Computer vs. Ipod Problems

How do I know if my computer is the problem and not the Ipod? I'm begining to think it is the computer, after the Ipod was recognized on one computer and not the other. Of course, the computer that wouldn't recognize the ipod, has all my music. The computer I'm having problems is Dell (one year old) with Win XP, with newst version of Itunes and Ipod updater. I have reinstalled them multiple times.
When I use the task manager, I see all the files I'm supposed to. Is there something else I'm missing?
Robyn

Robyn,
Unfortunately, there is no one ‘Silver Bullet’ answer for this issue. Many things can contribute to the problem.
Try Resetting Your iPod while it's connected to the computer.
Hold down the Menu and Select buttons until you see the Apple logo (or Menu & Play/Pause in older models).
This will often get it recognized. It may take several attempts.
Other USB connected peripherals may be the cause as well. Try removing all connected USB items and attaching the iPod. If you have a USB keyboard, it may be worth a try using the adapter to convert it to non-USB. If the iPod connects, continue plugging things back in until you have the problem return. You may have then isolated the issue. Sometimes it could be a printer, camera, Flash Card reader, or other attached device causing a conflict.
If your iPod shows up in Explorer under 'my computer' try changing the drive letter: Click on Start=>Control Panel=>Admin Tools=>Computer Management=>Disk Management. Right-Click on the iPod and select “change drive letter”. Choose something further along in the alphabet that is unused. Usually, “M”, “N”, “O”, or something similar.
If that doesn't work, Put Your iPod into Disk Mode then plug it in and you should be able to Restore the iPod
Also try this (and the other suggestions above) from any other USB port you may have on the PC. Sometimes switching USB ports can make all the difference.
Also See:
Your Windows PC doesn't recognize iPod
iPod does not appear in iTunes or on the desktop
iPod appears in Windows Explorer but does not appear in iTunes</A

Similar Messages

New Computer+Old iPod=Problems

I got an iPod touch about a month ago and synced it with my PowerBook G4. Then, my PowerBook completely crashed and I lost everything on it, so all I really have left are all the files on my iPod. Now I have a new computer, a MacBook Pro, and the only options it allows me when I plug in my iPod are to either delete everything existing on my old iPod and sync to my new iTunes (which means I would effectively lose everything I had left from my old computer) or it could add new files to my iPod, but I cannot transfer the songs already on my iPod to my new computer. I understand why they do this to avoid illegal file-sharing, but it doesn't seem quite fair when both computers belong to me, and one simply crashed (especially since it was a mac). Any tips on how I can put my old songs on my new computer? I don't want to lose everything!

Hello and Welcome to Apple Discussions.
Take a look at iRepo (link).
<hr width="200">
Have you tried listing what happened to your Powerbook G4 here? Unless it was a sudden and critical hard disk failure I can't see what could have happened that it is totally unrecoverable.
mrtotes

HT1386 I sync all songs, photos and videos between my computer and iPod classic with no problems, but when I get to sync info I get this message: "iTunes cannot sync Calendar and contacts to iPod. Try logging out of Windows adn then logging back in".

I sync all songs, photos and videos between my computer and iPod classic with no problems, but when I get to sync info I get this message: "iTunes cannot sync Calendar and contacts to iPod. Try logging out of Windows adn then logging back in". Could you please help?

Correct. When you update via iTunes all synced media that is not in your iTunes library will be lost.
As IO said before:
You can redownload most iTunes pruchases by:
Downloading past purchases from the App Store, iBookstore, and iTunes Store
I do not think it included audio books.

I am a new ipod touch user; have gone through all the dowload/install stuff, plugged the device into my computer but ipod screen still shows plug in to tunes. I am totally computer useless - how can I get my ipod to work, please? Charles Jones.

I am a new ipod touch user; have gone through all the dowload/install stuff, plugged the device into my computer but ipod screen still shows plug in to tunes. I am totally computer useless - how can I get my ipod to work, please? Charles Jones.

