IPod Mini works with FireWire, won't work with USB

This one's frustrating.
I have a generic P4 3.2Ghz PC running XP Pro SP2. It used to work fine with my iPod Mini. I then had some problems with usb drives, including its internal drives and the iPod. Eventually I bought the USB/Firewire cable, and all has been fine synching over Firewire since then.
I've now bought my wife a Nano, and I wanted to check (before she opens it) whether the USB connection to my mini would work (nanos not working with Firewire). Nope. If I connect with Firewire, it shows up as a disk in Windows, and in iTunes. If I connect with USB, it shows up as a disk in Windows, but iTunes can't see it.
I've Reset the iPod, Rebooted the PC (many times throughout the process), uninstalled and Reinstalled iTunes and the iPod software (freshly downloaded from Apple). Tried all the USB connections on the box, and another cable.
Any practical suggestions? If her birthday present doesn't work, there will be sarcasm
PC Windows XP Pro

I HATE WINDOWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So it now works. I "just" had to uninstall the "PCI to USB Enhanced Host Controller" in Device Manager. Plugged the iPod straight back in, and it appeared in iTunes.
Now to see if I have to do this every time I synch over USB - annoying as I'm saving up for a 6G (whatever and whenever it turns out to be).
Thanks for your time anyone who's read this.
Phil

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IPod Mini Compatibility with USB 1.1 (Please help!)

Hello. I'm turning 21 in a few days and am away at college... my parents, while divorced, decided to join forces to buy me a really nice gift for my 21st birthday... a brand new iPod Mini. My mom attempted to get me a Nano, she tells me, but they were out and the salesperson said this one actually held more music for about the same price, so she did the right thing in my opinion.
Anyway, I for whatever reason instantly had the worry that this iPod won't work with my computer. I don't have a lot of money so when I was a freshman in college I purchased a Dell for $500 which is still my computer right now. It has a USB 1.1 port. I run iTunes already as my music browser so I'm not worried about the program not working... I am simply concerned that when I receive the gift in the coming days that I won't be able to use it with my computer because of the older USB port. I've read stuff on the net that says that USB 1.1 WILL work, others have said it won't.
So does anyone have a sraight answer? Will my iPod Nano be usable using my circa 2002 Dell Dimension Desktop with USB 1.1? Anything on this would be greatly appreciated. I hope it works... my parents don't exactly have $250 to throw around for something I can't use.
Thank you so much for reading, hope to hear from some of you soon! -Colin Moriarty

Welcome to Apple Discussions.
I would say USB 1.1 should work, but there is no absolute guarantee it will. The iPod nano should also work with USB 1.1, but again there is no absolute guarantee. If it works, the transfer speed will be slow but I believe you are prepared for this.
Stop worrying, Colin, for the time being. If you have any problems with your new gift, post back and we will try to help.
Meanwhile, I use my 2 iPod minis with Firewire, and both work perfectly. So if you have problems in the future you may consider switching to Firewire (by getting a Firewire PCI card and a Firewire iPod cable).

Does the iPod Mini Work with Windows?

I am thinking of buying an iPod mini but I don't have an Apple computer. Does the iPod mini work with Windows efficiently? Thanks....

Hello Ian,
Can you be really specific about the necessary Windows XP updates needed? I run XP Pro on a rather new computer and just got an IPOD mini. I'm ready to tear my hair out because iTunes seems to crash my computer every time I change one CD for another. iTunes runs REALLY, REALLY slow for me. Also read on the board that iTunes 6.0 and the mini don't work well together. True or not true?
Thanks - Genevieve

5th gen ipod not recognized by windows, but old ipod min works fine.

my new ipod is not recognized by windows at all. my old ipod mini works fine. i even uninstalled everything and tried reinstalling the new ipod. after that didnt work, i plugged in my mini, and it reinstalled perfectly.
I also plugged my new 5th gen into another computer with itunes and it recognized it perfectly.
is there some sort of software conflict between the mini and other ipods? this is driving me insane.

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.
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

TS1538 Running Windows XP,Ipod Mini works fine,but Ipod Nano visible in Windows,but not Itunes.Have loaded latest version of ITunes.How do I prceed

Am running Windows XP pro,Ipod Mini works fine,but Ipod Nano is visible in my computer as a mass storage device,but not in Itunes.The settings on the Ipod says Version 1.0.2 Mac.Have tried all the trouble shooting solutions under Itunes help,but no success.Is it a problem with the Ipod or my Windows computer?Please help.Thanks Marcus.

