Odd 3g iPod, no Apple, not recognized

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rich1969 Author

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Odd 3g iPod, no Apple, not recognized

My wife purchased a 3g Nano. I've plugged it into my windows pc, which has all the appropriate updates and was just connected to my iPod w/video, two days ago. SO I believe the iTunes and related connections are working properly with no problems whatsoever.

This iPod nano, exhibits the following strange behavior. It isn't recognized by the pc, if I try to restart/reset it, nothing happens. It will show an hour glas on the screen sometimes, if I click in and out of iTunes the screen will turn on. It shows the battery and it looks like it is charging or charged. Also on this screen is a computer with a cable leading from it. I have only seen an Apple on the screen when it occasionally shows the Apple and "Bye-Bye."

I beginning to wonder if this is even an iPod or just a clone of some sort.

PC, Windows XP Pro

Posted on Jun 2, 2008 9:01 AM

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Answer 1

rich1969 Author

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Jun 3, 2008 10:07 AM in response to rich1969

Here is some additional information. When you plug this in, although iTunes doesn't recognize it, it does mount as two drives (F and H). Originally there was one wav or wmv file (some euro-popo or chinese song). there was nothing else on either of the drives. I was able to remove that file but still can't get it to mount or correct itself. I brought my regular 30g iPod w/Video in and it connects just fine.

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Answer 2

Chris CA

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Jun 3, 2008 10:19 AM in response to rich1969

it does mount as two drives (F and H).

Based on this statemnet, have a look here -> Windows confuses iPod with network drive or hard drive and may keep iPod from mounting or songs may seem to disappear

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Answer 3

Jun 3, 2008 11:55 AM in response to rich1969

Your instinct was right - I don't think that is an iPod at all.

I don't think iPods ever say "Bye-Bye" (unless you are listening to a song called "Bye-Bye" or something). Although the iTunes Store offers a few free tracks, I don't think iPods ever have any pre-installed freebies, and if they did, they would probably be in English. iPods also cannot play wma files without conversion.

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Answer 4

rich1969 Author

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Jun 3, 2008 11:59 AM in response to Dont-Use-This-Forum

Picture this on the tiny screen, a white Apple logo and "Bye-Bye" underneath. I tried entering the serial number on the Apple site and it rejects it. The etching and everything certainly looks like Apple iPod, the behavior doesn't match. I'm still hoping someone has just gone overboard in trying to remove their data.

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Answer 5

Chris CA

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Jun 3, 2008 12:36 PM in response to rich1969

Does it have an Apple on the back?
Also, go t Settings -> About on the iPod.
Should give a bunch of info including stuff about Apple.

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Answer 6

Jun 3, 2008 3:47 PM in response to rich1969

I'm having the exact same problem.

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Answer 7

Chris CA

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Jun 3, 2008 4:23 PM in response to Upperninety8

Your iPod also shows up as drive F: and H, it display "Bye Bye" and the serial number comes up as incorrect/invalid?

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Answer 8

Jun 3, 2008 4:29 PM in response to Chris CA

In some countries, counterfeit iPods have become a major problem.

Check the "About" screen (as mentioned above).

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Answer 9

rich1969 Author

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Jun 3, 2008 4:52 PM in response to Chris CA

It has the Apple, "iPod" and all the typical manufacturer etchings. What it is lacking is the etching that says the size. I also noticed a small screw that goes into the lower back of the iPod, I would assume this attaches the top and bottom portion of this unit. If you were holding up the unit looking at it from the bottom (face down) this screw would be coming down between the audio and Apple connection ports. I have my wife's brand new iPod from Target to compare this too. An additional difference, the power switch works/doesn't work in the opposite direction than the new iPod from Target.

This is a clone.

Now any suggestions?

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Answer 10

Jun 3, 2008 5:00 PM in response to rich1969

Technically, genuine iPods do not have a power switch, since they are turned on and off through the click-wheel. I presume you meant the Hold switch.

If you are stuck with a fake, you will pretty much have to confront whoever sold it to you and demand a real one or a refund. Some venues (like eBay) have their own dispute resolution centers, but failing that, unfortunately you would probably have to go to court.

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Answer 11

Chris CA

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Jun 3, 2008 6:09 PM in response to rich1969

http://www.apple.com/legal/contacts.html
"*Counterfeit Prevention (Hardware)*

To report suspected counterfeit or imitation Apple products, contact counterfeit@apple.com.

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