iPod Classic 80gb won't sync past certain limit and freezes computer.

Retracts: 889
Reallocs: 12
Pending Sectors: 0
PowerOn Hours: 2202
Start/Stops: 894
Temp: Current 24c
Temp: Min 10c
Temp: Max 50c

*Reallocated Sectors Count*
Count of reallocated sectors. When the hard drive finds a read/write/verification error, it marks this sector as "reallocated" and transfers data to a special reserved area (spare area). This process is also known as remapping, and "reallocated" sectors are called remaps. This is why, on modern hard disks, "bad blocks" cannot be found while testing the surface – all bad blocks are hidden in reallocated sectors. However, as the number of reallocated sectors increases, the read/write speed tends to decrease. The raw value normally represents a count of the number of bad sectors that have been found and remapped. Thus, the higher the attribute value, the more sectors the drive has had to reallocate.

*Pending sector count*
Number of "unstable" sectors (waiting to be remapped, because of read errors). If an unstable sector is subsequently written or read successfully, this value is decreased and the sector is not remapped. Read errors on a sector will not remap the sector (since it might be readable later); instead, the drive firmware remembers that the sector needs to be remapped, and remaps it the next time it's written.

Hey turingtest2, I've tried what you post up there and it didnt work. My ipod still tend to freeze after 47gb of music. Is there any other option avialable that may be useful? Here what i found on Diagnostics Mode.

Retracts: 21

Reallocs: 0

Pending Sectors: 96

PowerOn Hours: 41

Start/Stops: 512

Temp: Current 32c

Temp: Min 20c

Temp: Max 47c

Thanks.

Did you do this step? Erase your iPod - The Super Fix for most iPod Problems. Basically this recommends a low level format of the iPod’s hard drive to get around whatever problems might be stopping iTunes from restoring it properly.

You'll probably need that to release the pending sectors. You should also do a full format, not a quick one, so that the OS verifies each sector during the process.

At 41hours use how old is the device? If it's still in warranty and you've looked after it properly, then a call on your warrantly might be in order.

tt2

Yes I did. I'm trying to do a full format but it wouldn't format it all the way! It just get stuck and I'm not really sure how old is the ipod is, I bought it use from a store called Cex.

Well you can see if another restore releases any of those pending sectors. A quick format might release them, but it sounds like there's an inaccsssible area of the near that 47Gb mark. It might take many goes to get all the bad sectors mapped out, if can be done at all.

tt2

Hi turingtest2 I've been having this same problem for over a year now.

The Ipod (Classic 80GB) would start syncing files but get stuck after certain amount of data:

- After a a restore i manage to sync much more files (1900 max very changing amount) than usually but same problem in the end and few songs actually appear to be written in the Ipod. Itunes stops working.

-Tried syncing in small blocks (as you suggest) but the problem persisted to the point that after 800 songs I'm not able to sync one more song.

Run your diagnosis test, my stats:

Before tryng to restore (with no succes, error messages):

Retracts: 44

Reallocs: 132

Pending Sectors: 7

PowerOn Hours: 367

Start/Stops: 328

Temp: Current 27c

Temp: Min 10c

Temp: Max 47c

After the attempt to restore:

Retracts: 44

Reallocs: 142

Pending Sectors: 7

PowerOn Hours: 367

Start/Stops: 332

Temp: Current 28c

Temp: Min 19c

Temp: Max 47c

What do you suggest then:

Replacing the HD, a software or hardware error (Itunes latest version on a MacbookPro, changed cables) or taking it to Apple's reapair center (expired warranty).

Thank you in advance for your useful post and replies

P.S. The problem discribed also occured to me using a 4GB ipod nano (quite new) but only once, now it works flawlessly.

Since restore doesn't seem to be clearing those pending sectors I reckon you need to do a low level full disk format. A full format should verify every sector, with those that can't be read back either being reallocated or marked as bad. Once the unreliable sectors are mapped out, and assuming there is no ongoing deterioration, that should allow the device to function normally again. If matters don't improve then investigate the cost of HD replacement over a new device.

tt2

Thank you for your quick reply,

I have done what I believe you call low level disk format:

(as explained on the link you posted , on Mac OSX using Disk Utility--> Verify-->Erase-->Restore (in Itunes))

and the bad stats haven't changed after the process (only start/stops parameter has increased)

How do I do the full format you recommend? Is it safe enough?

Thank you once again

The format/erase tip comes from here: http://www.methodshop.com/gadgets/ipodsupport/erase/index.shtml

Its safe to format the drive. The iPod's operating system runs from eeprom so there is no problem with completly erasing the drive. The difficulty however is getting the format software to actually rewrite & verify every sector as the software will probably try to optimise the process and rely on SMART to look after any problem sectors.

One trick might be to restore the device on a PC into FAT32 format as changing the structure might force a more thorough format process.

tt2

Question TT I have XP but I do not have the option FAT32 just exFAT. When I try to format it says unable to complete the format. Any tips?

MAD

*Check your iPod with Diagnostics Mode*:

This is not possible. If I try the way you described, there is just a bad click sound and then: ERROR!Diag Halt

[Can't open Device]

Guess that means, my harddrive is broken?

Thanks for your help.

ps. The more successful the apple products gets, the worse the service and quality is... disapointing!

Thanks, your post made me realise how damaged my IPod is and that I should just give up and purchase a new one. The diagnostic tool on the IPod Classic highlighted the fact that many sections had to be reallocated... more than 6000.

stuartsurr1992 wrote:

Thanks, your post made me realise how damaged my IPod is and that I should just give up and purchase a new one. The diagnostic tool on the IPod Classic highlighted the fact that many sections had to be reallocated... more than 6000.

Sounds pretty dead to me...

tt2