IPod Classic won't sync or go into Disk Mode.

My iPod suddenly decided to now work, and displays a red cross (X) on the screen. I looked up what to do, and apple.com told me to set to disk mode. I spent a few minutes reading it and looking up tutorial videos on how to do it, and mine will not cooperate. I hold down the Menu and Center button until the screen goes black, then I'm supposed to hold down the center/Play button after the screen fades, but the screen doesn't fade for that long and goes back to the cross. I'm just trying to get it to read in my Windows XP so I can restore it.

Hi, did you ever find a fix for this? My iPod Classic has just done the exact same thing - red X, won't be detected on Windows, and won't go into disk mode (will go into Config mode, but I can't see anything in that mode that will help).
Would really like to be able to put this into disk mode so I can try to restore my files...

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160gb ipod classic won't sync since update to 11.2.2, system wants to wipeout all current info on device

160gb ipod classic won't sync since update to 11.2.2, system wants to wipeout all current info on device

same has happened to me, on and off, for the last 6 months. Its an issue with the Mavericks system and ipod classics. works great for a while - then one day for no reason - erases the entire iPod. some days the copmputer will not recognize the iPod and you have to start over. Apple will tell you that "you" may have a disc problem in the device. that is all the help I have received.

My iPod classic won't sync at all. I've synced it on the same macbook for many years.

My iPod classic won't sync at all. I've synced it on the same macbook for many years.

See Corrupt iPod classic.
tt2

IPod Classic won't sync to PC

My iPod Classic won't sync with iTunes on my PC. An error message is received stating that there is not enough memory available to sync, but I have 101 GB free on the iPod. I'm using iTunes Version 10.6.3.25 on a PC with the Vista operating system.The iPod operating system is 2.0.1 PC.

It sounds like your PC may be too low on memory (RAM) or Hard Drive in for the iPod to sync properly with iTunes. Try rebooting your PC to see if that helps. Then run only iTunes and try to resync your iPod.
B-rock

IPod classic won't sync, doesn't go into disk mode what do I do next?

Here we go, another iPod classic problem. A few days ago I noticed a lag while going through my artists list. Went home, tried to sync, iTunes said I had a corrupted file please restore. Not the first time this has happened so I thought it would be an easy fix. Nope. Restore didn't happen. Now my classic doesn't turn on unless plugged in to my PC. Went through the motions for everything Apple reccomends, nothing. The screen looks like it's in disk mode, but doesn't say disk mode on it. It won't go into disk mode, so I can't reformat it on Win 7. Shows up in windows as removeable drive but does not show up in iTunes so I can't change settings or do another restore.

Main Issue: Short; in disk mode all I get is a screen that says "Okay to disconnect" with a check mark
In Disc mode, yes that is all you see on the Ipod Screen, as the iPod becomes an external hardisk and not a media player with Menu. I's main function is to store files to/from the Mac.
Hard reset (using the menu and middle buttons
Reset the iPod - you ust press the Menu and center button for about 10 secs till the logo comes ON.
I need to be able to put in disc mode to at least run diagnostics on it and can't even do that.
If you want to go into disk Diagnostic, read this excellent post from tt2.
https://discussions.apple.com/message/17028567#17028567
Today, the ipod is not even being recognized by the computer to say that it's there. There is no "connecting" screen, not even a charging symbol.
*Exception: It will charge when hooked up to a charger in an outlet which leads me to believe it's a software issue in the ipod.
You can try all the above, but you should know that when connecting the iPod to a Mac, do not use the Keyboard USB port, or any USB Hub. if you are using a Macbook Pro, only one USB port can be use for the iPod, the other one is not a high Power USB 2.0 port, which shared the Internal bus with iSight and other IO devices like Mouse, infraRed, Bluetooth etc.
So take a look at your Mac user manual and see which USB port to use.
Have a nice day!

My 160MB iPod Classic won't sync from iTunes. This is a recent problem. The error message is "The iPod cannot be synched. An unknown error occurred (-39)." The end result is that music will sync but photos will not. Current software on Mac and iPod.

My iPod classic won't synch from iTunes. This is a recent problem. The error message reads "The iPod cannot be synched. An unknown error occurred (-39)." The end result is that the music will sync but photos will not sync. I am running current versions of software on the iPod and the iMac / iTunes. HELP! J

First try to resolve #2 by:
See
iOS: Device not recognized in iTunes for Windows
- I would start with
Removing and Reinstalling iTunes, QuickTime, and other software components for Windows XP
or
Removing and reinstalling iTunes and other software components for Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8
However, after your remove the Apple software components also remove the iCloud Control Panel via Windows Programs and Featurs appin the Window Control Panel. Then reinstall all the Apple software components
- New cable and different USB port
- Run this and see if the results help with determine the cause
iTunes for Windows: Device Sync Tests
- Try on another computer to help determine if computer or iPod problem
If you can resolve #1 and still get same message for #1 then you have to restore the iPod like the message says.

