iPod Classic not recognized in iTunes, but iPhone 5 is

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iPod Classic not recognized in iTunes, but iPhone 5 is

Help!

I have a 160 G ipod Classic. It still plays music great, no problem there. However, it is no longer recognized in iTunes. I can plug my iPhone 5 in to iTunes, and it comes up perfectly. The lack of connectivity means I am stuck with what is currently on my iPod.

I have tried the reset...steps, but cannot restore because I cannot EVER get it to connect to iTunes.

I've applied all computer updates, etc...to no avail.

I am running an ACER Aspire M5-581TG with Windows 7 Home Premium.

I have tried connecting this iPod to another computer with the same results.

I'm hoping the iPod is not trashed, and it seems strange that the only thing it cannot do is connect to iTunes. This just started happening in the past week or so.

Any help most definitely appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike Riley

iPod classic, Windows 7

Posted on Oct 10, 2012 8:11 AM

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Answer 1

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planb77

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32,434 points

Oct 10, 2012 8:56 AM in response to camsdad206

Have you tried using another available USB port and sync cable?

Does the iPod still charge when you connect it to a PC?

Have you check the dock connector port for any signs of debris or damage that could be preventing a full and proper connection of the iPod with your PC and iTunes?

B-rock

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Answer 2

camsdad206 Author

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Oct 10, 2012 11:51 AM in response to planb77

Yes, multiple USB ports and cables. Even tried on another computer to no avail.

The battery symbol on the ipod looks like it is charging when plugged in.

I've checked the connectors, don't appear to have any problems, but have not looked with a magnifying glass.

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Answer 3

planb77

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32,434 points

Oct 10, 2012 12:22 PM in response to camsdad206

What happens if you try connecting the iPod to your PC in Disk Mode?

Putting iPod into Disk Mode

B-rock

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Answer 4

camsdad206 Author

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Oct 10, 2012 12:33 PM in response to planb77

It goes into Disk Mode, and when connecting to Computer, it shows up as a Removable Disk after about a minute.

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Answer 5

planb77

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Oct 10, 2012 12:39 PM in response to camsdad206

When it does, try doing a low level reformat of the iPod's hard drive using the instructions in this article.

http://www.methodshop.com/gadgets/ipodsupport/erase/

B-rock

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Answer 6

camsdad206 Author

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Oct 10, 2012 12:51 PM in response to planb77

Tried that. Error Message = "Windows was unable to complete the format"

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Answer 7

planb77

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Oct 10, 2012 1:02 PM in response to camsdad206

That's not a good sign.

It could be an indication or a damaged or dying hard drive. I would recommend doing a disk diagnostic on the iPod's HD using the instructions given by turingtest2 in this older thread. He also covers what the resulting numbers indicate.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3784647?start=0&tstart=0

B-rock

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Answer 8

camsdad206 Author

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Oct 10, 2012 2:11 PM in response to planb77

Retracts: 133

Reacllocs: 0

Pending Sectors: 2

PowerOn Hours: 757

Start/Stops: 396

Temp: Current 31C

Temp: Min 15C

Temp: Max 56C

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Answer 9

planb77

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Oct 11, 2012 10:58 AM in response to camsdad206

Hmmm... that seems to suggest that the iPod's hard drive is okay. Does the iPod successfully connect with another PC running iTunes?

B-rock

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Answer 10

camsdad206 Author

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Oct 11, 2012 11:16 AM in response to planb77

Unfortunately, yes, I have tried connecting to other computers, to no avail. I can try that avenue again.

I certainly appreciate the time that you are spending helping me go down all the logical paths for trying to correct this. I'd rather exhaust all of my possibilities prior to throwing the towel in and plunking down a couple of hundred bucks for a replacement.

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Answer 11

planb77

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32,434 points

Oct 11, 2012 12:01 PM in response to camsdad206

My apologies. I read some of your earlier posts and noticed that you had tried that with no luck. 😟

One last thing I would like to suggest is just waiting for the iPod's battery to fully drain. Let it sit completely dead for a few hours. Then charge it back up and see if you can get iTunes to then recognize it. Keep in mind that it can take up to 30 minutes for the iPod to show any signs of life after a full discharge.

B-rock

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Answer 12

camsdad206 Author

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Oct 14, 2012 6:21 PM in response to planb77

Fully drained, fully recharged, still no luck...

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Answer 13

planb77

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Oct 15, 2012 1:00 PM in response to camsdad206

I'm pretty much out of ideas at this point. My only remaining suggestion is to schedule an appointment at a local Apple Store's Genius Bar or at an Apple Authorized Reseller to have them verify whether or not you have a hardware issue with the device, meaning it will need to be serviced/replaced.

B-rock

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Answer 14

camsdad206 Author

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Oct 17, 2012 10:59 AM in response to planb77

OK, I'm pretty sure that I know what their answer will be...(replace)...

I already replaced the battery in the device a year or so ago, so I think I can maneuver my way around inside my iPod a bit.

The question is, would a replacement hard drive be a possibility to undertake myself, or is it too complicated to attempt? I'm considering either a full replacement at a higher cost with less risk, or the riskier but less expensive just swap out the hard drive.

Anyway, I do really appreciate the dialogue and suggestions that you have given me up to this point.

Thanks, Mike

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