"can't mount iPOD" - unable to restore

Hi,
I would greatly appreciate any advise on the following problem...
My iPOD froze, so I conducted a reset. After the reset the screen displayed an exclamation point and folder icon. After reading the support guidelines on the site I tried the following:
I put my iPOD in disk mode, and fully charged it up (however note that although I have had my iPOD for 14 months the battery still lasts for around 6 - 8 hours).
I ran my version of iPOD updater on my pc which stated "iPOD not readable - needs to be reformatted for use on PC". The only option available to select was the restore option which I tried and the following message was displayed "Can't mount iPOD".
I thought that this message may be because my version of updater and iTunes were old. Therefore, I installed the latest versions - 2005 -11-17 and v6 respectively. However, on trying to run the newer updater again I can't see my iPOD in iTunes, my computer / desktop etc. now even when in disk mode.
Eventually the message "can't mount iPOD" is displayed.
Any idea's on what to try would be great.
Many thanks
John
iPOD Click wheel Windows XP
iPOD Click wheel 40Gb Windows XP

Alright. Let me start off by saying that my iPod issue is resolved. However, before I get to the solution, let me answer other questions raised since my last post.
I did try using a different USB port. I even tried my pc at work and it had the same results. Now, for how I resolved it.
After the last post, my iPod deteriorated to the point that it stopped working altogether. When resetting it, it would just come up with the Apple icon and then turn off. Without getting into all the details, I deduced that it was a bad battery. I invested $25.95 into a DIY battery kit. It was a bit dicey performing surgery on my beloved iPod, but with only minor scarring, I now have a fully functional iPod that syncs with iTunes and functions like new.
I'm not saying all "unable to mount iPod" problems are caused by bad batteries, but it could be one of the causes. Coincidentally, my problems started 16 months after starting to use my iPod. That roughly translates to 400+ charge cycles. That's when Apple says the battery performance will begin to deteriorate. I just wish Apple's SW would have some sort of diagnostics that's more accurate. I got the folder w/ the exclamation point, sad iPod and battery icon pictures before figuring out that I needed a new battery!
Dell Dimensions 2400 Windows XP iPod Clickwheel 40GB

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IPod won't restore...error message saying "Can't mount iPod"...

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I came to charge my iPod because the battery went low, after few minutes it came on with this do not disconnect, i tried to restore it also says can't mount, it has been exactly two days. I disconnected the iPod and the backlight and the message did not go off until the battery ran out. I also need some help my address is [email protected] Seriously I just got my iPod click wheel 30Gb color display, video, photo.

Can't Restore IPod message: "can't mount ipod"

when i try to restore my ipod, theres a message that says "can't mount iPod"
is there any way i can restore it?
your help is greatly appreciated.

ok first try to restart ur computer
-then put the ipod into disk mode http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93651
-now try to restore it

Can't mount iPod error message

Hi, I am trying to fix a feezing problem on my iPod (on startup the display shows a folder with an exclamation mark) and was trying to do a factory restore on it when I ran into the following error messages.
Installing the latest version of Updater, I tried connecting the iPod and then saw a Windows error message that said:
Cannot Install this Hardware
There was a problem installing this hardware
Apple iPod USB Device
An error occurred during the installation of the device
The specified service does not exist as an installed service
After seeing this error message, Updater then displayed the next error message:
Can't mount iPod
Can someone suggest how I can fix this so the iPod is recognized and I can have Updater restore the factory settings?
Thanks in advance,
Apple iPod 20GB 20 GB 4th Gen M9282LL/A Windows XP Pro

Have a read the following carefully
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2001071#2001071
Seems that you may need to change your iPod drive no.

Updater still "can't mount" while trying to restore

I posted the following in March and got nowhere:
"A few days ago, my iPod nano started to malfunction. It would act if it was continually resetting - it would turn on, display the Apple logo, then turn on, and start over again. I read a post on here that advised to hold down the center button and the play button simultaneously to switch to disk mode, then restore using the updater. This worked - or so I thought.
After doing these steps, it seemed that functionality had been restored. However, I had only loaded two songs on it before my computer acted as if the iPod had disappeared. I turn on the iPod and see the folder icon with the URL to the support site. I can switch it to disk mode, but I can't restore it.
I open the updater and wait for it to prompt me to plug in the iPod. I do this, then wait for it to acknowledge the iPod. Then I press the restore button. It starts to restore, but after a few moments it says "can't mount iPod". I have tried every USB port on my computer, I have tried rebooting my computer, I have tried resetting the iPod. Nothing seems to correct this problem. Please help!"
Someone suggested trying to change the drive letter, but the disc manager says the drive is unreadable. Then he said he would get back to me, but never did. Please, somebody, help me with this.

