Itunes/computer won't recognize my ipod - my solution

I offer this only because I had a problem, it got solved and it might help others ...
And the answer was obvious, but only after I solved it ...
My computer wouldn't recognize my ipod. Connected it, nothing happened usually. iTunes wouldn't open. Sometimes it would recognize it for a second. It would toggle between recognition and nothing.
The answer, was simple.
My computer was old. I only had 256 ram.
iTunes is a memory hog.
When I realized this, I had better results when I closed out every other program and eliminated some processes.
But it still didn't work the way it should.
A new computer and a gig of ram ... all good.
Just wanted to share ...

See if any of these articles help.
Windows XP cannot detect an iPod.
USB drivers are not installed properly or are out of date.
iTunes 7 doesn't recognize the iPod.

Similar Messages

Please Help - My iTunes library won't recognize my iPod classic

My iTunes library won't recognize my iPod classic 80gb. I try doing the trouble shooting steps on apple, but they still did not work. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'd love to add some newer music to my old iPod for listening in the car or when travelling. Thanks a lot.

Hello dmbnewfie,
Welcome to the Apple Support Communities!
I understand that your iPod classic is not being recognized in iTunes when you connect it to your computer. I know you have tried some troubleshooting on the Apple website as well, but without knowing which steps you have completed, I would suggest working through the attached iPod classic Troubleshooting Assistant.
Apple - Support - iPod - iPod classic Troubleshooting Assistant
Have a great day,
Joe

HT1351 My computer won't recognize my iPOD Touch even though it dose recognize my Clasic and New Nano. Any suggestions?

My computer won't recognize my iPOD Touch even though it does recognize my Clasic and Nano. Any suggestions?

Well, now I feel like an idiot. I was using TWO CORDS. Ya, don't make my mistake. The one I had a problem with was made by a company that was not apple, and it was for CHARGING. I bought it with charger, and that's all it can do. It doesn't send data like the real cable. So, check your usb cables. :S

Harddrive was replaced and now my computer won't recognize the IPOD

I recently had the hardrive replaced and now I can't seem to get it to charge, my itunes to recognize the ipod. I have tried several times restore and update. All I get is error messages "install wizard could not be completed" and "error in update manager". One thing...I have the IPOD with the color display and when I got it back and plugged it in (it worked long enough to download my music, but the display was in black and white. When I do get something on the screen it is a file with an exclaimation point and the www.apple.com/support/ipod website. HELP!!!!!

Hi,
A colour iPod without a workable system files, will display in play and white. I suggest that you should do a format first, before the Restore.
Please read the following for some suggestions
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.

My computer won't recognize my ipod anymore. after all the trouble shooting i don't have an apple mobile device driver how do i get one?

Please help me! my computer no longer recognizes my ipod. After troubleshooting for 2 days i think I need an apple mobile device driver. How can I get one?

See:
iOS: Device not recognized in iTunes for Windows
I would start with
Removing and reinstalling iTunes, QuickTime, and other software components for Windows Vista or Windows 7
or
Removing and Reinstalling iTunes, QuickTime, and other software components for Windows XP
Run this to help if it identifies the cause
iTunes for Windows: Device Sync Tests
Have you tried on another computer to help determine if you have a computer or iPod problem?

New Computer Won't Recognize my IPOD

I have an IPOD mini and just got a new computer. When I plug it in, the computer says "usb device not recognized". When I look it up it says that there is no driver for the device. It still works fine on my old machine (a slower usb 1.1).

You may want to try these steps, Jacob, after you've installed and run the iPod Updater and your computer still won't recognize the iPod:
First, make hidden folders visible. Open My Computer and choose Tools/Folder Options/View tab. Click on 'Show hidden files and folders' and click OK.
In the Add New Hardware Wizard, have it search in C:\windows\inf for usbstor.inf. This file is required for windows to properly configure the driver. If Windows finds the driver there, you're done.
If Windows does not find the proper driver there, copy usbstor.sys from C:\windows\servicepack\i386 to C:\windows\system32\drivers.
If you can't find the usbstor.inf file on your system, you can get it here: usbstor.inf
After copying the usbstor.inf driver file to C:\Windows\inf, right-click on My Computer and choose Manage.'
Click on the button labeled 'Device Manager.'
Click to open the list under 'Universal Serial Bus Controllers.'
Right click on any mass storage devices with the exclamation icon next to them and select 'Update Driver.'
Check the option 'Install from a list or a specific location' and then click to continue.
Check next to 'Include this location in the search' and enter 'C:\windows\inf'.
Click on 'Next' and follow the steps to complete the driver installation wizard.

