Zen Xtra to show as a Mass Storage Device?

**Nate Sickler** · 05-23-2006, 08:27 PM

I posted this in the Centrafuse Font End category, but I don't think it belongs there - anyway, I want my Creative Zen Xtra 30G mp3 player to show up in WinXP as a mass storage device, instead of an audio device so it could be used by Centrafuse - I would like to know if the FIRMWARE update BELOW will allow for this?

Originally Posted by veetid
I have not personally used that device but you might look to see if there is a different driver for your device that makes it show up as a storage device.

david

Ok, this isn't just for David, does anyone know if this firmware update will make the device show up as a mass storage device in WinXP? I am trying to decide what the bold feature below actually means - I hate doing firmware upgrades, but this may be a neccessary evil if it allows the device to be seen as a mass storage device...but why is WMP10 required? Also, once the firmware is updated it can't be switched

According to the Creative Download Center:
This firmware update enhances your Zen Xtra with PlaysForSure™ functionality.

PlaysForSure devices enable you to:

Use subscription-based online music services
Enjoy seamless support with any computer running Microsoft® Windows Media® Player 10 and Windows® XP - no drivers or software needed
Use the drag-and-drop method to transfer songs or files to your player through Windows Explorer
Use the Sync feature in Windows Media Player 10 to synchronize your player with your music library and playlists.

**Jahntassa** · 05-23-2006, 09:07 PM

Nope, you're pretty much screwed. I got a Creative Nomad3 a while ago and I ended up buying Notmad by Red Chair software to bypass the crappy Creative stuff. It doesn't show up as a harddrive no matter what you do.

The reason WMP10 is required is because it acts like iTunes to the iPod. Instead of being able to drag/drop through the OS, you have to do it through WMP.

**Nate Sickler** · 05-23-2006, 09:28 PM

Originally Posted by Jahntassa

Nope, you're pretty much screwed. I got a Creative Nomad3 a while ago and I ended up buying Notmad by Red Chair software to bypass the crappy Creative stuff. It doesn't show up as a harddrive no matter what you do.

The reason WMP10 is required is because it acts like iTunes to the iPod. Instead of being able to drag/drop through the OS, you have to do it through WMP.

Darn...but thanks for the info - I have the Red Chair notmad software as well, much better then Creative's software.

Guess I will give this thing as a gift, back to the drawing board.

**Jahntassa** · 05-24-2006, 08:17 AM

Yeah, it kinda ticked me off too when I got it. I have an older Archos that needs drivers for the OS to see it, but at least it shows up as a harddrive when it does! Completely frustrating.

**RawsonDR** · 05-24-2006, 10:43 PM

Originally Posted by Jahntassa

The reason WMP10 is required is because it acts like iTunes to the iPod. Instead of being able to drag/drop through the OS, you have to do it through WMP.

Wait a second there....

Use subscription-based online music services
Enjoy seamless support with any computer running Microsoft® Windows Media® Player 10 and Windows® XP - no drivers or software needed
Use the drag-and-drop method to transfer songs or files to your player through Windows Explorer
Use the Sync feature in Windows Media Player 10 to synchronize your player with your music library and playlists.

Are you sure?

**Jahntassa** · 05-25-2006, 08:18 AM

Originally Posted by RawsonDR

Are you sure?

Okay, I can only truely speak for the Nomad3, BUT, if he bought and uses Notmad, then i'm going to assume the Zen works the same way. I can easily be wrong!

The way the Creative (crap) and Notmad works is the drivers place a 'drag and drop' item into explorer, so you can browse it and drop files in and out, but it doesn't show up as a harddrive. You can't actually use files on it unless you:

a) copy the files off and run them off the local drive
b) use the Notmad streamer thingy and listen to the music that way.