I have a 3rd Gen Ipod Touch and it says connect to itunes but is not recognized by itunes. I have no other options. All that is on the display is the USB pic with an arrow pointing upward to the ITunes blue circle.

I do not know the operating system and I have no backup on my PC.

First, try a system reset.  It cures many ills and it's quick, easy and harmless...
Hold down the on/off switch and the Home button simultaneously until you see the Apple logo.  Ignore the "Slide to power off" text if it appears.  You will not lose any apps, data, music, movies, settings, etc.
If the Reset doesn't work, try a Restore.  Note that it's nowhere near as quick as a Reset.  It could take well over an hour!  Connect via cable to the computer that you use for sync.  From iTunes, select the iPad/iPod and then select the Summary tab.  Follow directions for Restore and be sure to say "yes" to the backup.  You will be warned that all data (apps, music, movies, etc.) will be erased but, as the Restore finishes, you will be asked if you wish the contents of the backup to be copied to the iPad/iPod.  Again, say "yes."
At the end of the basic Restore, you will be asked if you wish to sync the iPad/iPod.  As before, say "yes."  Note that that sync selection will disappear and the Restore will end if you do not respond within a reasonable time.  If that happens, only the apps that are part of the IOS will appear on your device.  Corrective action is simple -  choose manual "Sync" from the bottom right of iTunes.
If you're unable to do the Restore, go into Recovery Mode per the instructions here.  Since you have chosen not to maintain a backup, Recovery Mode will result in complete loss of data.  Anything obtained from the iTunes Store can be downloaded again but everything else will be gone forever.

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for

  • Does Time Machine backup hidden folders?

    I have important documents hidden in hidden folders, and I was wondering if TM back's up those files; or will I have to do that manually. Any answers?

  • How Do I Set Up My Airport Express From My iPad 2?

    I just got an Airport Express and found that I can only set it up from a Mac or PC. Am I missing something? How can I set it up from my iPad 2? I plan on using it for traveling, but don't want to lug a laptop along, only take my iPad. It seems that i

  • Mac Pro shuts down instead of sleeps.

    I run a  2008 Mac with OSX10.5.8, with 2GB memory and 2x2.8Ghz Quad core processors It works great! however recently it has started acting strangely. What i mean is it normally goes into sleep mode after 15 mins of inactivity or so. However recently

  • Variant configuration-Configurable NWk

    Hello PS Experts Is it possible to change the value of the field in activity e.g. normal duration by formulation maiintained locally on standard network-activity through procedure dependancy when project or concerned network and activity is in Releas

  • Registering iPod

    I recently had to exchange my new iPod just after I registered it, so now I have to register a new one. I would like to know if there is a way to unregister old iPods or even if there is a way to see a list of what products are registered to you thro