m.php#more

This a guide on how to disassemble your Creative Zen, and it shows you how to do it properly!

STEP THREE

Once you have your Zen opened, Remove the blue rubber shock protector of the 'connection' end of the hard drive.

Once you have done that, you'll notice that there is a little brown ribbon cable connecting the hard drive. Remove that by using a small flat headed screwdriver, lifting the little what piece of plastic on the top of the cable (it flips up), or alternatively you can do what I did, and just pull it out.

STEP FOUR

Now fit the new hard drive by re-inserting the cable into the new hard drive. Don't worry if you put it in the wrong way, simply unplug it and switch it round.

Now replace the blue rubber Shock protectors.

STEP FIVE

Now by using the link above, Re-Assemble the Zen! (your almost home, all the hard work is finished)

STEP SIX

Power on the Zen, it should come up with 'Recovery Mode.' If it doesn't, slide the power button to the left (power on position) and hold it there while pressing the reset button. It should then appear.

Select 'Format All'

Once that has complete, In the Recovery Mode main screen,

Select 'Reload Firmware'

Once the 'old' (non-existent) Firmware is deleted, go to:
www.creative.com/support

To download the latest Zen Firmware.

STEP SEVEN

Plug in the Zen, and run the Creative Driver Firmware Update you downloaded in the last step. Follow the prompts.

If you see the Zen Main Menu on your Zen Player, it has successfully loaded the firmware.

The Player is now operational!!

STEP EIGHT

Re-Sync all of your media with your favourite media managing program (and I'll bet it isn't Creative MediaSource either!)

Once all of the media has Synchronized with your Zen, Your Done!

Job Complete!!

You now have your Zen back to how it used to be!!

Hope you enjoyed my How-To!

Thanks,

Chrizz

great info !

two questions....

1. How much did the 30gb HDD set you back ??

2. Is it possible to upgrade HDD to 60GB and if so did you see what prices the 60GB drives were going for ?

Cheers,

Odorono

Odorono writes...

great info !

Thanks Ordorono!!

1. How much did the 30gb HDD set you back ??

It cost me $130AUD (Incl. Postage) from an American Seller on Ebay.

2. Is it possible to upgrade HDD to 60GB and if so did you see what prices the 60GB drives were going for ?

I would think it would be very possible to upgrade to 60GB, but you have to worry about size (physically) because it may not fit in the Zen. You'll want a single platter drive, to keep it thin. I didnt see the prices, but when i fill up my zen I'll upgrade to 60GB or possible 80GB!

Odorono writes...

2. Is it possible to upgrade HDD to 60GB and if so did you see what prices the 60GB drives were going for ?

You will have to open up your 30gB and see what hard drive connection you have, as there is an IDE connector and another one(I can't remember the name) but becareful that you by the right type or if it's even possible. If you need more info I'll have a look as I can't remember all the details or point you in the right direction.

Defibrillator writes...

You will have to open up your 30gB and see what hard drive connection you have, as there is an IDE connector and another one

Its an IDE connection, (specificly ATA-7)

Cheers