You did install the latest iTunes (10.5) right? If the problem was that iTunes does not see the iPod try:
iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch: Device not recognized in iTunes for Windows
or
iPhone, iPad, iPod touch: Device not recognized in iTunes for Mac OS X

I reset my computer and ipod and it says that my ipod is syncing music but when I look on my ipod touch there is no music there.

I reset my computer and ipod and it says that my ipod is syncing music but when I look on my ipod touch there is no music there. How can i fix it? I have backed up and restored my ipod touch 4th gen several times.

This came from another thread, but worked for me. Problem is with newest iTunes 4.62. Unistall iTunes, as well as its helper programs (Apple Application Support, Apple Mobile Device Support, and Apple Software Update). Reboot, and reinstall iTunes. It will reinstall all the other ones and you should be able to connect your nano. Good luck.

Ipod problems - unrecognisable

Hi all,
a few problems with my 60gb ipod photo.
Whilst I was away My ipod frooze up and when I restarted it I got the unhappy ipod icon.
no problem I though, when I get home ill just have to restore it using the ipo restorer downloaded from this website.
well I got back and plugged my ipod into the pc. the apple logo came up then I got the monocrome non animated battery icon. I checked to see what it meant and it said the battery was too low and I should leave it plugged in until it has charged enough to work with. so I left the ipod for about 20 mins and eventually the non animated battery icon disapeared and instead I got the unhappy ipod icon. within about 10 seconds the ipod turned off (whilst still connected to the pc) and when I turn it back on I get the non animated battery icon again and that process just repeats over and over.
All the time its connected to my pc my pc doesnt recognise it so I cant perform a restore to get rid of the unhappy ipod icon.
If I plug my ipod into the wall all I get is the unhappy ipod icon and it wont charge!
does anyone have a suggestions or do I need to send this off the apple to fix?
Thanks Rick

The Sad iPods icon, clicking sound or folder with an exclamation mark are the toughest problems to deal with, and must do a Restore in order to fix it. However, when your iPod is showing this icon, it is probably too late for your computer to recognize the iPod.
1. Try these five steps (known as the five Rs) and it would conquer most iPod issues.
http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/five_rs/
2. 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
Still can't see your iPod?
Several things could keep iPod from appearing in iTunes or in the Desktop/Finder when you connect it to your PC/Mac. The most likely causes are listed below in logical order. Check from the top of the list to see if that is what's keeping iPod from appearing.
3. Try to wait 30 minutes while iPod is charging.
4. Try another known-good FireWire or USB through Dock Connector cable.
5. Try another known-good FireWire or USB port on your computer .
6. Try to disconnect all devices from your computer's FireWire and USB ports.
7. Windows users having trouble with their iPods should locate a Mac user. We've found that 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.
There are also some cases being reported that some unrecognized iPod being able to be erased with Linux, then reconnect the iPod with the original computer and do a Restore there.
8. Try to do an Erase (Disk Utility) on a Mac computer or a format with a PC (Disk Management tool) but ensure you choose the right Drive (your iPod not your Hard Disk of your computer). You may need to plug and unplug your iPod with the computer for several attempts, and switching around Format and Restore, and hope out of sudden, it will get recognized.
9. Diagnostic mode solution – which I copied from a thread of a post from thinktwice
“Then I cam across this special Diganostics Mode that you can get to by resetting and then while the Apple is showing pressing the Select and backwards keys simultaneously. It bring up and weird Diagnostic utility witha a abunch of tests. Here is what I did
- I tried the 5in1 test and got and error on Firewire.
- I did the HDD R/W and surprisingly it passed.
- I went on to the HDD scan. This supposedly tkaes acouple of minute so I waited. I think 4-5 dots appeared then nothing. The iPod started to get hot. THe disk was spinning away. After a while the battery got very low. THis test chews up the battery. So I escaped out by resetting and went to connect it to a power source.
My USB was dangling out of my computer and I was too lazy to get the Firewire AC adapter thing going so I connected expecting the whole lockup thing with iTunes. Surprise. IT was recognized immediately and has been working like a champ. So go figure.
Details on Diag mode can be found at http://www.methodshop.com/mp3/ipodsupport/diagnosticmode/index.shtml
10. Let me ask you a question, if an iPod with no iPod software with it. When your connect it with a computer, what would happen?
Yeah, the computer will treat it as a fresh external hard disk, which will get force mounted, the computer will ask you to format the iPod. It does not really matter the format is completed or not, the key is to erase (or partly) the corrupted iPod software on the iPod, after that the computer will recognize it.
Once it has been completed, eject your iPod, open the iPod updater and interestingly, you will able to do the Restore this time.
Base on the above, that's why I suggest Windows users who experience trouble with their iPods should locate a Mac machine or vice versa. PC computer will not recognize a Mac formatted iPod, but it will get mounted in an attempt to format your iPod.
11. Put your iPod in disk mode and plug with a computer, and have a boot of your computer using the Mac OS or XP startup disks, hope that your iPod will be seen on Mac's Disk utility and allow you to do a Erase there. Or, under the XP, you will be able to find your iPod there for you to do a Restore.
But, if none of these steps address the issue, your iPod may need to be repaired. You can arrange for service at the iPod Service Website.
I have just read an interesting solution about the Sad iPod, it does make sense but the warranty will be waived once you open the iPod, I would not do it myself as I am not good on doing this
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=412033&tstart=0
Pictures and instructions of how to open the iPod case for battery replacement
http://www.kokopellimusic.us/KM_instructions.htm

