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Leap-Year Bug Zapped Zunes

Microsoft advises Zune30 owners to drain batteries, then recharge

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 1, 2009 6:21 AM CST

(Newser) – All 2006 model Zune30s froze up at midnight last night because of a problem handling the last day of leap years, according to Microsoft. The company advises owners to wait until 4pm PST today, drain the device's batteries, and then recharge, reports the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Microsoft apologized for the inconvenience, and promised that a future program update would fix the bug in the internal clock.

[Images (2)]

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Microsoft apologized for the "big inconvenience" caused by a bug in its 2006 model Zune30. (©ace10414)

A bug in the Zune30's internal clock caused it to freeze up at midnight on New Year's Eve. (©raybdbomb)

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There is a bug in the internal clock driver causing the 30GB device to improperly handle the last day of a leap year. - Statement from Microsoft

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 3 comments

Guest

Jan 4, 2009 9:15 PM CST

Y2K is still haunting us! 2buyitnow.com

Newser001

Jan 1, 2009 2:33 AM CST

BTW, as soon as you dock the device with your computer, you'll likely reestablish date, time - leading right back to the original problem. Advise less technically inclined - DO NOT DOCK THE DEVICE - Use a USB charger only until Microsoft officially announces tried and tested patch... Remember, Microsoft uses its clients as beta testers (that's you) when rushing software and patches/fixes out - resulting in buggy and unreliable platforms.

Newser001

Jan 1, 2009 2:25 AM CST

This method of a fix, if it actually works, will shorten the longevity and life of the device, by taking one full charge cycle away from its lifetime (batteries in these and other devices have limited recharge cycles).

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Leap-Year Bug Zapped Zunes