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1363

I disconnected my Ipod classic from a receiver in "user" mode and now I can't get the Ipod to work via USB in my car or receiver. HELP!!

I disconnected my Ipod classic from a receiver in "user" mode and now I can't get the Ipod to work via USB in my car or receiver. HELP!!

See the following for how much you will have to pay for the exchange.
Apple - Support - iPod - Repair pricing

Strange case of ipod mini working but not

I have an Ipod mini which had died (blank screen, no response to charger etc) and I assumed it was battery related.
I fitted a new battery but still no response either when connected to my mac or the USB charger?
Purely by chance I placed it in an Altec Lansing inMotion speaker system and it came to life, sort of! It indicates charge, it works ie plays back music through the speakers and earphones. I can even connect to it from the mac as long as I plug the cable into the back of the inMotion set. However if I remove it it goes blank and does not respond even if connected to the mac directly by the cable.
Any ideas as to what to try next having done a full restore once I achieved the connection via the inMotion?
Yours very puzzled!!!
iMac Mac OS X (10.4.8)

I am having the exact same problem. I have a mini that was connected to my alarm clock all night, plays fine there and also plays fine on my Bose speaker system when docked.
Once I take it off...nothing. I can't get it to turn on by itself or when it's connected to any computer (also tried 2 different usb cords) and iTunes will not recognize it because it won't power on. I have tried to reset the mini and follow the standard procedure like plugging it in to charge for a few hours but nothing seems to work. Hopefully somebody has a suggestion for this.
Dell Windows 2000
Dell Windows 2000

Ipod mini works, but wont play music or eratically plays static

I have rebooted the software and gotten the latest updates on the ipod. menu works fine, but when it comes to playing music, there is either no sound or sporatic static, like its having a hard time reading the digital music. thoughts anyone?
sony vaio Windows 2000

Have you been through these?
The Five Rs.

IPod mini frozen with Apple logo on screen

After charging the iPod several nights ago, the Apple logo has remained permanently on the screen until the battery runs down. We have tried all the combinations of resetting it, and occassionally get a flicker of a line on the screen, but the logo always comes back. The only other display is the low battery symbol when we attempt to reset it when the battery is low.
The iPod is also no longer communicating with the computer as it does not appear in iTunes. We have had a bit of trouble with it over the past 6 months, having had to deal with several other frozen episodes, but it usually comes back to life. Not this time however.
I have not attempted a full restore yet - is this likely to achieve anything or does it need service (or a good stomping on perhaps?)
thanks
Windows XP

Before you go to buy a new one, do you want to have a last try?
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/
In case you need an old versions (window only)
http://www.ipodwizard.net/showthread.php?t=7369
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.“HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool”.
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=501330&tstart=0
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”
Exclamation point and folder and nothing else
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2997880
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 mini problems with itunes 5

I am having a ton of problems with my ipod mini since updating to itunes 5 and wanted to know if anyone else is having the same experience. Itunes is working fine, but my songs won't transfer to my mini. The ipod will act like it is updating, and even begin the update process, but it will crash and become unresponsive before the update completes. I've removed and reinstalled itunes 5 and quicktime multiple times. I've also restore my ipod to the factory settings and updated the software. I've tried disabling my mcaffee virus protection, and also disabling my cookie blocker. Still no luck.
Is anyone else having similar problems? I'm pretty much at a loss right now and don't know what else to do but bring the ipod back to best buy (I bought the service plan). Just a note, I never had a problem before updating to itunes 5.

Have you tried to reset your iPod? Hold the MENU & PLAY/PAUSE buttons at the same time until you see the Apple logo on your screen and then release. Try to transfer songs to your mini and see if it works. If it doesn't, if I were you, I'd take it back to Best Buy and ask them what's going on.
I just updated my iTunes software and I am not having this problem.