ITunes 8 won't recognize my ipod Classic 80GB (Spinning Beach Ball)

I recently upgraded my iMac G5 to 10.5.5 and iTunes 8. When the first time I synced my iPod Classic after the upgrade, it erased everything on my iPod. Now when I start-up iTunes it works fine, however as soon as I connect my iPod I get the spinning beach ball and iTunes freezes. Sometimes if I leave it connected long enough (at least 15 minutes), it's recognized by iTunes and iTunes asks me to restore the iPod. I have done that, but once the restore is complete iTunes still does not recognize my iPod.
In order to get out of iTunes I need to force quit it. A couple of other things to note. My iMac recognizes and mounts my iPod without any problems, as does Disk Utility. I have performed multiple resets of my iPod, repaired permissions, reset the PRAM and even tried reinstalling iTunes 8.
Apparently a similar problem happened with iTunes 7.7, but I haven't read anything regarding this problem and iTunes 8. Has this happened to anybody else? Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks.

Ali Y.,
Have you tested this issue in a different Mac OS X user account? To do so, click on the apple (top left), choose System Preferences and then open Accounts. You will probably have to click on the padlock in the lower left and enter your admin password, then click on the "+" symbol to add an account. Once created, just log out of your current account completely (option also under the apple) and then click on the test account to log into it.
This would be useful in identifying if the issue is with the iPod itself, or maybe file in your original user account that needs to be recreated.
Hope this helps,
Raleigh

Mac Computer won't recognize 3G iPod anymore!

So I have two different iPods, both 3rd generation (10GB and 20GB) which my computers won't recognize. When I go to system profiler, it shoes that an iPod is connected via firewire but that's it. Nothing shows up on my desktop or iTunes application. The iPod will say "do not disconnect" and it looks as if it's charging but that's about it.
FYI: The three different computers I've tried it on 1.) iMac G4 / 1.25 Ghz / 10.5.6 OS X / iTunes 8.0.2, 2.) iMac G4 / 1 Ghz / 10.5.6 OS X / iTunes 8.0.2, and 3.) MacBook Pro / 2.16 Ghz / 10.5.6 OS X / iTunes 8.0.2. NOTHING SEEMS TO WORK
I haven't used these iPods in a long time but they both are responsive to being charged (one of the iPods only seems to charge when in 'disk mode', though). All I'm trying to do basically is restore both of them to their original factory settings and than I hope to start using them again.
If anyone has any suggestions or has dealt with similar problems I'd appreciate any help you can offer me. I currently connect them to my computers through a firewire/dock cable as my usb/dock cable which came with the iPod doesn't seem to work. Sigh.
Thanks

Since you opened it, try disconnecting the battery and the hard drive connector. It connects at two points, one at the hard drive and one at the logic board. Visually inspect the connection points for any corrosion. Then firmly reconnect at those two points and reconnect the battery. Be care with the delicate ribbon cable and connector that connects the two halves of the case. Without closing the case completely, see if it works any better.
NOTE: When you are about to close the case, be sure to align the HOLD switch on the case with the mechanism on the logic board. You'll see what I mean. It is easy to forget and then you have to open the iPod again to get the HOLD switch to work.
It is very possible that the hard drive is faulty. It's the most common failure for any iPod with a hard drive inside.
Both the 10GB and 20GB 3G iPods are the thinner type, with the single-platter hard drive. Those drives go up to 30GB (used in the 4G iPod photo). However, the earlier 30GB drive was the thicker two-platter type, so that type will not fit inside your thin iPod (they were used in the thick body 3G iPod). I've never tried a 30GB thin drive in a 3G iPod, but I see no reason why it would not work.
The larger capacity drives used in later iPods (starting with the 5G "video" iPod) use a different type of connector, so they will not work in any 4G and earlier iPod.
Since you seem to have one of the two working, and those hard drives are a bit expensive (and probably sold as used on eBay), I would put the new battery in the one that works and use the other one for spare parts. The 3G parts, such as the logic board and screen, are interchangeable. The cost of buying a replacement hard drive will get to a good way toward a new iPod that does a lot more stuff.

TS1369 How do you unlock your Ipod when you have exceeded your attempts to unlock it? I have tried connecting it to the host computer but the computer won't recognize the Ipod because it is locked.