Hello,
If a sad iPod icon or an exclamation point and folder icon appears on your iPod’s screen, or with sounds of clicking or HD whirring, it is usually the sign of a hard drive problem and you have the power to do something about it now. Your silver bullet of resolving your iPod issue – is to restore your iPod to factory settings.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60983
If you're having trouble, try these steps at different levels one at a time until the issue is resolved. These steps will often whip your iPod back into shape.
Make sure you do all the following “TRYs”
A. Try to wait 30 minutes while iPod is charging.
B. Try another FireWire or USB through Dock Connector cable.
C. Try another FireWire or USB port on your computer .
D. Try to disconnect all devices from your computer's FireWire and USB ports.
E. Try to download and install the latest version of iPod software and iTunes
http://www.apple.com/ipod/download/
http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/
F. Try these five steps (known as the five Rs) and it would conquer most iPod issues.
http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/five_rs/
G. Try to put the iPod into Disk Mode if it fails to appear on the desktop
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93651
If none of these steps address the issue, you may need to go to Intermediate level listed below in logical order. Check from the top of the lists to see if that is what keeping iPod from appearing on your computer in order for doing the Restore.
Intermediate Level
A. Try to connect your iPod with another computer with the iPod updater pre-installed.
B. Still can’t see your iPod, put it in Disk Mode and connect with a computer, instead of doing a Restore on iPod Updater. Go and format the iPod instead.
For Mac computer
1. Open the disk utility, hope your iPod appears there (left hand side), highlight it
2. Go to Tab “Partition”, click either “Delete” or “Partition”, if fails, skip this step and go to 3
3. Go to Tab “Erase” , choose Volume Format as “MAC OS Extended (Journaled), and click Erase, again if fails, skip it and go to 4
4. Same as step 3, but open the “Security Options....” and choose “Zero Out Data” before click Erase. It will take 1 to 2 hours to complete.
5. Eject your iPod and do a Reset
6. Open the iPod Updater and click “Restore”
For Window computer
Go to folder “My Computer”
Hope you can see your iPod there and right click on the iPod
Choose “Format”. Ensure the settings are at “Default” and that “Quick Format” is not checked
Now select “Format”
Eject your iPod and do a Reset
Open the iPod Updater and click “Restore”
In case you do not manage to do a “Format” on a window computer, try to use some 3rd party disk utility software, e.g.“Partition Magic”.
C. Windows users having trouble with their iPods should locate a Mac user. In many cases when an iPod won't show up on a PC that it will show up on the Mac. Then it can be restored. When the PC user returns to his computer the iPod will be recognized by the PC, reformatted for the PC, and usable again. By the way, it works in reverse too. A Mac user often can get his iPod back by connecting it to a PC and restoring it.
Tips
a. It does not matter whether the format is completed or not, the key is to erase (or partly) the corrupted firmware files on the Hard Drive of the iPod. After that, when the iPod re-connected with a computer, it will be recognized as an fresh external hard drive, it will show up on the iPod updater.
b. It is not a difficult issue for a Mac user to find a window base computer, for a PC user, if they can’t find any Mac user, they can go to a nearest Apple Shop for a favor.
c. You may need to switch around the PC and Mac, try to do several attempts between “Format” and “Restore”
Advance Level
A. Diagnostic mode solution
If you have tried trouble shooting your iPod to no avail after all the steps above, chances are your iPod has a hardware problem. The iPod's built-in Diagnostic Mode is a quick and easy way to determine if you have a "bad" iPod.
You need to restart your iPod before putting it into Diagnostic Mode. Check that your hold switch is off by sliding the switch away from the headphone jack. Toggle it on and off to be safe.
Press and hold the following combination of buttons simultaneously for approximately 10 seconds to reset the iPod.
iPod 1G to 3G: "Menu" and "Play/Pause"
iPod 4G+ (includes Photo, Nano, Video, and Mini): "Menu" and "Select"
The Apple logo will appear and you should feel the hard drive spinning up. Press and hold the following sequence of buttons:
iPod 1G to 3G: "REW", "FFW" and "Select"
iPod 4G+ (includes Photo, Nano, Video, and Mini): "Back" and "Select"
You will hear an audible chirp sound (3G models and higher) and the Apple logo should appear backwards. You are now in Diagnostic Mode. Navigate the list of tests using "REW" and "FFW". The scroll wheel will not function while in diagnostic mode. For further details on Diagnostic mode can be found at http://www.methodshop.com/mp3/ipodsupport/diagnosticmode/
Try to do the 5in1, HDD R/W and HDD scan tests. Some successful cases have been reported after the running the few tests under the Diagnostic mode. In case it does not work in your case, and the scan tests reports show some errors then it proves your iPod has a hardware problem and it needs a repairing service.
B. Format your iPod with a start disk
I have not tried this solution myself, I heard that there were few successful cases that the users managed to get their iPod (you must put your iPod in disk mode before connecting with a computer) mounted by the computer, which was booted by a system startup disk. For Mac, you can use the Disk Utility (on the Tiger OS system disk), for PC user, you can use the window OS system disk. Try to find a way to reformat your iPod, again it does not matter which format (FAT32, NTFS or HFS+) you choose, the key is to erase the corrupted system files on the iPod. Then eject your iPod and do a Reset to switch out from Disk Mode. Reboot your computer at the normal way, connect your iPod back with it, open the iPod updater, and hopefully your iPod will appear there for the Restore.
If none of these steps address the issue, your iPod may need to be repaired.
Consider setting up a mail-in repair for your iPod http://depot.info.apple.com/ipod/
Or visit your local Apple Retail Store http://www.apple.com/retail/
In case your iPod is no longer covered by the warranty and you want to find a second repairing company, you can try iPodResQ at your own risk
http://www.ipodresq.com/index.php
Just in case that you are at the following situation
Your iPod warranty is expired
You don’t want to pay any service charges
You are prepared to buy a new one
You can’t accept the re-sell value of your broken iPod
Rather than leave your iPod as paper-weight or throw it away.
You can try the following, but again, only do it as your last resort and at your own risk.
Last Resort Level
1. . Disconnecting the Hard Drive and battery inside the iPod – Warning !! Your iPod warranty will be waived once you open the iPod.
In Hong Kong there are some electronic shops offering an iPod service for Sad iPod, the first thing they do is to open up the iPod’s case and disconnecting the battery and the Hard Drive from the main board of the iPod. Wait for 5-10 minutes and reconnecting them back. The reason behind which I can think of is to do a fully reset of a processor of the iPod. In case you want do it itself and you believe that you are good on fixing the electronics devices and have experience to deal with small bits of electronic parts, then you can read the following of how to open the iPod case for battery replacement (with pictures)
http://www.kokopellimusic.us/KM_instructions.htm
Have I tried this myself? No, I am afraid to do it myself as I am squeamish about tinkering inside electronic devices, I have few experiences that either I broke the parts (which are normally tiny or fragile) or failed to put the parts back to the main case. Therefore, I agree with suggestion to have it fixed by a Pro.
2. Do a search on Google and some topics on this discussion forum about “Sad iPod”
Strange error on iPod (probably death)
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=435160&start=0&tstart=0
Sad Face on iPod for no apparent reason
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=336342&start=0&tstart=0
Meeting the Sad iPod icon
http://askpang.typepad.com/relevanthistory/2004/11/meeting_thesad.html#comment-10519524
I am not suggesting that you should follow as well, but just read them as your reference. You are the person to make the call.

