"The iPod cannot be synched. The required disk cannot be found."

Brand new 30GB video iPod, synching with a WindowsXP laptop. First time I plugged it in it synched beautifully (I already had iTunes v7 installed). Then I bought some new tunes and a TV show on iTunes the same day and tried synching again, but got this error: "The iPod cannot be synched. The required disk cannot be found." Huh? It just worked a second ago.
So after much frustration and trial-and-error, I finally de-installed and re-installed iTunes v7 on my laptop. Restarted computer, and synching functions again. Yah! Then I got overconfident: I bought MORE iTunes and TV shows. Now the same "required disk missing" error. What disk??? I can't keep de-installing and re-installing iTunes every time I buy a new song just to get it to synch!
Can somebody help?

Thanks! This got me some momentum, but even after adding the patch and restoring my iPod, it still hangs while synching. I let it synch and run all night long, and in the morning I still got the "do not disconnect" sign on the iPod and the "synching" message on iTunes. The new videos/songs did synch eventually, but every time I plug in the iPod it hangs after synching.
Maybe iPod/iTunes just don't like PCs?

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The required disk cannot be found

I changed the settings on my iPod nano so that it would sync songs from a new playlist I created. However, once I did that and hit "Sync", it kept telling me that the iPod cannot be synced because the required disk cannot be found. I tried ejecting and plugging in my iPod again, however, every time I plug it back in the settings go back to the original, and I have to change them to sync to the new playlist again. But every time I do this, I keep getting the same error message (The required disk cannot be found). So I deleted the old playlist entirely and as a result, all the songs on my iPod disappeared and it now keeps giving me a message that the playlists to sync to no longer exist. And if I try to change the settings so it would sync to the new playlist, I once again keep getting the message that the required disk cannot be found. Can anyone help?

Use this tip at your own risk. If it works on my PC, it can work on yours.
For the ones having that iTunes problem, which iTunes recognizes the iPod but doesn't sync and shows the message "iPod cannot be synced. Required disk cannot be found" or ""The iPod could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (1418)", here's my advice:
1 - Read the Apple Troubleshooting article available at http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304996. Try every solutions, even the one saying "Try deleting or removing any third-party Windows OS skins, Windows themes, or desktop mods that are installed(...)". Yes, you should uninstall VistaMizer. He's the one who messed up your computer.
2 - Still not working? Try reinstalling your iTunes, but backup your library first.
3 - And finally, the solution which really worked well. Disconnect your iPod, close iTunes. Remove the iPod from the dock, open "My Computer" and leave the window on a visible spot. Place the iPod on the dock. Check if any new removable drives appear. If it does, keep reading. If not, then I'm afraid I can't help you. Now that we can see the iPod drive, open iTunes. [POINT OF RESTART] Put the new songs you want, as much as you want, or delete the old ones, do something that trigger the automatic syncing by iTunes. The software will try to sync, and it probably will show the same problem as before. Don't panic, everything is fine, don't use CTRLALTDEL, please. Just close the window displaying the odd message when it appears. Leave iTunes open, displaying your iPod content. Go back to the "My Computer" window. Leave it on a visible spot. Now let's start the magic, go to "Start" -> "Control Panel" -> "Add New Hardware". Click on "Next". You will see your iPod drive reappearing on the "My Computer" window. Just return to the iTunes window, click on "File", "Sync iPod" and it's done. After syncing, the iPod drive will disappear from the "My Computer" window. To sync again, repeat the operation from the point of restart. To eject your iPod, do it as you would do on a normal operation.
That is just a trick, but it works perfectly while Apple doesn't release a bug fix. Forcing the detection of the iPod drive was the only solution that I found after hours trying to make my brand new iPod Shuffle work. Sorry for any misunderstandings caused by bad english.
Solution by Renato Caggiano Concilio
*Keep the credits, please!*

2 error msgs while synching to I-pod touch. "An error occurred while writing to the device. Also, I-pod cann be synced, required disk cannot be found.

Two error messages appear while trying to synch to I-pod touch. "I-pod cannot be synced. An error occurred while writing to the device." Second msg: I-pod cannot be synced, required disk cannot be found."

