DaveKT

Q: iPod classic won't sync

Hi, I have a 2007 160GB iPod classic that suddenly won't sync in iTunes. It recognizes the iPod, but then takes about ten minutes to "verify" and then tells me that the ipod "cannot be synced because it cannot be read from or written to." I updated to iTunes 12.3.2, but I still get the same message. I'm on a MacBook Pro running 10.9.5. I have not done a restore yet because when I had problems with a Nano and restored it, the problem wasn't fixed. And I'm running the current software for the classic - 1.1.2. Any suggestions would be very appreciated. Thanks!

Posted on Feb 19, 2016 1:55 PM

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Q: iPod classic won't sync

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  • by DaveKT,

    DaveKT DaveKT Feb 20, 2016 4:52 PM in response to turingtest2
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Feb 20, 2016 4:52 PM in response to turingtest2

    Thanks for assessing that. I have tried an alternate cable, but still no luck. I'm thinking about trying the restore. I'm just a little apprehensive because I don't want to be left with an empty iPod that can't sync. Is there a way to get an idea of whether the restore will work before going through with it?

  • by turingtest2,

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Feb 20, 2016 5:19 PM in response to DaveKT
    Level 10 (85,833 points)
    iPod
    Feb 20, 2016 5:19 PM in response to DaveKT

    Not really, but it ought to work. If normal restore doesn't there is the DFU method to fall back on, or get a Windows owning friend to do it. It is standard operating procedure when the device won't behave normally.

     

    tt2

  • by DaveKT,

    DaveKT DaveKT Feb 20, 2016 6:01 PM in response to turingtest2
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Feb 20, 2016 6:01 PM in response to turingtest2

    Great, thanks. I'll give it a try.

  • by DaveKT,

    DaveKT DaveKT Feb 21, 2016 8:27 AM in response to turingtest2
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Feb 21, 2016 8:27 AM in response to turingtest2

    I tried restoring in iTunes after putting the iPod in disk mode and then got a message saying the iPod couldn't be restored because it had files in use in other applications. I have no idea what those files could be. Should I go about it in a different way? Maybe this DFU method you mentioned? Thanks!

  • by turingtest2,

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Feb 21, 2016 9:20 AM in response to DaveKT
    Level 10 (85,833 points)
    iPod
    Feb 21, 2016 9:20 AM in response to DaveKT

    Files in use would suggest that some process is attaching to the device. The DFU restore may well work around that issue, but doesn't explain why you have it in the first place, and it might mean iTunes still has trouble updating it later.

     

    tt2

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Feb 21, 2016 9:23 AM in response to DaveKT
    Level 8 (38,788 points)
    Mac OS X
    Feb 21, 2016 9:23 AM in response to DaveKT

    I would restart the Mac.  Immediately after the restart, run iTunes and connect the iPod (if it's not already connected) in Disk Mode.  Try letting iTunes do the Restore again.

  • by Leigh@,

    Leigh@ Leigh@ Mar 3, 2016 3:42 PM in response to turingtest2
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 3, 2016 3:42 PM in response to turingtest2

    I have installed a brand new SSD drive that does not display SMART diagnostics into a 160gb Classic 6g. I have tried all the linked suggestions and I have also removed AVG from my Mac and reinstalled iTunes. Still after a successful sync of a small number of tracks, errors occur when next connecting the iPod:

    "OS X can't repair the disk "... iPod"

    The iPod "..." cannot be synced. You do not have the privilege to make changes

    iTunes could not copy "..." to the iPod "..." because an unknown error occurred (-61)

    I can then only eject the iPod. If I want different tracks on the iPod, the only option at the moment is to restore the iPod again and sync another small batch of tracks.

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Mar 3, 2016 4:24 PM in response to Leigh@
    Level 8 (38,788 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 3, 2016 4:24 PM in response to Leigh@

    An SSD in the 1.8-inch hard drive form are typically designed (and tested) to be used (as replacement) in small laptop computers that used the same type of mini hard drive as 5th gen and later "classic" iPods.  They may not work reliably in iPods.  For example, the iPod may not supply enough power.

     

    If you can get the iPod to appear in iTunes, on the iPod's Summary settings screen in iTunes, set it to Enable disk use (if it's not already), and click Apply.  Does having disk use enabled make a difference in being able to sync songs?

     

    Another thing to try is to use Disk Utility to Erase (reformat) the drive once, before doing a Restore in iTunes.  Quit iTunes, if running.  If the iPod does not appear in Disk Utility when connected, use the Disk Mode procedure first

     

    Putting iPod into Disk Mode - Apple Support

     

    and then connect iPod.  In the Disk Utility sidebar, select the iPod device, not the volume indented below the device.  If you are using OS X El Capitan, with its "new look" Disk Utility, click Erase.  In the Erase settings, for Scheme, select Apple Partition Map (not the default GUID Partition Map).  For Format, select OS X Extended (Journaled).  For Name, it does not matter.  Click Erase.  (If your OS X is older, please post back.)

     

    If Erase completes successfully, quit Disk Utility and run iTunes.  In iTunes, do a Restore on the iPod to install the iPod's onboard software.  Then, try syncing again.  If the Erase errors out, or the the problem is not resolved after doing the Restore, you may want to consider an alternative that uses commonly available (and now quite affordable) flash-based storage in the form of compact flash card or SD card, on an adapter.  This web site has relevant and interesting information

     

    https://www.iflash.xyz/

     

    These adapters are designed specifically for use with iPods (5th gen and later).  I have not used these particular adapters with 5th gen and later "classic" iPods, but I have done similar mods on older 3rd gen iPod, 4th gen iPod, and iPod mini (using different adapters).  They work well with flash-based storage instead of mini hard drive; they actually work better now, with more storage capacity.

  • by Ckreole,

    Ckreole Ckreole May 30, 2016 12:32 PM in response to Leigh@
    Level 1 (8 points)
    May 30, 2016 12:32 PM in response to Leigh@

    I, too, am having same issues...I have an iMac desktop...I have an iPod classic, iPad mini, and teeny iPod shuffle.  iTunes used to sync with my iPod classic, iPad, and shuffle..iTunes "was" intuitive and flawless until I upgraded to el Capitan-latency issues and iTunes 12-useless.  I need to find a sound alternate to iTunes in order to add, modify, and delete music/playlist.  Any suggestions?

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