Ipod Mini - Problem with power

Hi all!!!
i've got a problem with my Mini Ipod.
Suddendly it seems that the battery of my Ipod doesn't recharge. I've changed computer (both with Windows XP) and cable and i've tried also with an iHome alarm clock/Radio. But nothig seems to work so i think that the problem is with the iPod.
Forward the Ipod seems to "tilt" because sometimes when i connect it to the pc the monitor freezes with the picture of the battery recharging but it's frozen and i need to reset it also after i have to disconnect it from the PC.
May some of you can help me giving some good advice!!
thanks and bye
Dario

Not too sure, but I believe it is the time to have the battery replacement for your iPod mini. Normally, the battery needs to be replacement after 18-24 months

IPod Mini failed with iPod Updater 2005-06-26 & iTunes 4.9

Has anyone experienced iPod mini first generation failing completely (running low on batteries) after installing the iPod Updater 2005-06-26 & iTunes 4.9?
My iPod mini showed "Low battery sign please recharge" after being fully charged shortly after I installed the latest updater and iTunes 4.9. My iPod mini would show low battery status after playing 5 minutes or less. After several attempts to reinstall the latest update and iTunes software, I resolved the issue by reverting back to the original iPod Updater 2004-04-28 and iTunes 4.5. Now my iPod functions as before with the expected battery life.

Yeah, I didn't download it for that reason. I like my itunes the way they are. My iPod didn't work with the other one. So, I restored it. I don't plan to change my iTunes until i know for sure the new one is fool proof.

IPod mini problems with iTunes 7

Hey all.
I wanted to share my experiences with everyone to see if anyone has been experiencing similar difficulties.
I own a second-generation ipod mini. It is a little over a year old and was given to me as a gift. It has worked great as a hard drive, and I am a music education student so I use my iPod several times a day. Just a few days ago I installed iTunes 7 on my computer. I plugged in my iPod and it hasn't worked since. I have visited several forums and it seems lots of other iPod owners are experiencing difficulties with the new iTunes download and their iPods. I tried re-setting the ipod, re-storing it, I have called several places in town for support and have also called a 1-800 mac support line. The support line was not helpful at all since I am not under warrenty anymore, and I was told that I could pay 30 dollars for troubleshooting. Of course, there's no guarantee that will fix the problem, and let's be honest, I'm a college student. Money is hard to come by.
I have tried uninstalling iTunes, re-installing an older version, I have used the iPod installation software that came with the purchase, I have asked the person who bought me the ipod, a die-hard mac fan and computer science major and he has worked for several hours to fix the solution. No one seems to be owning up to the problem or admitting the cause.
My iPod has crashed because of apple's iTunes software and it has been extremely disappointing trying to get it replaced or even trying to talk to someone without being charged. I think since the device is less than two years old and cost quite a bit of money, and iTunes is what broke it, I don't think I should have to pay 189 dollars for out-of-warrenty service that doesn't guarantee it fixed.
This is extremely disappointing. For years I have heard what great reliable products apple produces. I was planning my next major computer purchase to be a mac book but now I am seriously reconsidering since no one seems to want to help. My faith in apple is diminishing, and I think I may not be the only one.
Compaq Presario Windows XP

one more time,
ok, so we know what you have done to try to resolve the issue, but we do not know what the issue is. "My iPod has crashed because of apple's iTunes software" tells us absolutely nothing about your problem.
So... try again.
What is the problem that you would like assistance with?
My point is that I do not see how installing new iTunes software could be a direct cause of iPod Hardware failure, so if you give more information about the problem you are experiencing, someone here may be able to help you find a solution.

Ipod not charging with usb, but will with firewire?

ipod will only charge at apple store using a firewire charger. What can I do? It seems not to charge are all using usb.

Why not just use Firewire? If Firewire works, use that. There is no need to send the iPod in for service if Firewire works and USB does not.
the reason I would send it in for service if the USB portion of the connector is not working is:
1) it could be a problem that will propegate to the firewire side of the connector
2) because the USB side should be working
3) if I am someplace with a machine that does not have a firewire port to plug into
if its covered under the warranty, then get it fixed so everything works
imho

IPod mini dock with nano issue

After seeing a few people use their iPod mini dock successfully with the Nano, I thought I would try it on mine. It works just fine, except for the fact that after leaving the nano in the dock for a day or so I noticed that it became loose and I had to push it down again on the connector.
Has anyone else experienced this?

Probably just because while the connector is the same the molding is sized for the Mini not the Nano so it's not surprising it might come loose.

IPod Mini works with FireWire, won't work with USB

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