The latter error can usually be resolved by deleting the iPod Photo Cache folder. See the following for its location.
iTunes: Photo sync creates iPod Photo Cache folder
For the former error, I would try again. Then I would reset the iPod and try again.
Press and hold the On/Off Sleep/Wake button and the Home
button at the same time for at least ten seconds, until the Apple logo appears.
- Next I would restore the iPod.

Weird Problem "The iPod cannot be synced. The required disk cannot be found

I have had my 2nd gen Ipod Shuffle since May 9th, 2008 and it has never given me problems until now. My computer was getting kind of backed up (I am running on 37.5 gig with 256 mb of RAM), so I decided to completely re-do my computer. Not a problem, I have done it hundreds of times before. Well, I get everything set up again and decide to change what is on my shuffle. I plug it into my computer like normal and Itunes comes up asking to erase and sync to the computer. Everything looks fine. But then when it goes to sync, it comes up with the error "The iPod cannot be synced. The required disk cannot be found.". So I reinstall Itunes and try it again. Same problem. Then I format it using my computer. The problem is still there. I tried to restore it in Itunes, but it came up with the error again and froze. Then I downloaded the ipod restore program and ran it, and it did take everything off. I plugged it back in, but it still had the same problem, even when it was completely re-set. I even tried unplugging my mouse and keyboard, but it didn't work. Then I decided to experiment. I uninstalled Itunes for a while and plugged the ipod into my computer to see it it would show up as a disk. It did. Then I reinstalled itunes and tried it again, but as soon as itunes started up, the ipod icon in the "My Computer" box disappeared. So I cannot use itunes to fix my problems because the computer reads that the ipod isn't there while itunes is running.
I have no idea what to do now, and if anyone knows, please help me!!!
Thanks
P.S. Sorry this was so long

I apologise beforehand this messgae is long
I have a strange problem too. This doesn't involve "required disk not found" problem.
I also have a 2nd generation IPod Shuffle.
I have a Windows XP and the latest service pack, so my PC is not at fault. I have all my music on an external hard drive which works all the time, as i have playlists in ITunes and Windows Media Player and they always work. I also bought a 80GB Ipod some 2 years ago never had a problem with the music being on an external hard drive.
With the shuffle i made a playlist up of all the tracks i wanted on it. I then Plugged the shuffle in and i seemed to sync. The playlist has 200 tracks this in total is 900MB. The shuffle is 2GB!!
After syncing i unplugged went to listen and only 5!!! songs were on it.
I noticed that the external hard drive was dissapearing. I mean when i go into my computer and into external hard drive and it was empty. When its got 350 albums on it, 1000s of pictures etc.
The external hard drive seems to dissapear when the shuffle is plugged in
Does anybody know how to fix this as listening to 5 songs i rather boring!!!!

Receive error message, The iPod cannot be synced. The required disk cannot be found. iPod nano 6th Gen, all latest updates, Macbook Pro, with OS 10.6.7

Receive error message, "The iPod cannot be synced. The required disk cannot be found. This is a iPod nano 6th Gen, all updates on iTunes and iPod, Macbook Pro OS 10.6.7. This is getting frustrating. I have changed USB ports, cables, reset, restored and was able to sync one time in parts, not all songs at once. I have seen a lot of this same issue, will Apple please find a solution, nothing works, I think I wasted my money with this iPod. I have the iPod touch, iPod shuffle, 4th gen iPod nano, iPhone and iPad. This is the only device that has this issue.

I was actually able to investigate and solve the problem myself. After readng many posts, I found that someone else's tips worked for me:
Re: 30gb 5th gen. Probs syncing.
Posted: Oct 13, 2009 8:48 AM in response to: johnnyfrommars
Try running a disk check out the iPod using the tools provided by windows.
To do this:
1. Plug in your iPod and close iTunes.
2. Go to "My Computer". Click on the iPod drive once. Go to File, and then click Properties.
3. Go to the Tools tab. Under "Error Checking", click Check Now.
4. Check both boxes. One says "Automatically fix file system errors" and the other says "Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors". Place a check mark next to each of these options and hit Start.
The scan may take several minutes or more to complete, but once it has, go ahead and restart iTunes, and try re-syncing files to your iPod.
B-rock

When i connect my ipod shuffle to itunes i get an error message the ipod cannot be synced, the required disk cannot be found anyone have this happen?