20 GB Ipod Problem - Not viewable in Windows and wont start

Hello all, wondering if you can help me with this Ipod problem i have.
1) Ipod turns on and displays folder with exclamation mark.
2) Ipod is not viewable in my computer
1 - I have tried a reset and putting into disk mode, which goes through fine, but it still starts with the above error.
2 - I can sometimes view the Ipod in My Computer and or disk management, but can not go into it or format it. Diskj manager reports it as un-readable.
If i try to run Ipod update/restore application it asks me to plug in an Ipod.
Any ideas on what else i can do? I thought i could at least get windows to see the device and format it to a standard Fat32, then use the Ipod restore to re-write the folders to use it as a ipod.
Thanks

Try this then
The Sad iPods icon, clicking sound or folder with an exclamation mark are the toughest problems to deal with, and must do a Restore in order to fix it. However, when your iPod is showing this icon, it is probably too late for your computer to recognize the iPod.
1. Try these five steps (known as the five Rs) and it would conquer most iPod issues.
http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/five_rs/
2. 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
Still can't see your iPod?
Several things could keep iPod from appearing in iTunes or in the Desktop/Finder when you connect it to your PC/Mac. The most likely causes are listed below in logical order. Check from the top of the list to see if that is what's keeping iPod from appearing.
3. Try to wait 30 minutes while iPod is charging.
4. Try another known-good FireWire or USB through Dock Connector cable.
5. Try another known-good FireWire or USB port on your computer .
6. Try to disconnect all devices from your computer's FireWire and USB ports.
7. Windows users having trouble with their iPods should locate a Mac user. We've found that 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.
There are also some cases being reported that some unrecognized iPod being able to be erased with Linux, then reconnect the iPod with the original computer and do a Restore there.
8. Try to do an Erase (Disk Utility) on a Mac computer or a format with a PC (Disk Management tool) but ensure you choose the right Drive (your iPod not your Hard Disk of your computer). You may need to plug and unplug your iPod with the computer for several attempts, and switching around Format and Restore, and hope out of sudden, it will get recognized.
9. Diagnostic mode solution – which I copied from a thread of a post from thinktwice
“Then I cam across this special Diganostics Mode that you can get to by resetting and then while the Apple is showing pressing the Select and backwards keys simultaneously. It bring up and weird Diagnostic utility witha a abunch of tests. Here is what I did
- I tried the 5in1 test and got and error on Firewire.
- I did the HDD R/W and surprisingly it passed.
- I went on to the HDD scan. This supposedly tkaes acouple of minute so I waited. I think 4-5 dots appeared then nothing. The iPod started to get hot. THe disk was spinning away. After a while the battery got very low. THis test chews up the battery. So I escaped out by resetting and went to connect it to a power source.
My USB was dangling out of my computer and I was too lazy to get the Firewire AC adapter thing going so I connected expecting the whole lockup thing with iTunes. Surprise. IT was recognized immediately and has been working like a champ. So go figure.
Details on Diag mode can be found at http://www.methodshop.com/mp3/ipodsupport/diagnosticmode/index.shtml
10. Let me ask you a question, if an iPod with no iPod software with it. When your connect it with a computer, what would happen?
