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General discussion

iPod not recognized by computer

Jan 26, 2009 1:09PM PST

I'm having problems with my mother in law's iPod. When connected to my computer, iTunes doesn't recognize it and my computer says "unknown USB device connected, device has malfunctioned". Also, the iPod is plugged in to charge it, but there is no charge icon (the battery with the lightning bolt)- I don't know if this is possibly the problem? I know the computer wont recognize the iPod if it is not charged enough, but since there is no icon I'm led to believe it is not charging.

I've tried the 5 R's (except for restore, as since iTunes doesn't recognize it, I can't do it). I've tried other USB ports, and I have an iPod that works fine on my computer (so I know it's not my computer). The reason I have her iPod is because she couldn't get it to work, so I'm supposed to be fixing it Happy. From what I'm told it has never worked since being out of the box.

The model number is MB253LL, it is a 4th generation nano. The computer I'm using has Windows XP as an operating system. I have the newest iTunes version downloaded, including all updates.

Thanks for any help!!

Discussion is locked

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Just checking.
Jan 27, 2009 12:32AM PST

Does this ipod work on other machines? (apparently not)

Can you use your cable?
Bob

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Ah ha!
Jan 28, 2009 12:11PM PST

I figured it out- this generation of iPod nano wont charge in a front USB port- not enough power. I plugged it into one of my back ones and now it works in all of them (because it's charged enough). I didn't think to do this earlier because my 80G iPod worked fine in that USB and a friend's 5th generation iPod nano worked fine in that USB port. I guess that generation was just temperamental.

Happy

Thanks!

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Sorry I missed that one.
Jan 28, 2009 12:18PM PST

But after it charges I find it may work in those temperamental front desktop ports. That issue dogs a lot of machines.