Do iPods just "break"?

[Globalti]

Got a 3 or 4 year old Nano and it is no longer recognised by iTunes. Windows recognises it as a drive and running the iTunes diagnostic test shows that it's there and all correct. I have carried out almost all of the recommended actions including downloading some Microsoft fixes, reinstalling iTunes and restarting the computer, as recommended in the help section, yet the iPod still refuses to talk to iTunes. When I connect with the download cable my iPod just shows the "Do not disconect" message but iTunes doesn't see it.

The iPod has been acting a bit strange recently when disconnected. Would somebody at the Apple store be able to test it and tell me if it's goosed? Is it time for a new one?

 

[Norm]

It seems that your efforts have been on the box at the Windoze end of the cable. Have you tried re-booting the iPod?

 

[Speck]

Are you using the same PC, iTunes account etc and as Norm said re- the iPod reset. It's a bit of a nuisance having the manuals and help on line.

Mrs Speck's iPod has had a few glitches but we manage to resolve it with the reset.

I'm fancying an iPod Touch to put all my CD's on as my DVD/surround sound and my stereo amp both have docking stations. But sometimes the sotware can be a problem.

I will follow with interest RR

 

[mad al]

We've got two iPods and both of them play up now and again and as for iTunes

I only use that to burn cd's these days as there are so many better packages that will talk to the old iPod

 

[bonj2]

Got a 3 or 4 year old Nano and it is no longer recognised by iTunes. Windows recognises it as a drive and running the iTunes diagnostic test shows that it's there and all correct. I have carried out almost all of the recommended actions including downloading some Microsoft fixes, reinstalling iTunes and restarting the computer, as recommended in the help section, yet the iPod still refuses to talk to iTunes. When I connect with the download cable my iPod just shows the "Do not disconect" message but iTunes doesn't see it.

The iPod has been acting a bit strange recently when disconnected. Would somebody at the Apple store be able to test it and tell me if it's goosed? Is it time for a new one?

Didn't you know that they're deliberately programmed to stop working after a few years so that you buy the latest model?
If it's not that, then it could be the steel bushes in the flux capacitor have worn down and are grinding on the bearings. Take it to your local butcher, he should be able to fix it with a lump hammer.

 

[TVC]

Try re-booting the pod, the apple website will say how, depending on the model. On mine you hold down two of the keys for 5 secs and it resets to factory defaults

 

[yorkshiregoth]

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1363?viewlocale=en_US

 

[BearPear]

If you hold down menu and the centre button it should wake up. An alternative is to let it completely run out of power then plug it in. I have 2 pods and the oldest has had a little glitch now and again.

 

[MajorMantra]

Running it all the way down is not terribly kind to the lithium battery. I'd definitely try the reset first.

Matthew

 

[Garz]

My wifes stopped one day and I found a sequence of buttons to reset the hardware. It worked, hope it fixes your issue too!

 

[Globalti]

Thanks for the suggestions - I have re-booted and reset it about a dozen times!

It hasn't been a happy iPod for a few weeks, come to think of it - it's been hanging and refusing to switch off and doing some other funny things. Maybe the conspiracy theory about designed obsolescence isn't so nutty!

Going to make and appointment at the Manchester shop tomorrow and see if I can persuade them to replace it! Ha ha! Maybe they'll offer me a new one at a discount?

 

[twowheelsgood]

It's easy to test where the fault is. Plug it into another machine and if itunes offers to "erase and sync" then it's your windows installation, not the ipod. (obviously say "no").

Also try another cable as one of the lines may have broken internally.

Ipods will usually fail in one of two ways. They'll either suddenly not work at all or the battery won't hold charge.

My nano (2nd gen) has been waterlogged, had the screen broken and still works OK.

 

[dustystreet]

I only use that to burn cd's these days as there are so many better packages that will talk to the old iPod

I'm planning on getting an ipod classic soon but would prefer not to use itunes. can you recommed some alternatives? i've been looking into mediamonkey and sharepod as possible options so far.

 

[sheddy]

When all else fails ask the apple guy about connecting it to a Mac. Dunno why but it may just wake up.

 

[goo_mason]

I'm planning on getting an ipod classic soon but would prefer not to use itunes. can you recommed some alternatives? i've been looking into mediamonkey and sharepod as possible options so far.

Floola is quite good.

(Personally, I regret buying an iPod. The sound quality is appalling - but then again the iRiver H120 that I had been using for years is still renowned for its superior sound and you'll occasionally find them up on eBay costing almost as much as they did new, purely because of that. )