When i connect my ipod shuffle to itunes i get an error message the ipod cannot be synced, the required disk cannot be found anyone have this happen? How do i get past it?

I seem to recall that this may be cause by overloading the USB bus (lack of power to go around). Shut down your computer. Reset the iPod shuffle using this procedure.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1655
Disconnect ALL peripheral USB devices, including keyboard and mouse. Power up the computer. If you need your mouse, connect it and launch iTunes. Connect the iPod shuffle to a direct USB port and try the sync again. See if there is any difference.

When synching my IPhone 3Gs I now get a sign "Attempting to copy to Disk failed. The required disk cannot be found." This is after synching a new Iphone 4s.. Help!!

When attempting to synch my IPhone 3Gs I now get a sign "Attempting to copy to Disk failed. The required disk cannot be found."
This is after synching a new Iphone 4s and having received some help from Apple Support who assisted with some setting
changes. Unfortunately this was over a protracted period of time and I cannot recall what was changed. Apparently my 3Gs is out of
its warranty and so they cannot help me unless I pay £25....
Can anyone help??
Johnm2429

Well, attempted again today and now my iTunes locks up whenever I select a song! Also, my Volume Mixer on my Windows 7 will not open. Just terrific. Where's my MacBook???????????????

My new ipod nano does not sync the ipod name cannot be synced the required disk cannot be found

my new ipod nano does not sync the ipod name cannot be synced the required disk cannot be found

Wow .... so you are syncing via WiFi when you sync .... would that be correct?
I would still quit iTunes and then restart and see what happens. The iPad and iTunes must be playing some weird games.
If you do sync via WiFi (I do), I think you are better off closing iTunes when you are done - unless of course you are using iTunes for Home Sharing or something like that. My experience is that if you leave iTunes running, the iPad and iTunes just start sending weird signals back and forth.
Since I started Wifi syncing, I have seen messages in iTunes that made absolutely no sense at all. Anyway, that's my take on it. If you do not WiFi sync, then I have no clue why you are getting these messages.

The iPod cannot be synced. The required disk cannot be found.

Once upon a time, my iPod ran out of space.
Ok anyways,
because my iPod ran out of space, it guided me to make a playlist that the iPod will sync with, excluding songs I didn't need. Now, I deleted a whole bunch of songs and realized I had space again. I tried making it sync with All songs and playlists, but then the error shown on the title shows up. This is sort of confusing.
I'm talking about the window when you sync your iPod. The window shows your capacity at the bottom, and the tabs summary, music, podcasts, photos, and contacts. When I sync it, it automatically goes to Selected Playlists. I want it to be selected at All songs and playlists.
Help is needed. :]
(btw, the SAME EXACT THING happens with uploading photos. Help would be needed here too, but I think an answer can resolve both of these.)

With those symptoms, it's probably worth checking on the digital signing issues discussed in the following document:
iTunes displays -50 error message when syncing iPod on Windows XP
(Your "required disk" message is also a possible symptom, even though you're not getting a -50.)

Solution to "The iPod cannot be synced. The required disk cannot be found."

Follow these steps exactly and you should have an iPod free from the dreaded "Disk not available" error! Please note that I've only encountered this problem on my iPod Shuffle (2nd Gen), so have only been able to confirm this working on that, YMMV.
To begin with, ensure iTunes is not running, and your iPod is not connected. Make sure you read through the following steps before your begin.
1. Run "c:\WINDOWS\system32\devmgmt.msc" (this is the Device Manager), this will need to be used later, but you'll need it quickly when you do.
2. Start iTunes
3. Connect iPod
4. Go to your iPod Settings and select "Enable disk use"
5. A dialog box will pop up reminding you that you'll need to manually eject. Hit OK
6. Hit Apply to save changes to the iPod
7. Quickly switch to Device Manager window and right-click on any item there and select "Scan for hardware changes"
8. Switch back to iTunes, where you should have a nice, working iPod!
Hope this helps everyone, please post you results
If anyone is interested, I strongly suspect that this issue arises from the iPod trying to use the full 500 mA of power from the USB port, and some computer manufacturers being a bit cheap in their choice of components resulting in the iPod not getting quite enough power and so failing to retain its connection when not in disk usage mode. This can also sometimes happen if you have a lot of USB devices trying to run off the same USB hub.

