Formatting failure, disk write error

my 1 and 1/2 year old ipod 20G went into vulcan mind warp, the screen froze up displaying english and other language choices. i have down loaded the most recent update, june of 06 and tried to restore the beast, but half way through the update i get "formatting failure, disk write error". does it ever get better i have tried this restore several times but half way through the down load it dies. how do you get the software to down load to the pod and get the thing back to working order.

thanks for the help. it did not seem to be a fire wire issue as the kids use the same port and wire on there nanos, so i plugged into the ports in the back of the new (2month old) dell computer. the computer did not see the ipod so i plugged it back into the front ports, ran updater, and it ran all the way through, updating the ipod and telling me to pug into an external power source for firmware to update. this is further then i have been able to go in getting the ipod working again. hope it works when i take it off the charger.
thank you
jim c.

Similar Messages

"firmware update failure. disk write error."

i get this when i use the ipod Updater after clicking "restore"... this thing is giving me a headache. Also get the previous mentioned "cannot read from or write to disk" error when using itunes after a couple downloads. i followed the steps in the link to those issues and ran some updates on my PC and still the same. HELP

Have you read both
For Firmware update failure. Disk write error please see
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301267
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300836

Tried to Restore Shuffle,then got"Firmware update failure.Disk write error"

I tried to restore my ipod shuffle and this is the message I got. Any thoughts?

FIrst try this artical http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301267
Also try putting the ipod into "Disk Mode" http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93651 THEN connect it to the PC and restore it

Firmware update Failure Disk write error.( please help!)

When I go to restore my ipod nano this is thmessage that i get. Will some one please help me I have been trying to deal with this for about a week. I was trying to load some music onto the ipod out of itunes and all of the suddin my ipod went black and a folder with ! apperd with WWW.apple.com/support/ipod will some one please help me? thank you.

Thankyou so much i looked it up and found out it was something stupid on my part but thankyou for your help you have been named helper of the year

Does anyone know how to solve: "Firmware update failure. Disk write error"?

Hi all,
Here is the list of all what went wrong and where I am now:
1. My Ipod worked well
2. I wanted to update it, you know, the normal thing with Itunes
3. Every time I tried, my computer froze. I was unable to add only one song (both automatically and manually).
4. I took my external drive (where my music is) at work and tried again: same result.
5. I decided to run the Updater I have on the CD that came with the Ipod.(2005-02-07; I usually avoid the newer version, having had once a problem when putting a newer version of Updater).
6. The Updater was unable to operate any action on my Ipode (I don't remember the messages now).
7. Like I tried what I describe here above like a hundred time. I decided to format the Ipod with Windows (My Computer, right click on the Ipod, format).
8. It did and now I have only the famous folder with an exclamation mark on my Ipod.
9. Now when I am running the Updater, it says it cannot Restore the factory settings giving this message "Firmware update failure. Disk write error".
I would appreciate any help because, during the last 2 hours, I read and tried all I found on the Support Help here on the Apple web side without any result yet.
Thank a lot for your answer

Hi Cyrille,
Have you looked at Knowledge Base Document #301267 on "Disk cannot be read from or written to" when syncing iPod or "Firmware update failure" error when updating or restoring iPod?
Jon
Mac Mini 1.42Ghz, iPod (All), Airport (Graphite & Express), G4 1.33Ghz iBook, G4 iMac 1Ghz, G3 500Mhz, iBook iMac 233Mhz, eMate, Power Mac 5400 LC, PowerBook 540c, Macintosh 128K, Apple //e, Apple //, and some more... Mac OS X (10.4.5) Moto Razr, iLife '06, SmartDisk 160Gb, Apple BT Mouse, Sight..

Firmware failure. Disk write error.

I have gotten this new iPod shuffle, and I have installed the latest itunes, however when I try to install the latest software for the iPod I get "firmware failure. disk write failure." I get the same thing when I try to restore it. I cannot get windows or iTunes to recognize the iPod. Windows views it as a mass storage device, and it is completly oblivious to iTunes. Any suggestions as to what I can do? I have tried everything 3 times or more from the support pages.
I cant seem to contact any other type of support. Every time I try to use the chat section it tells me to enter a valid serial number...
wow.
Any feedback is greatly appreciated.
JP

