Possible solution for iTunes crash on iPod connection

We previously reported an issue where iTunes 4.2 crashes shortly after connecting an iPod (under Mac OS X 10.3.x)

The crash generally results both in the iPod not getting updated and a force-quit required for iTunes.

Some users have had success disconnecting all other external peripherals - particularly FireWire devices other than the iPod (and USB components), but for others the problem persists under the same conditions. Reverting to Mac OS X 10.2.x also alleviates the problem.

In some cases, users are able to transfer only a few songs - usually less than 10 - before iTunes hangs.

Now MacFixIt reader Doug Mitchell offers a different solution that involves deleting streaming references in the iPod master library (streaming references include iTunes' radio stations and other streaming source files):

"I just bought a new 20 gig iPod and initially I suffered the same disasters others are referring to. I solved my problems through a variety of steps. First I plugged my dock for the iPod directly into one of the firewire ports in my G4. Secondly I noticed that there were a number of streaming references in the master library for iTunes. When I deleted these items from the library all music transfers went smoothly. I have had no problems since. I am running OS 10.3.2 and iPod software 2.1 as well as iTunes 4.2."

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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