Okay...I'M SOMEWHAT COMPUTER LITERATE BUT THIS WHOLE PROBLEM IS MAKING ME FEEL STUPID!!! I have tried following the solution for this problem as listed but I don't get the popup etc. I need a more step-by-stepp solution..can anyone help? First of all, should my ipod usb connector be plugged in before I being the steps listed?
1. Run "c:\WINDOWS\system32\devmgmt.msc" (this is the Device Manager), this will need to be used later, but you'll need it quickly when you do.
I WAS ABLE TO DO THIS
2. Start iTunes
(CANNOT DO THIS AS THIS IS WHERE I GET THE ERROR MESSAGE)
3. Connect iPod
THE USB CONNECT OR PLACE iPOD IN THE DOCKING/CHARGING PORT)?
4. Go to your iPod Settings and select "Enable disk use"
WHEN I GO TO THIS, I HAVE ABOUT 20 "SETTINGS" AND NONE SHOW "ENABLE DISK USE". CAN YOU PROVIDE MORE CLARIFICATION?
5. A dialog box will pop up reminding you that you'll need to manually eject. Hit OK
EVEN WHEN I CHOOSE ONE OF THE 20 "SETTINGS" I DON'T GET THIS MESSAGE.
I'VE HAD THIS SHUFFLE SINCE BEFORE CHRISTMAS AND CANNOT GET IT TO WORK. I AM SOOO DISAPPOINTED.

Ipod cant be synced .. the required disk cannot be found

i plugged my ipod n it synced n updated ma music n videos n finished , then i made some changes ( added a song n erased some other ) so i chose SYNC n an error msg appeared after some time ( ipod cant be synced . the required disk cant be found ) ...
is this related to that ma ipod is not switched to diskdrive n whenever i plug it it appears on MY COMPUTER taking drive J or something as a name n then it totally disappears n when i changed it to disk it did the same thing appears on MY COMPUTER list n then disappears ...or is it just normal to appear n then disappear like that ?? n that error msg is caused by something else
does anybody knows wuts wrong wid it????

Please ask someone with knowledge of English to assist you with your post.

TS1538 message said the ipod cannot be synced , the required disk cannot be

plug in ipod it doesomething then ejects

With those symptoms, it's probably worth checking on the digital signing issues discussed in the following document:
iTunes displays -50 error message when syncing iPod on Windows XP
(Your "required disk" message is also a possible symptom, even though you're not getting a -50.)

"The iPhone cannot be synced. The required disk cannot be found."

