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General discussion

IPOD Help needed

Dec 29, 2004 2:25AM PST

My daughter has desperately wanted an IPOD so we surrendered this Christmas and got her one. I installed ITUNES and the IPOD updater but we just can't seem to get the sucker to work. When we try plugging it into a wall outlet there is a picture indicating that we need to plug it in even though it is. I'm sure I have USB 2.0 on my laptop. It just seems like a nightmare. We are using Windows XP. I'm ready to throw the thing out the window. If I get asked one more question I'll scream.
It just seems to be one problem after another and my daughter isn't good at communicating the details of the problems.

I tried resetting it to no avail.


Thanks for any help.
Tim

Discussion is locked

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I have to ask one question.
Dec 29, 2004 2:45AM PST
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IPOD USB 2.0
Dec 29, 2004 4:46AM PST

My daughter does not have firewire but does have USB 2.O - Intel 82801DB/DBM USB Enhanced Host Controller 24 CD. The computer is a Inspiron 1150 with a 2.4 ghz celeron proccesor. Why are there four usb controller (labelled 24cd,24c2,24c4, and 24c7) listed and 4 hubs when I only have 2 usb ports.


My other laptop has firewire and is a more powerful laptop except that the screen went on it just after the waranty expired. It was a gateway - I just need to add an external monitor. I am disabled and the lapatops are easier for me but we have been through 4 laptops in four years. My windows 98 machine in the attic is a monster but it still works and I could fix just about any problem including adding drives, ram etc. I think my laptop days are over soon as I have not has pleasant experiences.

Thanks
Tim

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1 down. Did we cover the OS?
Dec 29, 2004 6:52AM PST

USB 2.0 doesn't appear until XP SP1.

There is also a nutty issue that laptops require more drivers to get said USB ports to work.

So the list is ...

1. XP SP1 or better.
2. Dell's motherboard support drivers.
Read:
a. http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/format.aspx?releaseid=r86829&c=us&l=en&s=gen&cs=
b. http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/format.aspx?releaseid=r73430&c=us&l=en&s=gen&cs=
c. http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/format.aspx?releaseid=r71272&c=us&l=en&s=gen&cs=

3. XP SP2? Read http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1090721&c=us&l=en&s=gen&cs=
4. And hopefully the BIOS has the USB ports enabled.

Best of luck,

Bob

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Just some fundamentals....
Jan 23, 2005 11:58PM PST

The setup is usually very simple, Tim. I am surprised you had to go through all this. However, here are some basic things. You need to charge the iPod by connecting to the walljack adapter for an hour before you take it to the computer and iTunes. Next you Install the iTunes. Dont connect your iPod yet until it asks for it. Once you connect it, it says that it is going to format the disk on the player, if required. Say 'Do it'. At that time it asks for you to christian it with a name. Give it a name such as 'LooneyTunes' or something....You are all set up when you see that name in the list on iTunes screen.
Now there are two cables. One to connect to the USB and the other to the walljack adapter. Now both of them charge the iPod battery. Let me know if you have questions.

Good Luck!!
Arun