[dropkicka619]

many people have been asking me how to downgrade the zune software because they like the old versions alot better. so here you go!

To downgrade the Zune Desktop Software:

1. System Restore to the point right before 2.0 was installed.

if that is not possible, then:

1. Uninstall 2.0.
2. Disconnect your computer from the internet.
3. Install 1.1 (or 1.0) from the original CD.
--1.4 software can be installed using SZIP. Download here.

NOTE: In either case, it is best to wipe out the Zune's database and allow it to rebuild. There was some quirkiness after the restore because the System Restore didn't fully restore the Zune's database. Deleting the files in:
"C:\Documents and Settings\< user >\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Zune" did the trick.

To downgrade the firmware:

(WARNING: THIS WILL WIPE OUT THE CONTENTS OF YOUR ZUNE DEVICE)
1. Download Zune.RE.zip -
First Download
Second Download
Third Download, but contact me if it does not work

2. Download Java Runtime 6 (if you don't already have it)
Download
3. Download Zune Firmware 1.4 - Download, contact if it doesnt work
4. Create a temp directory: C:\temp
5. Place firmware 1.4 into the temp directory.
6. Rename the firmware file to: Zune01050485.cab
7. Place the ZuneFirm.jar file from Zune.RE.zip into the temp directory.
8. Start -> run... -> cmd
9. c: [ enter ]
10. cd \temp [ enter ]
11. java -jar ZuneFirm.jar [ enter ]
12. Go to your network setting, open up TCP/IP and change your DNS to 165.132.120.124. Then in another cmd, ping go.microsoft.com to check if it's directed to yourself (127.0.0.1). NOTE: if you cannot ping go.microsoft.com successfully and you are using a router, then connect your computer directly to your cable modem. This is the crucial step... if you cannot get a ping of go.microsoft.com to return 127.0.0.1 then do not proceed until you can!


Next, turn your Zune on and reset it by pressing back+up for a few seconds. When the Zune logo appears, press back+left+center for a few seconds to format the hard drive. After you format, it will ask you to connect to a computer. Connect it. Open the Zune software, and something like ?update time? and ?Zune 1.5 firmware? will appear. (If it doesn?t load automatically start ?Check for zune device update?)