Yeah, the computer will treat it as a fresh external hard disk, which will get force mounted, the computer will ask you to format the iPod. It does not really matter the format is completed or not, the key is to erase (or partly) the corrupted iPod software on the iPod, after that the computer will recognize it.
Once it has been completed, eject your iPod, open the iPod updater and interestingly, you will able to do the Restore this time.
Base on the above, that's why I suggest Windows users who experience trouble with their iPods should locate a Mac machine or vice versa. PC computer will not recognize a Mac formatted iPod, but it will get mounted in an attempt to format your iPod.
11. Put your iPod in disk mode and plug with a computer, and have a boot of your computer using the Mac OS or XP startup disks, hope that your iPod will be seen on Mac's Disk utility and allow you to do a Erase there. Or, under the XP, you will be able to find your iPod there for you to do a Restore.
But, if none of these steps address the issue, your iPod may need to be repaired. You can arrange for service at the iPod Service Website.
I have just read an interesting solution about the Sad iPod, it does make sense but the warranty will be waived once you open the iPod, I would not do it myself as I am not good on doing this
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=412033&tstart=0
Pictures and instructions of how to open the iPod case for battery replacement
http://www.kokopellimusic.us/KM_instructions.htm

I recieved the following message when I connect my device to teh computer: This Ipod cannot be used because the apple mobile device service is not started. What's wrong?

I recieved the following message when I connect my device to the computer: This Ipod cannot be used because the apple mobile device service is not started. What's wrong?

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1567
There have been some problems accessing pages on the Apple web site. If the hyperlink gives you a "We're sorry" message, try again.

Major 160GB ipod problems, no music, no files, no recognition, no resetting

been using my ipod for a while but yesterday, I opened the ipod to find it says there is no music on the ipod, but on the setting section in the ipod it says, that I do actually have space used on my ipod.
I tried to connect the ipod to the computer, but nothing shows on itunes. I opened "My Computer" it says that there is a removable disk, but nothing shows up when I try to click it (given that I have some files and documents stored in it)
when I connect the ipod to the computer, the ipod shows the "Connected" screen, but when I eject the ipod, it goes to the silver apple screen for a long while, and the ipod does a weird clicking noise.
tried doing the 5R's but cant because the itunes doesnt even recognise the ipod.
PLEASE any help would be greatly apprecated, I'm not very technical when it comes to electronics, but this is the best amount of detail I can give for now. if there is any more info needed, I'll gladly give

I a really similar issue a while back, where I turned on my iPod only to find everything gone, but it would still say that something is on it. However, my iTunes would still recognize it, although no music or movies would appear in the the menu. I tried resetting, but no luck. I ultimately had to end up factory resetting it to fix it. Since then, I've had no problems.
Since the case is that not even your iTunes recognizes it, I would take it in to the Genius bar and see what they can do. Hopefully they don't give you their default answer of "it's an internal/logic board problem," which means you're basically stuck and you'll have to pay them to fix it or buy a new iPod.