PC does not recognize Ipod - Can't mount IPOD error message

Hello everyone,
I was wondering if anyone experienced the same problem with their Ipod as I have. I have tried to play songs on my Ipod through the shuffle songs function but it does not work. The Ipod tries to play one song; however, it will not play it and then it will continue to the next which won't play either and this continues until I just shut off my Ipod. I have tried resetting it and also reinstalling Itunes but it does not help the problem.
A second problem is that my Windows PC does not recognize my Ipod when I plug it in. I have tried so many things to try and solve this including trying to restore my IPOD using the updater but when I keep getting the error message "Can't mount IPOD".
If anyone knows what I can do to try to fix this I am greatly in your debt!
Thanks!

I had the same problem. Now I have many new ones. Here goes the chain of events 1st iPod did the same exact thing:
1. Was going along my marry way listening to music
2. Music stops playing
3. I look to find my iPod cycling throughe very song but playing none... for an hour.
4. I turn it off.
5. I get home to attempt to restore it but when I plug it up to the computer, it is not recognized, cannot mount, ect.
6. I continue trying to find a way, then it stops going to the "Do Not Disconnect" screen.
7. Well I try it later on today, like 20 mins ago and it does it! Yay! but then it resets itself and it now rests on the apple logo and Windows does not recognize the USB device.
Oh yeah, did I mention I made the trade and got this one SATURDAY. Yeah so it's already broken.
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Can't mount ipod

my ipod's a year and a half old. he never gave me any real problems until a month and a half ago, and that was just freezing until the battery died. it was fine from that point on until last night, when it just randomly died while i was playing it through my car's stero. i let the battery drain itself again this time, and now i'm just getting a parade of screens that show the apple icon, the file folder icon, and -- when i tried restoring the ipod through my computer -- the "do not disconnect screen."
i tried restoring my ipod with the ipod updater, and all it's saying is "can't mount ipod." i don't know what that means and i don't know what to do about it. can anyone point me in the right direction? thanks. xoxo

