How I solved my "Unknown error 13109" sync failure

I recently got this sync error which has been reported here & there, and I just wanted to document how I resolved it, in step-by-step fashion, for the record to help people out.

After having the sync fail, which left my iPod touch with a few tracks that iTunes said were onboard, but that the Music and Videos apps said weren't there, I used the following "scorched earth" strategy:


1. Unchecked the "Sync Music" "Sync Movies" "Sync TV Shows" and "Sync Podcasts" checkboxes in the various tabs of the iPod in iTunes.

2. Synced. (all music etc is deleted from the iPod, but remains safely in iTunes)

3. Reset the iPod by holding down the power switch for a few seconds until the "swipe to power off" appeared, which I, er, swiped. (I don't actually know if this step is necessary, but it can't hurt to clear out any funky stuff in memory.)

4. Woke the iPod back up and waited for it to finish booting.

5. Plugged the iPod back into its cradle.

6. Re-checked all the "Sync Music" etc checkboxes in iTunes.

7. Synced the iPod again. After a very long sync, all the music etc reappears, and the error message disappears. Whee!


I verified that the phantom files were indeed playable on the iPod, and all seems to be well now.

I hope this helps somebody!