Very random and frustrating iPod problem

I've had my 80GB classic for 2 years, no problems. Yesterday, after uploading new music I noticed my iPod was completely empty. iTunes gave me no warning message so I thought it was just a random bug.
But now I cannot transfer any music to my iPod. Earlier today it asked me to run a disk check on my iPod to repair it, which I did, and have tried transferring music with no success. Everytime I connect my iPod it tells me it cannot be read and to restore it to factory settings. I do that, but at a random point in the transfer process, it will give me the "error 69" message and stop.
The weird thing is it does this with RANDOM songs. And it's not new songs I just downloaded. The most recent one was for a song I've had for the entire 2 years I've had my iPod! Another odd thing is that the transfer process is INCREDIBLY slow. I have 75GBs of music and it took me 3 hours to get halfway through... and then give me the error message and delete all my progress. Right now, I'm transferring one song a second when before it was at least 25 times as fast before it suddenly stopped working yesterday.
Anybody have any solutions? I've deleted the songs that keep popping up, but like I said, it's random songs, not recently downloaded songs only. I have successfully transfered music ONCE; I tried uploading one album as a test so I didn't waste my time uploading 75GB and it worked. But then I transfered the rest of my music and got the same **** error.
Is it the actual disk inside the iPod that's damaged?

*Check your iPod with Diagnostics Mode*
It's possible that your iPod's hard drive has started to fail. Take your iPod and place your right thumb on the centre SELECT button and your left on the top MENU button. Press down both thumbs for about 6 seconds until your iPod reboots. Immediately move your left thumb around to the rewind button |<< on the left and hold this down together with SELECT for a further 6 seconds. Your iPod should now switch into Diagnostic Boot mode. Press MENU for *Manual Test*, then select *IO > HardDrive > HDSMARTData* to reveal your stats. For comparison here are mine for my 2 year old 6th Generation Classic:
Retracts: 889
Reallocs: 12
Pending Sectors: 0
PowerOn Hours: 2202
Start/Stops: 894
Temp: Current 24c
Temp: Min 10c
Temp: Max 50c
Take a note of your results. When finished press *SELECT & MENU* for 6 seconds to reset the iPod again.
With modern disc drives sectors are no longer marked bad by a disc scan, if the SMART firmware detects a sector it has trouble accessing it will attempt to invisibly reallocate it to a spare area of the disc.
Note that I've only 12 remapped sectors and none pending. To help explain what the numbers mean here is an extract from the Wikipedia S.M.A.R.T. article:
*Reallocated Sectors Count*
Count of reallocated sectors. When the hard drive finds a read/write/verification error, it marks this sector as "reallocated" and transfers data to a special reserved area (spare area). This process is also known as remapping, and "reallocated" sectors are called remaps. This is why, on modern hard disks, "bad blocks" cannot be found while testing the surface – all bad blocks are hidden in reallocated sectors. However, as the number of reallocated sectors increases, the read/write speed tends to decrease. The raw value normally represents a count of the number of bad sectors that have been found and remapped. Thus, the higher the attribute value, the more sectors the drive has had to reallocate.
*Pending sector count*
Number of "unstable" sectors (waiting to be remapped, because of read errors). If an unstable sector is subsequently written or read successfully, this value is decreased and the sector is not remapped. Read errors on a sector will not remap the sector (since it might be readable later); instead, the drive firmware remembers that the sector needs to be remapped, and remaps it the next time it's written.
Large numbers of Reallocs or Pending Sectors would suggest your drive is failing and that you may need to repair or replace your iPod. Check your stats after another attempt to update your iPod. If the numbers increase that again points to hard drive failure. While it won't be good news at least you'll know it isn't some random software problem and you can decide what to do next.
<hr>
Assuming the diagnostics give the drive a clean bill of health it may still be worth checking the drive for logical file system errors.
*Check iPod hard-drive for errors*
Hold Select+Menu on the iPod for about 6 seconds until it resets, then hold Select+Play as soon as the Apple logo appears, again for about 6 seconds to put the machine in disk mode. Open iTunes and in the Sync tab of the preferences menu check *Disable automatic syncing of all iPhones & iPods*. Now connect your iPod to the computer, wait until it connects, then close iTunes. Browse *My Computer* and right-click on the drive for the iPod, click Properties, then click Tools. Under Error-checking, click *Check Now*. Under Check disk options, select *Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors* (Optional - takes ages but a good idea if you've reason to suspect physical damage). Click Start. Mac users should run *Disk Utility / Repair Disk* for the equivalent process. This should find and correct any errors in the logical & physical structures of your iPod's hard drive. Once these have been fixed you can reset the iPod (hold Menu+Select ) and should stand a better chance of a successful restore. It might also pay to check the status of the source drive containing your media, particularly if no errors were found on the iPod.
And if that still doesn't help try Erase your iPod - The Super Fix for most iPod Problems. Basically a low level format of the iPod’s hard drive to get around whatever problems are stopping iTunes from restoring it.
Once you've restored your iPod don't rush to dump all the data back exactly as it was before. I have found that lots of large or complex smart playlists can sometimes trigger constant reboots or dumping of the iPod's library. In addition, larger transfers can fail leaving data in an inconsistent state. Try this technique for populating the iPod in stages.
*Break up large transfers*
In iTunes select the menu item *File... New Smart Playlist*. Change the first drop-down box to Playlist, the next to is and the next to Music. Tick against *Limit to*, type in say 10, then change the drop-down to GB, and set the last drop-down to artist. When you click OK you can enter a name for the playlist, e.g. Transfer. Now sync this playlist to your iPod rather than your entire library. When the sync is complete modify the rule ( *File... Edit playlist* ) to increase the size by your chosen amount, then sync and repeat. You can experiment with different size increments, if it doesn't work just choose something a bit smaller until it works each time. Before long you should have all your music on your iPod. Once that's done you can move on to other media such as podcasts, videos, photos, playlists etc.
tt2

