ipod updater can't mount ipod

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Level 1

15 points

ipod updater can't mount ipod

Hi everyone, I get the folder with the exclamation mark picture so I'm trying to restore my ipod.

The problem is, when I connect my ipod and run the program, I get an error that says, "can't mount ipod."

Any ides?

enpower laptop, Windows XP

Posted on Dec 20, 2005 1:01 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

keefy

Level 1

0 points

Feb 26, 2006 2:20 PM in response to Adam Footlik

Try this:

1. Uninstall 1-10-2006 using Control Panel - Add/Remove programs

2. Re-install the update that came with your iPod (mine was 2005-10-12)

3. Run 2005-10-12 (or previous) update from Start-Programs etc.

4. As it is 'initializing' keep resetting your iPod by pressing Menu and centre button at same time until the update recognises the iPod. This is the tricky bit, and took me 10 goes using various timings in relation to when I reset the iPod and when I started the update. You might also have to restart the PC and keep plugging the iPod in and unplugging it. Not very scientific I know but I guess it's a case of catching the hard-drive in iPod at the right time so the update program can work

5. You should hopefully then be able to press the 'restore' button and re-install the software (this took me 3 goes as it only got half way through several times - I had to repeat whole process from No.1 again)

6. This brought my 30Gb iPod video back to life after 1-10-2006 knackered it

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Answer 2

DC Wuff

Level 1

0 points

Feb 26, 2006 11:47 AM in response to David A Johnson

Chalk up another success!

I had hosed up my wife's 60GB iPod photo yesterday (PC and iPod froze and felt I had no choice but to disconnect). I was getting the Sad iPod icon, and there was no hard drive activity. Can you say "doghouse"?

After finding this thread, I went upstairs where we have plush carpet. First, I dropped it flat on its back from about 1 1/2 feet up. Nothing. Then, I "carefully" dropped it evenly on its left side (as you face it) from the same distance up, and I immediately heard the hard drive click. I picked it up and could feel the hard drive spinning, and the Apple logo lit up.

I then did a reset, and the menu popped up. It's working just fine now, both playing music and syncing with iTunes.

It'll be nice to sleep inside tonight! 😉

Thanks to those who've shared this piece of unconventional wisdom.

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Answer 3

Dec 21, 2005 7:05 PM in response to Adam Footlik

I had the same problem today; I tried reformatting, updating, disconnecting and reconnecting to the computer, restarting the computer. I had gotten the exclamation point icon, the apple icon and a check mark but I could not get get past the "can't mount" message. I finally found one suggestion on the discussion panel that said as a last resort to "gently" drop the Ipod onto the floor from waist level. I put my Ipod in the soft-sided case and dropped it twice. The second drop solved the entire set of problems I was having. The hard drive had been clicking through all the procedures I tried and immediately quieted, I reconnected, reformatted and was good to go!

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Answer 4

rockman

Level 1

5 points

Dec 21, 2005 7:51 PM in response to Adam Footlik

Having same problem here! Has anyone else dropped their ipod?? I've got the 'clicks' aswell. It's like the hard drive starts then clicks and stops, it freezes up most of windows, can't mount it to restore it, did a restore a few weeks ago, but that didn't fix me. What's the story with the clicks apple?

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Answer 5

Jan 25, 2006 5:16 AM in response to johntin

UPDATE:
I originally posted about this problem at the end of December. The soft "hit" I gave my IPOD has solved my problem and I have not had any problems since then.

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Answer 6

fduross

Level 1

0 points

Jan 29, 2006 5:03 PM in response to Lewis Gleeson

Before dropping your iPod, try prying it open, and unplugging the battery overnight. This worked for my unmountable iPod. I was having the same problems after the updater.

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Answer 7

Feb 11, 2006 12:29 PM in response to Adam Footlik

For information, I found a way that doesn't involved dropping your iPod on the floor. I recently installed a winamp plugin that allows you to copy song to your iPod. That pluging is called ml_iPod. Obviously, that plugin is for winamp only and doesn't work with iTunes.

Only real problem I see with that solution, is that you still can't update your iPod with iPod Updater.

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Answer 8

ssteffek

Level 1

0 points

Dec 21, 2005 6:57 PM in response to Adam Footlik

Hi, I'm having the same problem with the "can't mount ipod" thing. I'm not sure what it is. I haven't encountered it before. But apparently, it is a somewhat common problem. If I find out, I'll post the answer, but I'm afraid this may be an issue that needs servicing...

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Answer 9

Jan 24, 2006 4:07 PM in response to Adam Footlik

I'm having the same problem. I can see my iPod in the Explorer (so Windows sees it), but iTunes and iPod Updater both don't see it.

iPod updater gave a "Cannot mount iPod" error message while iTunes just don't react at all.

I tried everything that is written in the support section at this adresse : http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93716

Yet, nothing worked.

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Answer 10

Jan 24, 2006 6:46 PM in response to Renee Hudson

I was having a similar frozen iPod problem. All of the Apple solutions start with either Reset or Restore, but both require being able to reset and mine was completely unresponsive! I dropped it from about a foot and a half onto a carpeted floor, out of the case, once flat onto its back (with no results), then once on its end, and lo, I got my menu back! Appears to be OK now!!! Could be coincidence, but I had tried the exact same reset procedure about a hundred times, then upon dropping it twice, everything now works. Think I'll open an iPod repair shop! I have the know-how now.

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Answer 11

johntin

Level 1

0 points

Jan 25, 2006 2:46 AM in response to Nico Cote

Am I glad I looked on here. I have been playing around with this 20gb gen 4 ipod for a couple of weeks now. I was finally about to admit defeat when I saw this thread.
I banged my ipod against a piece of wood a couple of times and bingo. Windows recognises it straight away and I can now use it as normal. I don't know how long this will last for as obviously there is something wrong with the ipod if this "cures" it.
So don't be gentle from now on they like it rough.

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Answer 12

jforjan

Level 1

0 points

Jan 29, 2006 2:37 PM in response to Adam Footlik

Today I read this post and dropped my ipod and it worked instantly. Thanks..I was about to throw it away after the Apple technician told me the Hard Drive had packed up. It all started when I downloaded the Updater. Never again.

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Answer 13

Jan 29, 2006 4:24 PM in response to Adam Footlik

ROFL didnt think dropping it on the floor wood work but amazingly it does just dropped it twice and it come bk on but with no music but that cud b cos we reset it b4 hand
im still laughin bout it LOL

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