I have been having this problems since I got my iphone last year. Early on the phone would sync after 2-3 tries but as of the last 2-3 months I have been only able to sync it 2-3 times even after trying all the solutions presented by the troubleshooting and reading forum posts that seem to have a similar or near similar problem.
The first message I get after having the phone sync is
"The iPhone cannot be synced. The required disk cannot be found."
After itunes attempts to sync again I get a different message that says
"The iPhone cannot be synced. An error occurred while writing to the device."
Ive ran the diagnostic and this is what I got:
Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
EVGA__ 132-YW-E179-FTW
iTunes 9.1.0.79
QuickTime 7.6.6
FairPlay 1.7.16
Apple Application Support 1.2.1
iPod Updater Library 9.0d11
CD Driver 2.2.0.1
CD Driver DLL 2.1.1.1
Apple Mobile Device 3.0.0.102
Apple Mobile Device Driver 1.46.0.0
Bonjour 2.0.0.34 (214.3)
iTunes Serial Number 5DD5EE0A2E39800E
Current user is an administrator.
The current local date and time is 2010-04-21 16:55:29.
iTunes is not running in safe mode.
Video Display Information
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260
** External Plug-ins Information **
No external plug-ins installed.
The drive E: Memorex 52MAX 325216AJv2 Rev RW$5 is a USB 2 device.
** Network Connectivity Tests **
Network Adapter Information
Adapter Name: {5EC41707-0E19-4943-9EBF-169BD17E249E}
Description: NVIDIA nForce Networking Controller - Packet Scheduler Miniport
IP Address: 192.168.15.4
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.15.1
DHCP Enabled: Yes
DHCP Server: 192.168.15.1
Lease Obtained: Wed Apr 21 16:35:40 2010
Lease Expires: Wed Apr 21 17:35:40 2010
DNS Servers: 192.168.15.1
192.168.15.1
Active Connection: LAN Connection
Connected: Yes
Online: Yes
Using Modem: No
Using LAN: Yes
Using Proxy: No
Firewall Information
Windows Firewall is on.
iTunes is enabled in Windows Firewall.
Connection attempt to Apple web site was successful.
Connection attempt to iTunes Store was successful.
Secure connection attempt to iTunes Store was successful.
Secure connection attempt to iPhone activation server was successful.
Last successful store access was 2010-04-21 16:15:50.
** CD/DVD Drive Tests **
No drivers in LowerFilters.
UpperFilters: GEARAspiWDM (2.2.0.1),
D: SONY DVD RW DRU-V200A, Rev 1.60
Drive is empty.
D: SONY DVD RW DRU-V200A, Rev 1.60
Drive is empty.
E: Memorex 52MAX 325216AJv2, Rev RW$5
Data or MP3 CD in drive.
Found 1 songs on CD, playing time 255:57 on CDROM media.
Track 1, start time 00:02:00
Get drive speed succeeded.
The drive CDR speeds are: 4.
The drive CDRW speeds are: 4.
** iPod/iPhone Connectivity Tests **
iPodService 9.1.0.79 is currently running.
iTunesHelper 9.1.0.79 is currently running.
Apple Mobile Device service 3.0.0.0 is currently running.
Universal Serial Bus Controllers:
Standard OpenHCD USB Host Controller. Device is working properly.
Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller. Device is working properly.
FireWire (IEEE 1394) Host Controllers:
Texas Instruments OHCI Compliant IEEE 1394 Host Controller. Device is working properly.
Most Recent Device Not Currently Connected:
iPod nano (4th Generation) running firmware version 1.0.4
Serial Number: YM9023TZ5BF
iPhone 3GS running firmware version 3.1.3
Serial Number: 879230PW3NP
** iPhone/iPod Touch Sync Tests **
Sync tests completed successfully.
If anyone has a possible solution please let me know as its getting very frustrating not being able to update my phone.
Message was edited by: powerweb11

I had the same problem and fixed it.
"The iPhone cannot be synced. An error occurred while writing to the device."
I think it is caused by downloading too many apps, or large apps, and then when syncing over USB it doesn't recognise the iPhone and you get "The iPhone cannot be synced. An error occurred while writing to the device."
To fix this:
1. Ensure iTunes is closed & iPhone is disconnected but keep USB cable connected to iPhone
2. hold down CTRL + SHIFT on your keyboard
3. connect USB cable to PC and wait. If iTunes doesn't start for a minute then start it (keeping hold of CTRL + SHIFT)
4. if it wont let you start iTunes or all your icons are selected then release CTRL + SHIFT
5. when iTunes starts it may ask you about safe mode or something similar, say yes
6. Your iPhone should list as a device as normal, click sync.
It will then start the sync as normal and you may find it will transfer only one or two apps and you may get the dreaded error message again as I did. However, persist with the above steps and eventually it sync'd all my apps with no error message. Because I have only just done this I haven't downloaded any more apps so it might be a frequent thing but better than the error message.

TS3474 the required disk cannot be found,can not sync

i bought music and when i go to sync to my device it says "The ipod cannot be synced the required disk cannot be found".

What have you tried in terms of troubleshooting so far? Has the iPod ever been able to successfully sync with this PC and iTunes before or is this the first time you are connecting it?
I would first make sure you are plugging the iPod into a high powered USB 2.0 port directly on your PC and NOT through a HUB. If possible, use a different USB sync cable to rule out a damaged/faulty cable as well.
Is the Enable Disk Use option ticked from under the iPod's Summary tab in iTunes?
B-rock

Syncing: "the required disk cannot be found".

Trying to sync my daughters Ipod touch 4th gen and it goes thru all the motions and then says "the required disk cannot be found". The Ipod is connected up and charging and has synced before so why not now?? Pls Help!!!!
I can see the ipod on my Computer. I am using itunes 10 and windows vista.

Are you also syncing photos? If yes, try to delete the photo cache, explained in this article: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1314

"The iPod cannot be synched. The required disk cannot be found."

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