I’ve needed to know this a few times, and once I figure it out after a while of researching on the internet, I just do it and forget about it. Here’s to never having to search for how to hard reset your zune 1st Gen again.

Instructions:

Step 1 – Reset the Device

Do all of this at the same time:

1. Hold the Back (Arrow) Button
2. Hold the Up Button on the D-Pad.

This will force the device to reset. Now you need to act quickly. Do step 2 while your Zune is loading up.

Step 2 – Hard Reset the Device

Do all of this at the same time:

1. Hold the center button.
2. Hold the left button.
3. Hold the back button.

Now just follow the instructions on the screen of your device.