Okay, this probably isn't what people want to hear, but if you have the dreaded 'Disk Write Error' failure, it doesn't necessarily mean your iPod is hooped.
Bought my Shuffle 1G yesterday. Brought it home, installed what I needed to (very little, as mine is the second Shuffle in the house). Anticipated problems, as my father's 512M Shuffle took three days to get working properly. I found myself pleasantly surprised to find that mine worked first shot, no muss or fuss. Funk-tacular!
Or not. Thingy worked fine all last night and this morning, but fell flat on its face when I plugged it in this afternoon. It didn't freeze solid (at first), but it refused to take in any more songs, and the ones that were loaded into it seemed to be draining out of the memory like water from an uncorked bathtub -- every time I managed to get Itunes to notice my little white headache, more memory reported as empty, though Thingy still refused to take in any songs (unable to read, or some such windows nonsense). Every time I tried to restore -- regardless of the update version, of which I tried three -- I saw the error mentioned in the title.
I'll delete about five hours of experimenting, hair-pulling, swearing, failing, wall-punching, and generally despairing over my iPlop purchase. Tried all five Rs to no avail, as well as formatting through windows. Nada.
I wish I could tell you exactly why it's working now. I can't; I got lucky. I downloaded iPod update (1-10-2006) and Itunes (6), wiped the system as clean as I could of old iPod and iTunes software (uninstall, erase folders, empty Recycle Bin, basically everything short of taking Windex to the hard drive). Reinstalled the Ipod software from the CD, reinstalled and updated iTunes and iPod update, then for a lark decided to try for the fifteenth time to reinstall Thingy. Holy crap, it worked!! After a momentary freezeup and the requisite restore to fix it (a result of my yanking the stupid thing out of the port at the wrong time), Thingy is working fine.
The moral? Don't despair, it can be fixed! Try everything more than once, get the latest software, start from scratch -- right from the CD in the iPoop box -- and keeping banging your head on it as long as you can stand it. You might be surprised!

Restore fails with "Firmware update failure. Disk write Error" message

I am going totally bonkers with this one. My Shuffle stopped working suddenly.
My iTunes was not able to read the contents of the iPOD and there seems to be a corrupt filesystem. After reviewing various posts, I have tried the following with little success:
1. Tried Restore using the Updater tool that came with the Shuffle (2005-09-23). I kept getting the "Firmware update failure. Disk write Error"
2. Downloaded the new updater tool (2006-03-23) and tried restore again. I got the same error message again.
3. Tried formatting using Windows format, it is not able to complete the format
4. Tried chkdsk. Get an error message saying "CHKDSK is not available for RAW drives."
5. Tried connecting it to a different computer and tried pretty much the same steps. Similar results.
I am using USB 2.0 both on my current Thinkpad as well as the other computer I tried with.
I am totally clueless and am not sure how to go about fixing this one. Though there have been lots of posts about this, I haven't been able to find a solution that works for me. Any thing else that I may have missed out which I can try?
Thanks,
Kris
Thinkpad Windows XP Pro

hiya!
just checking. have you worked through the possibilities from this document yet?
"Disk cannot be read from or written to" when syncing iPod or "Firmware update failure" error when updating or restoring iPod
given that you're connecting to a laptop, we'd better check on this possibility too:
iPod not recognized when connected to Windows laptop over USB
... and even though you aren't using a Toshiba, this technique might be worth a try (if all else fails):
iPod not recognized correctly on Toshiba laptop
love, b

Disk write error, can't see iPod in usb port, could not format or restore

I have had them all folks. I won this schuffle in a golf tourney with closet to the hole, I wish I could take that shot back and shank one. In short the iPod new sw releases are crap. Here is what I did:
Plugged the ipod in a usb port in the back of my desktop to restore, would not restore from the high speed usb's in the frt of my Gateway, why? who knows.
I did not update the ipod when it asked me to upgrade after the restore, however, I did upgrade iTunes to version 6.0.1.3.
This config seems to be working, I can go into the ipod, delete the songs that are there and use the autofill and it has worked several times now. Prior to this I would get a disk write error, could not see the ipod in the usb, yada, yada, yada.
Apple has a serious problem with the latest sw as is evident from this forum. If I helped one person out with this post I am thankful as I am a tech kinda dude, not too much and have played with this, reinstalled the sw, faced east and chanted to Mecaa while rubbing the side of my machine, to no avail.
While I type this email message it's still working, put a pound in the till folks. This is a first kids, have not been able to do this several times in a row without some sort of error.
It's all trial and error, hope this helps some of you, let me know.
Out - Dj
Windows XP
Windows XP

hiya!
hmmmm. okay, if you're connecting to a Toshiba laptop, let's check up on this possibility:
iPod not recognized correctly on Toshiba laptop
otherwise, here's a good place to start with that error message:
"Disk cannot be read from or written to" when syncing iPod or "Firmware update failure" error when updating or restoring iPod
love, b

Nano, Disk Write error. Please help

I tried updating and restoring my ipod nano with the iPOD Updater 2006-06-28, but it keeps saying Firmware update failure. Disk write error. I don't know what to do anymore, it seems like nothing is working. Thank you for any help.

