Level 1

9 points

Corrupt iPod file

I've had this happen twice now and can't figure out what's causing it, so I'm hoping someone else has suggestions. When I plug my iPod into my computer to update it, an error message pops up saying that the "PlayCount" file on the iPod is corrupted and unreadable and needs to be repaired using the "Chkdsk" utility. It does seem to actually be corrupted because it will not record new play counts or keep track of those songs I've played immediately before it has this issue. Both times I've used the "Restore" feature of the iPod updater, which does fix the problem, but this isn't exactly ideal because then I have to load everything back onto my iPod, which takes quite awhile because I have a few thousand songs. Does anyone have any idea why this keeps happening so I can (hopefully) prevent it from happening in the future? Oh, and this is a recent development, too. I've had the iPod since September and the first time this happened was at the end of December and then again earlier this week, and (as far as I know) I haven't been using it any differently. Thanks!

Posted on Jan 13, 2005 1:19 AM

406 replies

Da Gopha

Level 5

6,485 points

Feb 23, 2005 4:29 AM in response to AndyW

Which new iPod download would you be referring to? If it's 2005-01-11 ( http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/ipodupdater20050111_readme.html)

Then it doesn't do anything but cause the same problem.

Da Gopha

Level 5

6,485 points

Feb 24, 2005 6:09 AM in response to AbbyM

I've commented on the newest iPod Updater. No resolution as of yet, no new firmware for Gen4 users:

Da Gopha, "SUMMARY: Corrupt file requests chkdsk :REPOST" #67, 05:22am Feb 24, 2005 CDT

Gopha

Feb 24, 2005 7:22 AM in response to AbbyM

I am having the same trouble with corrupt files could I get a copy of that firmware from someone, Thanks

Da Gopha

Level 5

6,485 points

Feb 24, 2005 7:24 AM in response to Marco Mansueto

Marco,

Head to the link on this post to download the Updater for 3.0.1 firmware:
Chris Capell, "SUMMARY: Corrupt file requests chkdsk :REPOST" #4, 12:03pm Feb 2, 2005 CDT

Gopha

Feb 24, 2005 8:36 PM in response to Da Gopha

I restored to the 3.0.1. and that was working for a short while, but then it stopped. I very well could be running the chkdsk on the primary HDD since I don't know the difference, if you could explain how to run it on the iPod drive, maybe it will help

Thanks

D Mellon

Level 1

15 points

Feb 24, 2005 9:07 PM in response to AbbyM

My ITunes (in Windows XP w/SP2) was working fine until I installed the ITrip software (made by Griffin Technology). Suddenly I'm gettin "corrupt IPod/ ITunes file unreadable." First I used the CD that came with the ITrip...got the corrupt file message....uninstalled that and downloaded a new version off the Griffin website....installed that....still same problem "corrupt IPod/Itunes file unreadable." There seems to be some correlation between this error message and ITrip, though someone in an earlier post said that they didn't think so. Went to Griffin website and can't find any info on this problem. Until this is resolved I will be uninstalling ITrip (what a waste of $$$), and using IRock.

D Mellon

Level 1

15 points

Feb 24, 2005 11:10 PM in response to D Mellon

Okay...a little further info in case it helps anyone else. While the IPod was unplugged from the PC I pressed the menu and center button together to "reset" ipod until the "apple" logo appeared (this DID NOT remove any songs, so is perfectly safe.) Then ran my "check disk" (can also be called scan disk or error check.) Be sure to check off the boxes that say "automatically fix errors." After "disk check" was finished, I plugged IPod in and ITunes came up, and didn't get the corrupted file message. Not sure exactly which step took care of it, but thought I'd post this here in case it helps someone else. Fingers crossed that this remains okay 🙂

Da Gopha

Level 5

6,485 points

Feb 25, 2005 2:58 AM in response to The Frizz

Frizz:

What do you mean it stopped working - did you get the error message again? This would be the first incident I've heard of that.

CHKDSK:

Start
Run
'cmd'
chkdsk /f X:
where X is the letter of your Pod drive as determine by looking in My Computer...

Da Gopha

Level 5

6,485 points

Feb 25, 2005 3:08 AM in response to D Mellon

Thanks for that info. What was the exact error message you got - was it the same as we were discussing?

D Mellon

Level 1

15 points

Feb 25, 2005 12:33 PM in response to Da Gopha

Hi Gopha...seems like you were all discussing "corrupt file & something about playback. My message didn't mention "playback", but sorry I don't remember the exact wording. It was something like "IPod/ITunes file corrupt/unreadable." And I definitely think it had something to do with installing the ITrip software, because everything was working great before that. Hope this can help someone else.

Da Gopha

Level 5

6,485 points

Feb 25, 2005 12:41 PM in response to D Mellon

Sure thing - our message was "iTunes.exe: the file iPod_control... etc etc is corrupt and unreadable. Please run the chkdsk utility" or something to that effect. We deduced it was to do with the iPod falling into deep sleep, combined with a particular iPod firmware. Dunno if this is applicable to you, although I am curious that the iTrip set yours off...!

D Mellon

Level 1

15 points

Feb 25, 2005 1:03 PM in response to Da Gopha

This discussion board is sort a maze! Just found the link to another discussion regarding this issue Chris Capell, "SUMMARY: Corrupt file requests chkdsk :REPOST" #4, 12:03pm Feb 2, 2005 CDT

That sounds like my same error message. I'm using Windows XP with SP2, with the 4.7.1.30 update, and Ipod updater 2004-11-15(?) Corrupt message did not start until I installed the ITRip software.

Unfortunately from the link above, it sounds like all of the tricks (soft reset and scan diskcheck) are just temporary fixes 😟

Da Gopha

Level 5

6,485 points

Feb 25, 2005 1:11 PM in response to D Mellon

It's more than a maze! It's a veritable minefield...! The post you quote is part of my consolidated summary. Here are links to the major parts. Temporary fixes, yes - but I also suggest a permanent one in the form of a firmware rollback until Apple provide an official updated firmware for Gen4 Podders...

Da Gopha, "SUMMARY: Corrupt file requests chkdsk :REPOST", 08:46am Feb 2, 2005 CDT
Da Gopha, "SUMMARY: Corrupt file requests chkdsk :REPOST" #1, 08:48am Feb 2, 2005 CDT
Da Gopha, "SUMMARY: Corrupt file requests chkdsk :REPOST" #44, 04:27pm Feb 14, 2005 CDT
Da Gopha, "SUMMARY: Corrupt file requests chkdsk :REPOST" #67, 05:22am Feb 24, 2005 CDT

Kind regards,

Gopha

D Mellon

Level 1

15 points

Feb 25, 2005 1:28 PM in response to Da Gopha

Thanks for all the links, Gopha! I'm pretty computer illiterate, so think i'll wait for Apple to "fix" the problem, but have bookmarked all the links in case I get brave in the future.

Da Gopha

Level 5

6,485 points

Feb 25, 2005 1:32 PM in response to D Mellon

Sure thing, no worries. I keep everyone posted on the latest developments in that thread, so if you've bookmarked it, or set a notification, you'll have the lowdown. Cheers.

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Corrupt iPod file