What does the file ".metadata_never_index" do?

I've found that my iPod is completely unstable with this particular file on it. After deletion, any problems found on the device (frequent data loss, syncing errors, etc.) almost completely disappeared. I'm still trying to find where the file came from, as I use a PC, and the file wasn't partial to the iPod when I first bought it a few months ago. Deleting it helps though.

Hey there,
I had never seen or heard of that file today, but after some research, I found a good site that helps explain what it is and what it does for your iPod. Hope this helps.

http://fileextensionmetadataneverindex.com/

B-rock

Even though you don't own a Mac, the file did come with the iPod and should probably stay that way. I, myself, would leave it alone. However, if you still wish to delete it, I would make sure you have a backup of everything on your ipod on your computer just to be sure, in case the software for the iPod becomes unstable because of it.

B-rock

That file does not come pre-installed on an iPod, not any iPod I've ever seen anyway (which in any event are Windows formatted straight out of the box).

It's a Mac OS file and as such can safely be deleted by restoring your iPod on your Windows pc.

Jeff Bryan wrote:
That file does not come pre-installed on an iPod, not any iPod I've ever seen anyway (which in any event are Windows formatted straight out of the box).

You sure? I have the file on my iPod and I don't recall ever hooking it up to a Mac.

It's a Mac OS file and as such can safely be deleted by restoring your iPod on your Windows pc.

Why restore the iPod? A bit drastic to remove a single zero-length file which would serve a purpose if the iPod were ever connected to a Mac. Just ignore the file or delete it through Explorer if you reaally want to...

tt2

Why not? Is restoring it such a big deal?

For all those "Manually manage" users it probably is and restoring any size of iPod is going to take consideribly longer than deleting a single file.

tt2

I also have an iPod that has only been connected to Windows, and it too has this file. However, since it is a zero length file, why bother deleting it at all? If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Oh, and the fact that it is present on mine after at least one restore in the past, running the restore would likely be a waste of time.

For all those "Manually manage" users it probably is

Well we disagree then don't we (and I manually manage several iPods)?

And given what GLNHP has posted, the point would seem to be moot in any event.

Why restore the iPod?

Why not? Is restoring it such a big deal?