Zune on Linux via VMware
Many people sync iPods on their Linux boxes with Windows inside a VM. Obviously, you can do the same with a Zune. Instead of unloading your USB 2.0 drivers as this articles suggests, just use a USB 1.1 hub for now. We've announced USB 2.0 support for Workstation 6 (and VMware codename Fusion), so you shouldn't have to hold your breath for much longer now...
Link: Zune-Online.com | Zune News and Forum - Zune on Linux via VMware.
It is possible to install Windows on a Virtual Machine inside Linux. Zune syncs (almost) normally with the Zune software. ...
What I meant by "almost" is that VMware supports USB 1.1 so the sync process is a bit slooowww. But beyond that you won't have any more problems if you pay attention to a tiny implication: If you have USB 2.0 (most PCs today) you have to unload the USB 2.0 driver from Linux before connecting Zune. If you don't do this the Blue Screen of Death will appear on Windows, inside VMware or it will just hang.
trying vmware server host windows 2003 and guest XPSP2 gives bluescreen when device is accessed. Real pity Zune does not support windows 2003 natively
Posted by: memals | August 03, 2007 at 03:22 AM
@memals: not sure what's going on. I'd try asking at the VMware Server Community. They may be know about a fix.
Posted by: jtroyer | August 03, 2007 at 01:27 PM
I tried this on vmware fusion ans i got a bluescreen from windows xp pro sp2. i tried to downgrade the usb 2.0 on my new macbook (black 2.2gh 2gb ram 250hd) but with osx lep. there is a safeguard for it. the command is a dangerous one. mac knows this and even as administrator it is blocked. does anyone know a workaround... sky4unix@gmail.com Help plz!
Posted by: Sky4Unix | December 03, 2007 at 05:48 PM
Use the new wireless sync in zune, it works for even the old 30gb models.
Here is a screenshot of zune while wirelessly syncing to my zune on ubuntu via vista.
http://img509.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zunevmwarerv1.jpg
Posted by: Brandon | December 23, 2007 at 06:42 PM