Is it okay to eject my ipod classic 5th gen when it's in disk mode when it hasn't connected to itunes and windows won't recognize it?

I use windows eight um the Itunes version i have is the most recent is the most recent. So what happened is that I had the sad Ipod thing displaying but after it dying and letting charge it worked fine but wouldnt connect to computer or Itunes. So I put into disk mode and it says do not disconnect but windows gave me an error message of an unrecognized device and it doesnt show in Itunes so no idea what to do next. Help plz.

Hi ..
Try the troubleshooting steps here > iPod: Appears in Windows but not in iTunes

Ipod is dead, only resets and goes into disk mode

I own a 4g ipod 20gb. It had been working fine. A week ago, I put it to sleep, and when it woke up it kerp flashing the broken folder icon and then reseting. I cound not mount it. By pressing the foreward button, I would get into disk mode.
Connecting to a computer got it to say
"disk mode-do not disconnect" but it would not mount/ appear in disk utility. Somehow, I got it to finally work and formatted and reset the firmware on a friends windows comp. It worked fine once, then the same thing happened. After taking it off my mac, it will say "ok to disconnect" and freezes there
anyone have a sugestion?
ps...I got it replaced a month ago in warrenty, but now that is up. Can I still send it back (warranty on the replacement?) thanx

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”
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2364921&#2364921
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 and HDD replacement (with Quicktimes)
http://eshop.macsales.com/tech_center/index.cfm?page=Video/directory.html
2.Press the reset button on the Hard Drive inside the iPod – Suggestion from Kill8joy
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2438774#2438774
Have I tried these 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”
What should I do with my iPod? Send it or keep it?
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=469080&tstart=0
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
Sad iPod solution
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=412033&tstart=0
Re: try to restore ipod and it says "can't mount ipod"
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=443659&tstart=30
iPod making clicking noise and is frozen
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2420150#2420150
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.

IPod Classic won't sync to Mac

My iPod Classic 160 GB won't sync to Mac snow leopard, running iTunes 10.5.1. It was fine until I tried to mount my Mom's iPad2 and her iPod Classic 80 GB so that I could load content onto her devices. Note: both her devices are attached to my iTunes account, so loading content from my account is legit, even though it apparently sent my own iPod into a tailspin.
Now, even in disk mode, iTunes won't recognize the iPod. It simply shows up on the desktop. I have tried the four or five "Rs", but as the device doesn't show in iTunes AT ALL, I cannot restore it. The iPod-based reset solves nothing.
I purchased my current iPod a few months ago to replace an older iPod classic which gave up the ghost after exhibiting some of this behavior.
Help!

Someone please help me before I go potty!
I am having a similar problem to "Bluebell"'s. Suddenly over the last couple of weeks my iPod Classic 160GB (which has been working fantastically since I bought it 2 years ago) has been acting up. Without going into the total history, the result is that now, when connected (and even though the window on the iPod tells me the device is connected), the iPod icon does not show on the desktop of either of my Macs nor does the iPod show up in iTunes. I have reset the iPod dozens of times and searched high and low on Google for helpful suggestions, but with no luck.
I breathed a sigh of relief when I read your suggestion, Bilbo_cheshire, and tried it immediately, but sadly it doesn't work. This is what Disk Utility tells me:
Verify and Repair volume “Nigel & Lau's iPod”
Checking Journaled HFS Plus volume.
Checking Extents Overflow file.
Checking Catalog file.
Invalid sibling link
Rebuilding Catalog B-tree.
The volume Nigel & Lau's iPod could not be repaired.
Error: Filesystem verify or repair failed.
I can see that Disk Utility gives me the options of "Erase" and "Restore". Should I take either of those routes?

Video-ipod classic won't sync

Hi! I got my new Ipod classic 80g today and have been playing around with the different things which my old ipod mini and ipod nano couldn't do. Synchronizing my playlist was no problem, nor was downloading and syncing podcasts. The only thing that won't work is getting videos on my ipod. No problems getting them into itunes (tried with both *.mov and *.mpg4) but when syncing my ipod there pops up a message telling me that itunes hasn't updated the videos on my ipod because it wouldn't be able to play them.
What now?

I had some tv shows stored in a portable flash drive and downloaded them ok into my itunes library but they won't sync to my ipod. In fact they don't even show up in the list of shows in my tv summary. They play fine within the itunes library so I know they are there. Also I have podcasts from the itunes site that won't play in my library. Do they have to be converted?

IPod Classic won't sync entire iTunes Library

My iPod Classic 160GB won't sync any new songs that i have put into iTunes. When selecting sync entire library it only shows 2066 songs, when there is actually 2543 in my library. iTunes is iTunes version 12.0.1 running 10.10.2. Anyone help?