Hi there-
For "can't mount iPod" there are usually 2 things you can do to take care of it.
First, try changing the iPod's drive letter. This article explains how to do that:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93499
Then try to restore again.
If that doesn't work, go through the steps in this article, restart the computer when prompted to do so, and then try the restore again:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302538
This ought to allow you to restore your iPod.
Feel free to post back if you have any more problems or questions.
Best wishes,
CG

Ipod wont recognise on pc and comes up with can't mount ipod

Yea my ipod keeps flashing with do not disconect and it is annoyin me then i disconect it after bout 5 minutes of waiting them my come displays can't mount ipod if anyone can help would love to hear thankss

- Try placing the iPod in Recovery Mode and then restoring
- Next try DFU mode.
How to put iPod touch / iPhone into DFU mode « Karthik's scribblings
- Try on another computer.

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Itunes doesnt Recognize iPod
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Ipod updater can't mount ipod

Hi everyone, I get the folder with the exclamation mark picture so I'm trying to restore my ipod.
The problem is, when I connect my ipod and run the program, I get an error that says, "can't mount ipod."
Any ides?

I had the same problem today; I tried reformatting, updating, disconnecting and reconnecting to the computer, restarting the computer. I had gotten the exclamation point icon, the apple icon and a check mark but I could not get get past the "can't mount" message. I finally found one suggestion on the discussion panel that said as a last resort to "gently" drop the Ipod onto the floor from waist level. I put my Ipod in the soft-sided case and dropped it twice. The second drop solved the entire set of problems I was having. The hard drive had been clicking through all the procedures I tried and immediately quieted, I reconnected, reformatted and was good to go!

Help! "Can't Mount IPod"

After multiple resets, reboots, and re-installs (both iTunes 6.0.5.20 and iPod updater 2006-06-28) I still get the error "Can't mount iPod" when running the updater. I have the flashing "Do not disconnect" message on the iPod and iTunes says "No iPod connected." In My Compter it shows removable disk that I can't do anything with. I've updated the iPodService from manual startup to automatic. I also do not have the option to restore the iPod (button is there, but greyed out.)
Where do I go from here?!?!
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I thought apple was supposed to have
great customer service.. is anyone working for apple
reading the forums???
Apparently not. I have been going through all of their help articles and discussion board solutions on this topic. Mine is similar to yours. Nothing works, so I have clicked the feedback button at the end of each article, and described my issue there, along with a suggestion that they read their own discussion board. It might help if
1. Everyone who has the "ipod wont mount" "Ipod Freezes" "Do not disconnect stays on forever and ipod freezes and causes everything to hang" "Ipod freezes and makes the computer, itunes, updater etc etc. hang" issues,
2. And have tried the 5 rs and all the other suggestions ad nauseum,
3. Go through the help site and click every feedback button in articles pertaining to this issue, and send their version. Write it out concise first in notepad, and then just click and paste. I think it is the only way to get someone's attention. Apple is asleep at the wheel.
My next step is to go to itunes store, Amazon and every other site I can find and post my review. It will not be favorable. Luck, and please post if you find a solution.
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Gateway 200 ARC Windows XP Pro xp sp 2 ipod nano

Nano with windows can't mount ipod

My ipod nano says "use itunes to restore. when I try to use the latest insataller i get an error message "can't mount ipod. windows sees the ipod but itunes doesnt. i tried reload itune ver 6.5 and still no success. any help would be greatly appreciated.

