Dec

29th

2009

Install Zune 4.0 on Windows XP x64

If you're looking for the Zune software for Windows XP x64, stop looking, it doesn't exist. The alternative to a Microsoft-endorsed XP x64 solution is to use the x86 version with the x64 drivers. We will be using the Vista/7 x64 package to retrieve x64 drivers, we'll have to uninstall it because it crashes at the splash screen and I can't figure out the cause.

Running the Zune 4.0 x86 setup as-is will tell you the current OS is not supported. Therefore, we need to remove the launch condition. Also, we have to remove the installation sequences concerning the drivers, otherwise the setup will crash and rollback.

Software Requirements

Procedure

  1. Install Windows Media Player 11;
  2. Install InstEd;
  3. Extract the Zune 4.0 Package;
  4. Install Zune 4.0 using the x64\packages\zune-x64.msi file;
  5. Back up the "C:\Program Files\Zune\Drivers" folder for later use;
  6. Edit the x86\packages\zune-x86.msi file in InstEd:
    • Delete the launch condition "( ( Msix64 = "" ) OR ( Installed ) )"
    • Delete the sequences 3487 to 3499 and 5885 to 5898 (sort by the sequence column)
  7. Overwrite the folder "C:\Program Files (x86)\Zune\Drivers" with the x64 one you backed up on step 5;
  8. Plug in your Zune and install the drivers manually (from the zune folder);
  9. Enjoy the Zune 4.0 software!

Disclaimer: I will not provide any modified packages because it would violate some Microsoft policy.