The iPod "iPod" could not be restored because it is busy

Well, this one turned out to be VERY tricky. on the 6th support call to Apple, here's how we finally resolved it:
Installing a previous version didn't solve the problem, but yes, you can just trash a newer version and install a previous one. So, using the latest iTunes and after jumping through numerous hoops: using Disk Utility to format, which verified that the Mac saw the iPod, trying to force it into Disk Mode, etc., I finally got my daughter's iBook and attached the iPod to that. Voila, alll was well, oddly, and I could restore and update. Brought it back to my G5 tower with the USB plugged into the front port, and again, the folder with the exclamation point, then Apple back and forth. The last thing I did before giving up entirely, was to switch the iPod USB plug to the BACK USB port of the G5, and believe it or not, this did the trick.

Now whether I had to jump to the iBook first or not, I don't know. It might have worked just by switching ports the first time. There is nothing wrong with the front USB port on the G5 tower, other USB devices use it just fine. Why the iPod doesn't like it neither I nor the tech know why. Even after successfully restoring, updating and syncing, it will not work with that port. So, it seems that the latest iTunes version really has nothing to do with it. If anybody needs to know in detail what the steps were, it is Apple Case # 86234519. This call went on for about 2 hours.

So, for those of you out there stumbling through this, try a different port if you have one, another Mac if you have access to one, or any other steps that will break the chain. Good luck to all!

That worked, and my 4G lives again!

Many thanks.

I don't know if this is the same issue, but it's kind of similar. When I plug in my iPod and try to sync it, iTunes freezes after about a second of trying to sync it. I was able to apply the setting so that it doesn't automatically open iTunes when I plug in my iPod, but I don't know if that's suppsoed to help anything in my situation). Do you suggest I restore my iPod? Or do you think that if I try to restore it and try to put the songs back onto my iPod, it will just freeze while attempting to sync (and I'll be left with an iPod without anything on it)? Any suggestions? By the way, my iPod is a Nano 2nd generation.

Hi there, it really isn't the same issue, which is very specific to folks getting a particular error message. Not having iTunes automatically open really won't assist in your situation.

However I would follow the steps Apple lays out for your model, to restore and update. If your iTunes library is intact on your computer, you won't lose your songs while you are troubleshooting the situation. Do a search on "freezing while trying to synch" and see if this issue is talked about.

I am trying to fix a friend's iPod that displays this error. I plug it in to iTunes, and it shows up under the "Devices" list with an option to restore, but it says "The iPod "iPod" could not be restored because i is busy. I disconnected it and restarted the iPod, but same thing. I then opened disk utility to try and erase it, but then I get the input/output error someone else got.

I just installed Leopard, and everything seems to be working fine. I have the same iPod they do and no problems with mine.

Anyone have any other suggestions yet?

It is not clear if you are trying to fix their iPod by using their Mac, or yours. If you are trying to fix it using their setup, then you could try hooking up your friend's iPod to your Mac, and using Disk Utility to erase and format his/her iPod. When going through the process with the Apple tech, I am pretty sure we formatted it as Extended Journaled.

Then take it back to their Mac, and see if ITunes will seet it, and restore and update.