iPod Update 2004-07-15 (#4): Slow transfers after update, solutions; Another fix for mounting problems

In addition to previously noted problems with Apple's iPod 2004-07-15 updater (including an inability to use an iPod after applying the update), we've now received some reports of extremely slow, or stalling transfers with the update.

MacFixIt reader Matthew Bancroft writes "My problem wasn't the installer itself, but rather my iPod's reluctance to transfer music files from iTunes after I restored my iPod via the 'iPod Updater: 2004-17-15.'

"iTunes would transfer about 80 songs at a very slow pace before completely locking up and freezing my entire iMac G4.

Potential solutions In Bancroft's case, temporarily disconnecting an iSight camera allowed proper transfer.

He writes: "The fix [in my case] was to disconnect my iPod from my iMac, do a clean reboot of my iMac, unplug my iSight camera and plug the iPod back in. The moment I did these steps, iTunes opened as usual and transferred the songs at their normal blistering pace. It's seems that having the iSight plugged in was bogging my FireWire connection and slowing iTunes to the point of lock-up."

This is not the first time we have encountered reports of iSight interference with normal iPod operation. In fact, there is a relatively widespread issue where Apple's iSight interferes with the operation of other FireWire devices -- and one of the devices most susceptible to this problem is the iPod. For some users, when the iSight is connected and capturing video, their iPod disappears from the Desktop and from the iTunes playlist, while the iPod status screen cycles from the Apple logo to a "Do not Disconnect" message over and over.

The previously reported problems also include a slowdown of transfer rates. One reader wrote "With the iSight connected, it takes forever to update files on my iPod (30 minutes for 70 tracks) and the whole system runs slowly. [The problem is solved] by disconnecting the iSight; iTunes update now takes seconds."

If you are having similar problems, make sure you are using the latest version of the iSight software,

For more information about iSight interference with normal iPod operation, see the "Troubleshooting the iPod and iPod mini" special report.

Resetting PRAM Other users report that resetting PRAM, fixes the same slow-transfer issue.

Another fix for mounting problems Meanwhile, MacFixIt reader Thomas Berglund found that deleting these specific files:

• com.apple.iPod.plist (/Library/Preferences/)
• com.apple.iPod.plist (~/Library/Prefereces/)
• iPod2004-07-15.pkg (/Library/Receipts/)

allowed him to once again mount his iPod, which he was unable to mount (see previous report) after applying the iPod Updater 2004-07-15. He writes "I then did a restart, and now everything is working very well! I have connected and disconnected my iPod many times now without a hitch!"

Remember that if you previously updated your iPod with the latest available software (iPod Updater 2004-04-28), there is no need to apply the iPod Updater 2004-07-15 as both updates include the iPod 2.2 software.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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