Corrupt iPod file

Hello - your issue appears to be related to the sysinfo error we are discussing.

General update/summary:

1) sysinfo corruption error occurs when iPods with 3.0.2 firmware connect to iTunes. Global settings are often also lost from the iPod. It is not a physical fault with the iPod or iTunes. It is a software/firmware issue. The problem seems to be affecting all iPods regardless of iTunes version or operating system.

The problem also appears to be related to a Play Counts corruption that people are getting.

2) chkdsk /f can be run from the command prompt on the iPod drive to dismiss the error message. It detects cross-linking in the file and fixes it by making an appropriate copy. However this is a more complicated solution than:

3) Other temporary solutions include soft resetting iPod (Menu+Select until Apple logo appears). Restoring also works, but takes a lot longer and accomplishes nothing if restoring back to the same 3.0.2 firmware because:

4) If a temporary solution is implemented, the problem will reoccur when iPod enters deep sleep (after 36 hrs). So:

5) The permanent solution is to restore to 3.0.1 firmware using an older version of iPod Updater. If you don't already have one, try the last available one at

http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/ipodupdater20041020_readme.html

6) I have reported the problem in all its detail and Apple Engineering US are investigating this matter.

7) Search the whole of Apple Discussion for 'sysinfo' and/or 'chkdsk' for further detailed information from me and everyone else who is experiencing this problem.

Will keep everyone posted with new info when I have it.

Kind regards,

Da Gopha.

Hi Abby,

You're welcome - hope it works out well for you.

New iPod Updaters are being released all the time (Jan 2005 is the most recent one) - but obviously it's a good idea to keep an eye on whether it offers a newer firmware than 3.0.2, otherwise it'll be useless...

Kind regards,

Da Gopha.

The new updater doesnt help and we have been down this road on this problem since the first week ofP December.
The actual problem is a Corrupt iTunes file and not a iPod File.

Most of us have had good luck by just resetting the counter.
In my case it has fixed this and I didn't need to do a reformat.

You are correct, I have only had my ipod since xmas and had no problems until I updated to firmware 3.0.2, then half my songs were corrupt, I have now gone back and restored the 3.0.1 firmware and everything is running as it should.

thank you

Hello George,

If you are discussing the sysinfo or Play Counts error message, and the problem is located in Ipod_Control/Device then this is actually an iPod file I believe - although the error message says it is an iTunes file, it isn't - the directory iPod_Control is located on the actual iPod.

You are also correct in saying that a reformat/restore is not necessary - and a simple soft reset does the trick - that is until the iPod enters deep sleep after 36hrs as we have noted.

Restoring to a firmware other than 3.0.2 is the only known permanent way of fixing the sysinfo error (to the best of my knowledge).

All the best,

Da Gopha.

Good job David,

At least someone else has also deduced that 3.0.2 is the cause of the misery.

Cheers,

Da Gopha.

With this message:
The file or directory \iPod_Control\iTunes\iTunes Temp is corrupt and unreadable. Please run the Chkdsk facility.

I seen iTunes and iTunes Temp figured the problem was in ITunes

Hi George,

Sure thing - no worries. When I first saw it, I thought the same thing, but having trawled iTunes for it, I realised it was actually on the iPod.

A popular misconception - and a misleading error message. iTunes uses the control files from the iPod, and hence the error occurs only when iTunes is accessing iPod.

But it's good to get things clear - because loads and loads of people are spending ages uninstalling and reinstalling iTunes, thinking it is a problem on their computer, when actually it's the iPod that needs attention.

Kind regards,

Da Gopha.

So, is there any way of getting hold of firmware before 3.0.2 now? I just downloaded the new 40mb updater and all thats changed is the addition of ipod shuffle...

At the moment, it's a no from the Apple website.

We're trying to find a way - there are loads of people looking for it. I've put a request through with Apple - but I dunno if they'll do it.

Anyone out there who can help providing 3.0.1 please?

If you have previous updaters on your system, you'll have it...

Da Gopha.

I need someone to help me figure out what it means when I get an error message of a battery and a file picture with an x over them??? I can't find what this means or how to fix it??? HELP!!!!!!

Thanks
Shawn

I have the 3.0.1 firmware updater, I can e-mail to anyone requiring it.

cheers

Good man David!

I was going to suggest the same thing. I'd offer to send it to people too, but my server has a limit on the size of files that can sent by email.

Just a thought - since it's quite hefty - might it bounce back on the recipient's end...?

Kind regards,

Da Gopha.

I think there's a separate discussion going on regarding this somewhere in the Usage section of Discussions.

I personally don't know what it means. Have you tried a reset?

Da Gopha