Another "itunes cannot read contents of ipod" problem

iPod is recognized by computer and has an icon on desktop. iTunes however won't recognize iPod.
I've tried the 5 Rs except for restore as I am unwilling to erase the months of work I spent uploading songs to my iPod.
AND...now when I disconnect the iPod from my computer, a large portion of songs are no longer listed in the menu. They have to be there as they haven't been deleted and were available when I connected to the computer.
Any suggestions? Apple is on the verge of losing a lifelong customer here.

I've got a brand new iPod Video 60Gb and i have had this message since the first time i synced it. I think i restored the iPod about 10 times but it's always crashing when i unlupg it. It try to listen to something, the musics are on the iPod but they aren't listed in playlists or under artists or songs.
Then i plug it to iTunes and i got the message: iTunes cannot read the content.
I've bought a Belkin card just for it, the one recommended for iPod USB 2.0. Doesn't change anything. I've tried different USB ports, again, nothing new.
I was just going to try using USB 1.0 but it's sooooooooooooo slow that it will take me like 12 hours to sync the iPod!
I don't know what to do now, as i can't find if it's a computer problem or an iPod problem...

My ipod touch accidentally disconnected during sync, after that it wont sync at all. although it appears to be syncing on botht he computer and ipod, it rushed through "determining which tracks to sync' step and no changes are actually made.

my ipod touch accidentally disconnected during sync, after that it wont sync at all. although it appears to be syncing on both the computer and ipod, it rushes through "determining which tracks to sync' step and no changes are actually made.i restarted both and reset the ipod. i checked to see that the computer recognizes the ipod (yes) and tried to sync over wifi with the same result...(i am afraid to retore to factory original beacuse the problem is about transferring from th computer itunes to the ipod)

There is no good way for yur problem since iTunes sees the iPOd. Yu can ry removing and reinstalling all the Apple software using:
Removing and reinstalling iTunes, QuickTime, and other software components for Windows Vista or Windows 7
However, I suspect a restor, first try from backup, is required.

Worst iPod problem ever?