See this troubleshooting article.
"Disk cannot be read from or written to" error syncing iPod in iTunes.
See also this : iPod not recognized on a laptop.
You may not have a laptop, but try the steps anyway if you get nowhere with the first link.

IPod problem - firmware update error. Disk write error.

I need your help! Ime just bought a new iPod 60 GB photo (with color display) but when I connected it for the first time to my PC (with Windows XP Home Edition SP 2) using USB 2.0 I got the message: iPod not readable. This iPod needs to be reformatted for use on your PC. Of course I decided to do that. The system had launched iPod updater. It asked me if I wanted to update or restore iPods software however the operation update was inactive (grey). So I choosed restore. Then a new window appeared: Firmware update error. Disk write error. On the iPods display a normal menu was replaced by exclamation mark. I tried to reset iPod, updated iTunes and iPods updater to the newest version and nothing. It still doesnt work. A folder with ! mark comes up. I try to restore once again and it says: Firmware update error. Disk write error.
Please help! What should I do to solve my problem? I want to add that my iPod is properly recognized by the computer system.
Unfortunately, its rather impossible to give back my iPod to the store. It was bought in the U.S.A. and I live in Poland.
Adam

b Firmware Update Failure Possible Solution
-- Disconnect the iPod
-- Right click on "My Computer"
-- Select "Manage"
-- Select "Device Manager"
-- Expand "Universal Serial Bus controllers"
-- Right click on "Enhanced PCI to USB Host controller"
-- Click on "Disable"
-- Click "OK" to accept changes
Run the Updater software (Start==>Run==>iPod) and wait till it says to "Plug in an iPod to update it"
Plug in the iPod and wait (for a long while). It takes awhile because you are now running at USB 1.1 speeds. When it finally shows up, do the "update" or "restore", which ever you were trying to do.
You can try to re-enable the "Enhanced PCI TO USB Host controller" after you are done running the Updater software and try to copy your songs and pictures to the iPod. This may or may not work. If not, revert back to USB1.1.
See: Dirk Brewer, ""Firmware Update Failure", please help" #1, 11:01am Jul 23, 2005 CDT
Also see: http://forums.ipodlounge.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=94075
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300836

"Do Not Disconnect!?" "Firmware. Disk Write Error" ???????? Help Please

Ok, heres the deal. I restored my ipod...but now it contiunes to have a "! in a triangle shape" sometimes refferes to as a "sad ipod" Well ive read the Whole Freakin Apple Site tryed the "5 R's" they say to try and others but still the same thing. And as a resul of Restoring My ipod mini it will not connect to itunes. It continues to say "Do Not Disconnect" on the ipod mini screen.(This is very very annoying) Then in itunes it will say "ipod updater" or something or that sort...(now get ready this is the biggest twist) so i click update....wait a sec as it connects..then it says...(ok here it is) "Firmware. Disk write error"...all at the sametime my ipod is displaying on its screen "Do Not Disconnect".........well im baffled so if anyone can please help me...i would repay them with my life....Im literaly dieing without it.
ipod Mini Windows XP Pro

“Firmware Update Failure” Possible Solution
-- Disconnect the iPod
-- Right click on "My Computer"
-- Select "Manage"
-- Select "Device Manager"
-- Expand "Universal Serial Bus controllers"
-- Right click on "Enhanced PCI to USB Host controller"
-- Click on "Disable"
-- Click "OK" to accept changes
Run the Updater software (Start==>Run==>iPod) and wait till it says to "Plug in an iPod to update it"
Plug in the iPod and wait (for a long while). It takes awhile because you are now running at USB 1.1 speeds. When it finally shows up, do the "update" or "restore", which ever you were trying to do.
You can try to re-enable the "Enhanced PCI TO USB Host controller" after you are done running the Updater software and try to copy your songs and pictures to the iPod. This may or may not work. If not, revert back to USB1.1.
See: iPod not recognized correctly on Toshiba laptop

Failed to update - disk write error (WinXP Pro)

