I Solved Can't Mount Error/Flashing Orange Light/Not recognized by iTunes!

Question

++IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE POST!++
I solved all of my Ipod shuffle issues and just uploaded 5 albums worth of songs with no problems! Now I am listening to Black Eyed Peas and it might me my imagination, but I think the sound is vastly improved from before. It took me 3 flippin' days to troubleshoot this and solve the problem, probably 6 hours worth of my time. Apple: You guys need to program your hardware to handle anti-virus software, Window's security updates, etc. Too many software conflicts!
Let me first tell you what happened that caused my Ipod to "die". Simply, I built a brand new custom PC to replace my Dell Inspiron laptop. I purchased my shuffle about six months ago and it worked like a charm until I tried plugging it into my new computer's usb port. Then all **** broke loose and the Ipod would not engage. I went here for support and tried updating it with the current updater (1/10/2006 version) to no avail. I uninstalled all the drivers, wiped everything off my Ipod manually, deleted files, made back-up copies of my library, etc. I wiped everything off my system that had anything to do with an iPod. Nothing worked.
THEN, I came across this article posted on Apple. Hopefully it is still up:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article/html?artnum=93716
Follow each and every step. The steps are laid out well, and nothing was missing in terms of a hidden step. If you follow it to the T, you should be able to restore your Ipod to like-new working order.
Some key things to remember:
1. Make sure you empty your recycle bin after deleting all of the iTunes and iPod related files. Then restart your system. Your system caches copies of files associated with iPod. When it see's another version, the two start conflicting with one another, and that causes problems. Deleting your Temp folder is also critical, and this is outlined in one of the steps in the article above.
2. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you exit out of any anti-virus program you have running, including the firewall while you download AND install the iTunes and iPod software. Install the iTunes software first, restart your computer, then install the iPod updater software, Restart again. Do not dismiss this. It is probably the reason why most people's iPod's won't mount and they simple fail to recognize their system even has a firewall running (even Window's firewall).
3. Be patient and follow the instructions. There are five printed pages in this article and it takes about an hour to go through each step, uninstall software, redownload software, install it, etc. After spending 6 hours troubleshooting this, an hour of actually making progress should be easy!
I hope this helps. If you cannot mount your iPod, don't throw it away or go out and buy a new one. I am confident that you will be able to fix your problems and be listening to music on your shuffle soon!
kPod78
Custom PC   Windows XP Pro  

Answer 1

I tried all this last week, but without success! A whole day, I was looking for a solution, but nothing worked. At least I tried to formate my iPod at another Laptop, but it doesn´t work. (Two weeks ago, I just heard a book from audible. After a short break, the iPod didn´t work no more.)Nice to hear, that you have been succesfull.
alrein
Laptop Benq   Windows XP