Please read this first
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93426
If it does not work, it could be the problem of your USB port, please try others

Brand New IPod Mini - Can't mount iPod from IPod Updater

Just bought a brand new IPOD mini. When I try to use the IPod Updater, I get an error message "Can't mount iPod".
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Also, my IPOD does not appear in iTunes.
Cheers,
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Ottawa, CANADA

This is a very reasonable strategy. It has been previously used for USB problems with battery charging.
See this link: The iPod Battery Unplugged..
A synopsis of it is as follows:
"For best results, try not to use computer ports to charge your iPod. USB is especially sensitive to how many devices are on it and what the resulting bus voltage is. It may even display the charging icon but not be adding much to the battery. USB versions prior to 2.0 will not charge your iPod (and probably be too slow for its other functions). Even USB 2.0 is limited to 700 milliamps and an iPod "likes" to see one full amp for charging, plus some to spin the HD while mounted. Some (early) iPod models will not charge from USB, period. Some PCs use 4-pin Firewire cables (all Macs are 6-pin) which carry no charging voltage, so they won't work at all for recharging and can allow your iPod to run down and cause serious problems while updating firmware, restoring, or loading songs. Both USB and Firewire require the iPod to be mounted by your computer as an external drive, which means the iPod's HD is spinning, using some of the juice that the battery might like to have. And if the computer sleeps or is turned off, the battery won't charge and in some cases will actually drain through the port circuits. Bottom line: if your ports are not doing a good job of charging your battery, use the wall adapter to charge for several cycles before questioning the battery's credentials. If you have a new iPod which only comes with USB, don't panic; it can work fine. But if you do experience problems, either take everything else off the USB bus (except mouse & keyboard) and/or get an AC adapter."

Error: can't mount ipod

Hey,
I have a 1st generation 20GB ipod and when i try to update/restore an error comes up that says can't mount ipod.
Also when the ipod and the computer are connected it say's it's charging but My ipod doesn't come up in Itunes. I try to export my library but nothing happpens yet my ipod always says do not disconect
HELP ME!
HP pavilion 7940 Windows XP

If your iPod is recognized in "my computer", changing the drive letter can sometimes resolve this issue.
Click on control panel/admin tools/computer management/disk management/right click on the iPod to re-assign the drive letter.
Choose something lower down the alphabet, say 'M' or something similar.
The iPod can be confused by any other storage devices assigned a similar drive letter even though they may not connected at the same time.

Can't mount IPOD! What a great XMAS GIFT! My computer sees the Ipod but..

I am extremely upset. I have tried the FAQ on this issue to no prevail. The ipod is detected in My Computer, however, Itunes and updater will not detect the ipod. I have reinstalled and reinstalled and have followed the so called idiot proof 5r's. I want this to work, TONIGHT! Please help! In addition, not htis may matter, I have downloaded all new versions of itunes and updater. Updater reurns this message, Can't mount Ipod. However, I can see the ipod as a C: drive in my computer. I have also tied to transfer music files from my computer to the ipod via the send to option while right clickign, It seems to work successfully, however, i can not find them on the ipod itself. If i look into the about section in the ipod, these sogns and videos that i just transfered usign this method do nto appear. Someone please jsut reply and guide me to thsi right directon... the answer may be the best christmas gift yet!

ANYONE who has a there local drive labeled other than c: drive will have this problem. I spent the past 2 hours on the phone with a customer technical representative named Sathish, ID # 7556. He was extremely helpful and would not let me get off the phone until this problem was fixed. THANK YOU SO MUCH! Okay to the point. My main local drive is labeled as F: instead of the typical C: drive configuration. As a result, once the IPOD is connected to the computer, the updater will not recognize the IPOD because of its drive letter being c: APPLE PLEASE TAKE NOTE!
This is a flaw in the updater software. Apple needs to fix this immediately.
To resolve this problem, you need to do the following:
Go to my Computer and right click and select manage. Choose Disk Management and right click the Ipod and change the letter to anything after the letter I: to be safe. Restart the computer. Obviously, make sure you have downloaded the correct and updated version of updater and Itunes. Run the updater. It will recognize it this time. Next, we turned the Ipod into disk mode. This was a bit tricky, we toggled the Hold button, and then held the Menu and Select button until the Apple appears on the Ipod. Once it appears, hold down the Select button, “the middle button” and the play/pause button until t changes to disk mode. It will turn black and white. Then go back to the updater and select restore. Once it is resorted uninstall Itunes. Restart the computer and reinstall Itunes and it will be detected! YEAH!!!! Have fun Ipoding!
Once again, although I expected this product to work right away, and it is Apples mistake with their Ipod updater software, I thank Satish ID# 7556 and I would hope that Apple provide him with a extended vacation, paid of course for his sincere effort to resolve this problem and not blame it on me or my computer, as another Microsoft company often does! Thank you very much and by the way, this Ipod is awesome! Mp3’s. contacts, video and a photo library! I cannot wait till the next Ipod which better have Wifi access instead of plugging everything in! Imagine this, leaving you ipod docked in your car in the garage, you turn on your computer and it automatically updates your Ipod! YEAH!!!! Soon I hope!

"can't mount iPOD" - unable to restore

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