The Creative Zen Touch is an MP3 player that was originally released in 2005 to compete with the iPod. When you connect the Zen Touch to your PC via the USB cable that came with it, the Windows operating system must recognize that hardware with its own built-in software. Occasionally, this hardware/software communication fails because the Windows XP system doesn't recognize the Zen Touch device. Several troubleshooting solutions are available, including checking the Device Manager.
Windows Media Player
One possibility for a lack of recognition by Windows XP is an outdated version of Windows Media Player. When you connect your Zen Touch to your computer, Windows Media Player should automatically pop up and recognize your device. If you have an outdated version of Windows Media Player, it may not recognize your Zen Touch. Download the newest version from microsoft.windows.com.
Device Manager
The Device Manager is an application in Windows that organizes and communicates with external and internal hardware devices. When you connect your Zen Touch to your computer, it should appear in the Device Manager. To access the Device Manager, click the Windows orb followed by "Control Panel," then "System." Click the "Hardware" tab and then click on the "Device Manager" button.
Missing From Device Manager
If you've opened the Device Manager and can't find your Zen Touch, there are a couple of potential troubleshooting solutions. First, disconnect your device from the USB port that it's currently connected to, and then reconnect it to a different port. If your device is still not being recognized, then open the Device Manager again, but look under Other Devices or Unknown Devices. Once you see it, click it once, and then click "Actions" in the toolbar menu, followed by "Uninstall." A pop-up dialog box will appear, notifying you that you're going to uninstall the device. Click "OK" to continue. Once it has finished uninstalling, click "Actions" again, and then click "Scan for Hardware Changes." Follow the on-screen prompts to finish installing your Zen Touch again.
Missing From Media Player
Perhaps your Zen Touch is recognized by Device Manager, but when you open Windows Media Player, you receive an error that says "Windows Media Player does not detect a portable device. Connect your device and then try again." In this case, your best possible solution is to edit the device registry. Click the Windows orb and then "Run." Type "regedit" into the Open field. A pop-up box appears. Click the "+" button next to My Computer to expand its category. Open the "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE" folder, "SYSTEM" folder, "CurrentControlSet" folder and finally the "ENUM" folder. Find the "USB" folder, and then click it once to highlight it. Click "Edit" in the toolbar menu, followed by "Permissions." A pop-up dialog box appears. Click "Everyone" in the Group of User Names section. In the Permissions for Everyone section, place a check in the Full Control and Read boxes beneath the Allow column. Click "OK" to save your changes.
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