These are the steps I performed to get my Nano in it's current state of displaying the contact "www.apple.com/support/ipod" error message.
When I bought it last November, the itunes on the CD was outdated and needed updating. Today, after a fresh install of WinXP, I decided to be "smart" and simply download the latest itunes for windows to save some steps.
After installing itunes and rebooting, I plugged the Nano in and discovered it was not recognized. (I hadn't realized the driver was not loaded when I install itunes)
I inserted the original CD and accepted the defaults - the nano was recognized and I could view the files via itunes.
I attempted to add a song - and received an error "disk write error" from itunes.
itunes informed me that my Nano needed an update, so I proceeded to download the updater - hoping that would fix things.
The updater errored our stating it had a write error also.
At this point, my Nano was now displaying the !folder error with the support url.
I have attempted to run the "restore" function of the updater and that fails to work also.
The battery in the ipod shows fully charged, and I have rebooted the PC numerous times and re-installed itunes twice.
I have attempted the "select+menu" reset and that just results in returning to the "!folder" error.
I have also tried forcing it into disk mode - which it is now in - this made no difference in the update attempt either.
Finally, the Nano does show up as a drive under windows, however, windows says it needs formatting, and so far I have declined to allow it to proceed.
Suggestions are much appreciated - I'm hoping it is not so badly screwed up I need to send it in for service/replacement.
Nano Windows XP Pro

I found my answer here:
http://www.makezine.com/blog/archive/2005/09/howto_ipodnan.html
Someone else had the same difficulty and allowed windows to format the disk - and then restore worked.
I tried the same - and voila! Restore worked, Nano is now good as new again

Ipod cannot be restored, disk write error?

I cannot restore this ipod, nor can i reformat it using any program, application, or even the command line. iTunes gives me the error "unknown error - 1418", and ipod updater gives me "Disk Write Error" when i try to restore it. Does anyone know if there is any way to salvage this iPod? or should i be returning it to Costco?
this all started i think when the owner ran the batteries completely down. the ipod still gives the "connect to computer use itunes to restore screen".
this ipod was purchased in june 2006, and is in perfect condition.

See if doing a Restore on a Mac computer works
. 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 iTunes 7.
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”

Ipod mini "Disk Write Error"

I recently tried to restore my iPod mini (for the umpteenth time) after having numerous problems with songs not playing. I connected it to the computer fine, brought up the updater and when I tried to restore it came up "Unable to update firmware. Disk Write Error." I've tried this on two different PC's and got the same response, and gone through the step by step on the support website. Help anybody?

hi Josh!
"Unable to update firmware. Disk Write Error." I've tried this on two different PC's and got the same response, and gone through the step by step on the support website.
just checking. were the step-by-steps you went through these documents?
iPod not recognized correctly on Toshiba laptop
"Disk cannot be read from or written to" when syncing iPod or "Firmware update failure" error when updating or restoring iPod
love, b

Getting firmware update error. disk write error message

i installed the lastest ipod shuffle update and when I try to restore ipod shuffle I get the error message "firmware update error. disk write error" have no idea what to do. ipod does not show up in itunes

ok, someone else with similiar problem, I just opened the box 5 days ago, installed iTunes (the June 2005 version) that came on CD with it, ran iTunes, downloaded some music, plugged in Shuffle, goto download, fails, no device found, can see it under XP ok, goto apple.com to find support FAQ, I then ran up Ipod Updater, thinking that since it was new, firmware must be recent (little did I know ) so I thought do the Restore straight off, it started, then failed with the "disk write error" and havent been able to talk with iPod Updater since, then tried installing iPodUpdater to another PC, no luck, then downloaded later versions of iTunes and uPdater, installed on a 3rd PC, same deal, unable to communicate to Shuffle, rang phone support, spoken to two different support people, finally they agree its faulty (something I figured out 4 days ago) and suggest I return it to Apple for replacement, and fill out a Service Request form, which opened a can of new worms, like there is no "Warranty Replacement" option, lots of questions like Credit Card details and nowhere to actually define that I have a "faulty" or "dead" or Shuffle to return and they obviously did not read the comments, that were requested, as they simply sent docking station in the mail, so now back to square one, trying to lodge a Service Request to "replace" a brand new, dead shuffle. Not having a nice iPod experience here !!, but Itunes is good, although expecting it will take a couple weeks all up before I get a working Shuffle to actually download to. Tried again phone support, to sort out this mess, waited in queue, then line goes dead. Oh Well ... I blame my daughter for this heartache, she insisted on having an iPod.

Formatting failure, disk write error

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