Microsoft sorts out Zune bug

The problems began earlier this week when users began to report that their players were freezing and could not be accessed. The issue was limited to the 30GB Zune 30 model manufactured in 2006.

The issue was soon traced to a bug in the player's internal calendar components. Because 2008 was a leap year, the players were unable to properly adjust the calendar when switching over into 2009 and crashed on New Year's Eve.

News of the bug rehashes memories the fabled "Y2K" issue, in which many feared that the inability to re-adjust clocks for the new millennium would lead to massive worldwide system failures.

Fortunately for both Microsoft and Zune owners, the problem is now easily fixed. As of noon GMT on New Year's Day, the player will reset its calendar and operate normally.

The company is advising users who have not already done so to leave the frozen players activated until the battery drains and the player shuts off. The Zune can then be connected to either a PC or AC power adapter at which point it will reset and operate normally.

Users are also being advised to re-sync their Zunes with a PC in order to fix any DRM-compatibility issues caused by the crash and reset.