iPod repeatedly connects and disconnects to computer

I had the same problem with my 3G 8GB nano, both when formated for Mac or Windows. It has cleared up when following the following advice that I found in a discussion thread on this forum:
ONLY use a USB port that is directly on the computer, or a POWERED USB hub. Also, make sure that you establish a secure connection to the iPod connector. Apparently the 3G nano does not do well when not attached to a powered USB port. Remember that the USB ports coming out of your keyboard are not powered like the ones on the back of the computer (iMac in my case). Let me know if this works for you

How do i know which one to use??
I use the two directly on my computer and it still doesnt work.
Sorry but... what is a powered usb hub?

I just spent an hour and a half on the fone with the apple technical support service and they told me my ipod most likely has a hardware problem, and i need to go back to the apple store and get it checked out. Maybe you should try the service and see if they can help you more than they did me.

If you have a laptop, I believe that any USB port on the laptop is powered. USB ports coming off a keybord, or a NON-POWERED USB hub (one without a separate AC plug in adaptor/power source) are apparently problems for the 3G nano. Anyway, once I started using my powered external USB hub or a USB port on my iMac (NOT coming off the keybord) AND made sure that the connector to the iPod was all the way in, by endless connect/disconnect business stopped.

There are too many people in this discussion group with the exact same problem for it to be a hardware glitch- unless the 3G nanos have a finicky connector- that would be a major recall that apple would have to institute to take care of its customers. With the stock down from $200 to $130 this week, I wonder if they will do that. On the other hand, if they don't the stock might be down to $65!! 🙂

Well I've spent half my weekend reformating and reinstalling my c drive, I've a clean completely updated XP SP2, all my drivers are updated, I have'nt even installed an antivirus and my firewall is disactivated, no other material or programs installed apart from the basics, not even a usb keyboard or mouse

and it still keeps connecting and disconnecting

I would like to try an older version of the firmware, but I've only got the latest one as mine is new, I can't find a way to install an older driver

I too have the same "connect then eject in a few seconds" problem with my new 3rd generation Nano. I have also gone through all of the troubleshooting steps. My 80 gig iPod connects fine, just not the Nano. Looks to me loke a software fix is needed.

Add another person to the list of the EXTREMELY annoying connect/disconnect loop. I really hope someone manages to find a fix for this because apple obviously couldnt care less. This is mainly just a bump to keep this popping up and with the minute chance that someone from apple might actually take some notice. So come on ppl dont let this thread be swept under the carpet, voice your opinion we may actually get a reply eventually

I get the feeling that no one from apple actually reads these forums.

I had the exact same problem. Brand New 3G iPod Nano purchased from Apple Store in Stonestown SF, right out of the box the dock connector connects and disconnects. Tried the ipod in my truck through the dock connector and only one speaker plays, if I wiggle, 2 speakers play.

These things are made super flakey and plagued with bad connectors. Stonetown exchanged for another one that also had the problem. Third one has worked for 2 weeks now, knock on wood.

Thank god for Applecare - you'll need it!

windows update. Best I can tell you.

I have been also having a similar situation. I spent 2.5 hours on the phone with tech support but with no result. It may be a problem with my USB drivers. I do have all of the available window's updates. The weird thing is the iPod works fine on my Macbook, Go figure?

Adam

Same problem here. After going through all of the Apple steps, replacing my nano, i called Dell had them reinstall my USB drivers and still the same message occurs. It makes no difference. Can someone at Apple get on this, there are too many people with this same issue.

I have been having a similar problem with my 3G Nano connecting and disconnecting repeatedly. I ruled out all the obvious sources for the problem by phoning tech support. I got th most recent version of all of my drivers. I know its not a problm with the iPod as it connects fine to my MacBook, it also connects fine to my Windows XP VM on my MacBook, and it connects fine to a different computer running XP. I've also connected a 1st generation and 2nd generation nano to my current computer with no problems. All of this leads me to believe it is some sort of a hardware/software glitch with my particular setup. I was hoping to find some commonalities between those affected. What particular USB host controllers is everyone using? Mine are all VIA. I was also wondering if anyone else has windows installed on a drive other than the C drive like myself?

Thanks,

Adam

Hi everybody,

I finally discovered what was causing my problem. My computer fan power connection was loose and was shorting. It seems the 3G nanos are much more sensitive to voltage than there predecessors. So in conclusion your power supply can also cause the issue.

Adam