Hi. I have an iPod problem. My screen is cracked. I've ordered a new one, but low and behold, a new problem has risen! For a while, i could see a part of my screen and music played. Now, randomly, it is all blacked out and I cannot see or play anything. When I plug it in, it either freezes my computer or just doesn't show up anywhere on my computer. I can't tell if it is a white screen or a sad face or anything, because my screen is black. All I know is that my iPod will not respond. I have reset it (with Menu+Select) a few times, but to no avail. Is there anything I can do?

Oh and I forgot yo mention, my iPod's files (over 200 songs and 20 movies) are not backed up, because I had to do a system restore and everything got wiped.

4G iPod problems after installing iTunes 7.3.1

Immediately after I upgraded iTunes to 7.3.1, my 4G iPod ceased to sync correctly. It's not in disk mode, and it's set to sync automatically (not manually managed). The battery is fully charged. Nevertheless, the sync process never seems to complete. "Do Not Disconnect" blinks continually (for hours at a time), and trying to eject the iPod from the Finder or from iTunes results in iTunes hanging or crashing.
If I reset the iPod while it's disconnected, it seems fine after the reboot, but the sync problem persists. Nothing changes if I let iTunes launch automatically when I connect the iPod instead of connecting it while iTunes is already running - same sync issue. I also tried restoring the iPod, but got the "iPod could not be restored" error in iTunes. I've tried rebooting the computer itself, also.
Any suggestions? Is this even an iPod problem (as opposed to an iTunes problem)? My iPhone is having no syncing problems, for what it's worth.

Sorry, I am going to be no help to you. I just wanted to chime in that I am havng the exact same problem since updating Itunes to 7.3.1. I can only sync a few songs before things hang as you described. I was able to restore my Ipod once, but still have the same syncing issue. Mine is a 20 gig 4G.
When it's hung trying to sync, you can here some funky noises coming from the Ipod, I thought the harddrive was just going out on it. It also gets hot if you let it keep trying to sync once it gets stuck. But, if I do a reset and connect it again, it will sync a few more songs, then hang up again.

Many iPod problems in 1 iPod

Ay
I have had this 60GB iPod for under a year now and recently it has been acting up. About 3 weeks ago, it began to run slow and freeze up now and then; I didn't think too much of it. One morning I turned my iPod on and that little Unhappy iPod Icon came up. I looked at the reasons/solutions to that problem and did what it suggested. It worked better, but the Unhappy iPod came up the next time. Then, the icon of the Folder and Exclamation Point came up. It showed my iPod was connected once, but didnt transfer anything. When I unplugged it, It flashed a couple of times then it started. It showed 0 memory, no serial number...all 0's. I tried to re-format it with the original instalation disk, but that didnt work. Now it will hold a charge for about 3hours (When fully charged) but all it does is turn on and off and show different error icons before it shuts off again. It also switches to disk mode by itself during the "on and off" period. When i plug it into the computer via USB port(s), the iPod continues going on and off, causing for theses default windows to pop up ever 3 seconds. None of the windows recognize the iPod. Ocassionally, Windows says it is a curupt or damaged. The iPod dosen't recognize it either, and the one time it did, it said it cannot "Mount" the iPod. When i plug the iPod into the wall, it just turns on and off like always. The iPod only stops turning on and off when it is out of battery.
Please help me out if you can, I dont want to deal with this warranty crap.
Thanks
Windows XP Home Edition? Windows XP

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.
Warning ! – It may or may not manage to solve your problem, and with a risk that you may further damage your iPod, which end up as an expensive paper weight or you need to pay more higher repairing cost. Therefore, please re-consider again whether you want to try the next level
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
Sad faced iPod, but my computer won’t recognize it?
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2236095#2236095
iPod Photo: unhappy icon + warranty question
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2233746#2233746
4th Gen iPod Users - are we all having the same problem?
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=2235623#2235623
Low Battery, and clicking sounds
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2237714#2237714
Sad faced iPod, but my computer won’t recognize it
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2242018#2242018
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.

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