There are many solutions posted for this issue. Sadly, none work. They may APPEAR to work initially but after a short time, the issue will return. It's a software problem and Apple doesn't seem to be in much of a hurry to correct.

My iPod Classic won't sync--I keep getting error messages.

I have an iPod Classic (Late 2009) that's about a year and a half old. It just started refusing to sync with iTunes. I have a PC, and when I plug the iPod in, the computer wants to scan and fix the iPod. Whether I let it or not--I've done it both ways, multiple times--when I open iTunes, iTunes says I need to restore my iPod. It restores without glitching. But when I try to re-sync my library, I get 200-400 songs in and get an error message that a specific song can't be synced because of "error [numerical error]." I've seen "Error -50" a lot, but not always. It doesn't always get stuck on the same song, artist, or album--just somewhere in the B's, something goes wrong. At the beginning, I was seeing a "duplicate file" error message, but I haven't seen it the last 5-7 times I've gone through the restore-resync process.
I've tried manually managing the content, but the same thing happens. If it doesn't get stuck on a song, it'll say "Finishing Sync" for ages--until I have to force-quit iTunes and manually eject the iPod.
I have reinstalled iTunes--not 100%, but using their "find and replace faulty parts" option. I have an iPhone, and it syncs with no problem, and I my iTunes library itself is functioning totally normally. However, iTunes freezes a lot when I'm trying to fix this problem with my iPod, including when I first plug it in. I've had to force-quit iTunes multiple times because of this.
This all started because my iPod was skipping from about 10 seconds into one song to the next in the playlist. I figured something was wonky with the last sync, so I went to restore my iPod. When I plugged it in, I noticed that there was a software update, so I did that--I can't remember if I restored, then did the update, or the other way around. But nothing has worked since then.
It must be a problem with the iPod itself that the restore just isn't erasing, but I'm not sure where that leaves me. Help?

This could be an indication or a damaged or dying hard drive. I would recommend doing a disk diagnostic on the iPod's HD using the instructions given by turingtest2 in this older thread. He also covers what the resulting numbers indicate.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3784647?start=0&tstart=0
B-rock

Ipod classic won't sync with iTunes 10.4

My ipod classic 160 does not want to sync with the latest iTunes update(s). The same thing happened with the last update about a month ago. How do I fix this? The last time I put the ipod in disc mode and that seemed to work. But it isn't working this time. Any suggestions? Anyone know why this keeps happening?
Thanks.

Hi Pharmer
I had the same problem and finally found out it was the Spotlight in Lion that was causing the issue of the sync failing as its trying to do two things at once. At least thats what it has been for me.
By going to System Prefs > Spotlight > Privacy and adding the iPod to the list I was able to stop Spotlight indexing the iPod every time I attached it to my machine and thus stopping it from being able to sync.
You can check if its doing it by attaching your ipod then clicking on the spotlight in the top right. If its indexing it will tell you.
Hope this helps you out
Update: This worked to get my iPod full of stuff. Next time I tried, it won't sync, so back to square one...

Ipod classic won't sync with Itunes

Help! Since the time change, neither my Iphone 3G nor Ipod classic will sync with Itunes.
I unplugged Iphone after receiving can not sync messages. Plugged back in & Itunes did a restore. However, upon starting to sync, message re-appeared that it could not sync. I unplugged Iphone and it is still functional.
However, when tried to sync Ipod, syncing continued overnight (about 12 hours). When I awoke this morning, PC was frozen and had to hard boot it. I then went back into Itunes and Itunes did not recognize that my Ipod was connected. I ran diagnostics and it failed at recognizing Ipod. Ipod is frozen with message "Connected, Eject before disconnecting' and is not functional. I have sent diagnostics to Apple and am waiting to here from them. However, thought I'd check here to see if anyone else had encountered this issue. I am totally lost without my Ipod and can not run or workout until repaired. That may sound silly. But it really helps me mentally through workouts.

Update: OK! I am not sure what happened because I have tried this all morning. I held down the menu key on Ipod for about the 12th time. This time it rebooted. Ipod is functioning and appears that it did sync. However, I am not yet confident about connecting it to Itunes. I may wait until I am ready to purchase more tunes in a few weeks. LOL.

Ipod classic won't sync with itunes 11 anymore

My ipod 160gb classic died from a low battery, so i connect it to my computer, and then a strange white screen with a exclamation mark pop up saying 'do not disconnect', and then itunes suggested me to restore it, taking precaution, i went ahead and did that, but now itunes won't sync music to my ipod anymore, i think it has something to do with enable disk use being checked, but it won't let me uncheck it, i don't know what to do, someone please help!

Unclick Manually Manage Music and Videos, which is right above Enable Disk Use. You can then click on Enable Disk Use. I had the same problem as you and that fixed it.

IPod Classic won't sync or go into Disk Mode.

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