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Resolved Question

80GB iPod Classic Sync Problems

Aug 31, 2011 9:55PM PDT

Hello.

I recently bought an 80GB iPod Classic 6th Gen. I have been trying to no avail
to get it to regularly sync.


My PC is a Dell Pentium 4 2 GHz with 2 MB RAM, running Windows XP Pro SP2.

I have tried the following:
--Resetting the iPod
--Restoring the iPod
--Restarting my PC
--Uninstalling and reinstalling iTunes
--Using an older version of iTunes (8.0; I found out that some Classics were
having sync issues with version 9 and above)
--Switching USB ports
--Using a dedicated USB port instead of a USB hub
--Starting iTunes first
--Letting the connected iPod start iTunes
--Clearing related files (such as Bonjour)
--Changing the drive letter of the iPod
--Running it in Disk Mode
--Disabling my anti-virus software while attempting the sync
--Altering the security permissions on the iTunes, iPod, and music folders
(including disabling "Read-Only" for all files in all these folders)
--Using alternate player/sync programs (including Songbird, Floola, Ephpod, and
Yamipod. The latest version of Songbird does not have a plugin support for
iPods, and I could not find older versions.)


The iPod had songs on it when I received it. It did sync once with iTunes, and
I was able to remove the songs. When I attempted to add my music to it, it
acknowledged the addition of my library, but none of the songs appeared (though
it registered space used).


Diagnostic tests from iTunes have always shown no sync, and occasionally show
no iPod recognized. Both versions of iTunes have also been frequently crashing.


I have also received an error message on occasion when the iPod is connected. I
have not been able to get the full text of the message, but the general message
is "Windows encountered an error while writing to "I". Some of the data was
lost." I am not sure exactly why it appears sometimes but not all the time.


While I am using an off-brand USB cable, Windows Explorer is consistently recognizing the iPod. The following folders appear: Calendars, Contacts, Notes, Recordings.
A file labeled .metadata_never_index also appears, though it shows as 0 kb.
Notes contains a file named "Instructions." I have opened it in Notepad, and
all it says is INSTRUCTIONS. The other folders are empty.


Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Discussion is locked

Lycanthrokeith has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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I might have another suggestion....
Sep 1, 2011 3:33AM PDT

I was having a similar issue with my Droid X and my laptop using an off-brand USB cable. My phone would charge but my laptop (Windows 7) wouldn't recognize my phone was connected. After using a different cable (that came with the phone) it worked just fine. Some USB data cables are not cable of 2 way communication between the devices. You may have to buy a more expensive data cable to solve the issue.

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Sounds Like a Plan
Sep 1, 2011 6:29AM PDT

Thanks for the advice, I didn't realize that. I'll have to give that a try when I have the money.

On a related note, can anyone suggest any programs aside from iTunes that I haven't yet tried, or possibly where I can find an older version of Songbird that accepts the iPod plugin? I did like Songbird's setup, but without that plugin, it's no good to me.

Thanks again.

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That addon is still at the Songbird site.
Sep 1, 2011 6:35AM PDT
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True, But One Small Problem...
Sep 1, 2011 6:56AM PDT

...it doesn't work with the current available version of Songbord (1.9). What I'm trying to find is either an older version of Songbird, or a community-made fix to the plugin.

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Just to speed this along.
Sep 1, 2011 7:43AM PDT
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Appreciated.
Sep 2, 2011 2:28PM PDT

Still didn't work, though, even on the last possible version.

I'm borrowing an Apple cable from a friend this weekend. Hopefully that'll resolve it.

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You may have to try this on another PC.
Sep 3, 2011 12:49AM PDT

It's rare but you will run into old iPods where the USB port is blown.

I went to the top and can't tell when this pod worked before and on what.

I read that you just bought it. Have them show it working on any machine. USB troubles in XP are legendary. Those motherboard drivers are nuts. Is it time for the madness to stop?
Bob

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You may have to try this on another PC.
Sep 4, 2011 7:15PM PDT

<span id="INSERTION_MARKER">I have also experienced this problem, so hard

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Ran Out Of Patience
Sep 6, 2011 3:58PM PDT

Tried it on another PC. And with different non-iTunes programs. And with an official Apple cable. And in Disk Mode. And after another Restore.

I'm calling it a failure and looking into getting my money back. Thanks to everyone who tried to assist, though.

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Answer
Just fixed my old 20GB unit.
Sep 1, 2011 1:24AM PDT

While you know why disk mode is a dead end (let's not discuss that) I did get my old unit back to working by putting an USB 1.1 hub in between. Yes, it's slow but now it works.
Bob