How do you unlock an Ipod Touch if you have exceeded your attempts for a valid password. I have connnected the Ipod to my host computer, but the computer doesnt recognize the Ipod because it is locked. The error I get on the Ipod is "Ipod Disabled - connect to Itunes."
thanks

Place the iPod in recovery mode and then restore. For recovery mode:
iPhone and iPod touch: Unable to update or restore

What do you do when the computer won't recognize the ipod attached by the USB cord?

when I attach the USB cord to the computer it says that the device is not recognized. How do you fix that?

Can you try a different USB port?
Does iTunes recognize the iPod when connected under Devices?

My computer won't recognize my iPod Touch

Yesterday I tried to put one song on my iPod, but my computer and iTunes wouldn't recognize the iPod. I tried to get it to work but eventually gave up because I had to leave. When I got back home, I tried again and eventually had to put the iPod into recovery mode. After doing that the iPod was recognized, but I couldn't restore it because everytime I'd get to the Apple logo and the progress bar being on my screen, the progress bar would never move and I'd get an "This iPod could not be recognized (1611)" error.
Today I took the iPod and USB cable over to a friend's, hooked it up and it worked fine. The computer and iTunes recognized it and I was able to restore it and add songs. But when I got home, I tried plugging the iPod in and it wasn't being recognized again. I don't know what the deal is here?
The issue can't be the iPod or USB cable, because those worked just fine when I used them on my friend's computer. I don't think it can be the USB ports on my computer either because I plugged my keyboard into both and it was fine, and I also plugged a USB flash drive into both and it was recognized.
Anyone know how I can fix this or am I going to have to take it to the Apple Store?

Did you also check your security software settings?
Error 1611: This error may indicate a hardware issue with your device. Follow the steps in this article. Alsoattempt to restore while connected with a known-good 30-pin Dock Connector cable, computer, and network to isolate this issue to the device. The MAC address being missing or the IMEI being the default value (00 499901 064000 0) can also confirm a hardware issue. Out-of-date or incorrectly configured proxy or security software, such as FoxyProxy, can cause error 1611. To troubleshoot third-party security software, follow these steps.
copied from Update and restore error messages on iPhone and iPod touch

Itunes/ computer will not recognize new ipod nano

i just bought a new ipod nano 3rd generation and my computer and itunes will not recognize it. i have downloaded the newest version of itunes and my computer meets all of the requirements, and it still is not working. the ipod guide that came with it said that setup assistant should come up, yet it has not.
Message was edited by: ncheels91

There's a long article about that problem:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93716
You have to go step by step, starting with: does Windows recognize the iPod?

My computer won't recognize my iPod

My iPod won't come up in My Computer, and the do Not Disconnect sign doesnt show up on my iPOD. How can i get my computer to recognize the iPOD?

hi Cleatis!
just checking. have you worked through this document yet?
Your Windows PC doesn't recognize iPod
love, b

Itunes 8 won't recognize my ipod. Can anyone help?

After downloading and installing Itunes 8, my ipod will not connect to itunes. Instead, the ipod is recognized as the computer automatically brings up the ipod as a Windows F-drive search. It also shows that there is an ipod control error message that can be sent to Microsoft. I'm no tech savvy person, but I do know that everything was okay prior to Itunes 8. As it stands now I can't purchase new music and can't transfer anything to or from my ipod.
At the minimum can someone tell me how to get the previous version of Itunes back?
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks

Ali Y.,
Have you tested this issue in a different Mac OS X user account? To do so, click on the apple (top left), choose System Preferences and then open Accounts. You will probably have to click on the padlock in the lower left and enter your admin password, then click on the "+" symbol to add an account. Once created, just log out of your current account completely (option also under the apple) and then click on the test account to log into it.
This would be useful in identifying if the issue is with the iPod itself, or maybe file in your original user account that needs to be recreated.
Hope this helps,
Raleigh

Comput won't recognize my iPod

After running the iPod updater because I updated my iTunes to version 6 now the the apple symbols apears, then a graphic to plug in the usb connector (even when its plug in), and then turn off the ipod. And now tried to plug into the computer to run updater again, but it won't even recognize that it has been plugged into the computer.
I'm pretty much at the end of things I can think to do.
This is on a 20gig ipod

I recommend giving Apple feedback on this. Here are 2 official sites:
http://www.apple.com/feedback/ipod.html
http://www.apple.com/feedback/itunes.html

Itunes/computer won't recognize my ipod - my solution

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for