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iPod will not sync. Cannot be found/File not found

I have a older video iPod. Yesterday I did a sync and it worked fine. Then I purchased songs from the iTunes store and now it will not sync. I downloaded the latest version of iTunes but it still won't sync. When I connect iPod I get a box saying update 1.3 is available. I have tried hitting DOWNLOAD and also LATER, but neither will work. It seems like it recognizes the iPod but then stops recognizing it (the do not connect message on the iPod screen disappears). Then I get two error messages - the first says cannot sync because the iPod cannot be found, the second says file cannot be found. I do not use photos. I have restarted trhe computer several times, reset the iPod, and tried different usb ports. Nothing helps. Any suggestions?

iPod classic, Windows XP Pro

Posted on Dec 9, 2012 8:45 AM

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Posted on Dec 12, 2012 6:19 PM

Heloooooooo....is there anybody in there?.....just nod if you can hear me........is there anyone home?

16 replies

Dec 14, 2012 5:03 PM in response to edmiseta

An update: I deleted all of the songs I downloaded. Still nothing. Then I downloaded a new version of Quicktime, and I got it to sync. So I redownloaded all the new songs by clicking on the cloud, deleted some songs, and changed a couple of playlists. Then I tried to re-sync it, and it's back to the same issues as before. If anyone has a clue, please let me know. Thanks. Best Buy is trying to tell me I need to buy a new iPod. This one works fine, so I really don't want to do that if I don't have to.

Dec 15, 2012 7:20 PM in response to edmiseta

If anyone else is having this same issue, I spoke with someone at Apple today and they suggested the problem might be Windows XP. I was told that the latest version of iTunes is not compatible with XP, and that I needed to get Windows Vista or 8. I downloaded Windows 8 today and that seems to have solved the problem. I was able to perform a sync afterwards with no issues. However I lost many of my applications (Stamps, Turbolister, etc) which I need to download again. And I hate the look of Windows 8. But I can now listen to my new Tony Orlando downloads. I find life to be a lot of give and take. Knock Three Times. Out here.

Dec 26, 2012 6:34 AM in response to edmiseta

I am having the same problem. I am running Windows 8. Bought a song last evening and now my ipod will not sync. I removed ITunes (Control Panel) and installed the latest version of iTunes. I still cannot syync my iPod. Diagnostics say "Ipod cannot be found" even though it shows up on my ITunes window left-side bar.

Can anyone assist?

Feb 10, 2013 5:06 AM in response to edmiseta

I have 2 setups:

1) laptop, XP, ipod nano

2) PC, XP, ipod


Setup 2 is working with itunes 10 and after upgrade to itunes 11.

Setup 1 stopped working with itunes 9 and still not working after upgrade to itunes 11.


I've tried repair of itunes, uninstill/re-install, reboot ipod and still no luck. I don't believe that itunes 11 is not compatible with XP as it works with setup 2.


I'm lost as to a solution. Even the diagnostic didn't help.

Apr 16, 2013 12:42 PM in response to Tilly250

I cannot sync my older i-pod and get the message that the file cannot be found. I have a mac computer so it is not a windows issue. I have updated my computer to the latest software and also updated the i-pod and still get the same message. This has been going on for over a year and I am frustrated. Any idea how to clear out the i-pod and start over or other suggestions?

Jun 1, 2013 6:46 PM in response to edmiseta

This worked for me.


Close iTunes if it's running. Disconnect your iPod.

Run "devmgmt.msc". this will bring up "device manager." You'll need it open.

Open iTunes. Plug in your iPod.

When it's recognized, select/check "enable disk use." Dialogue box will open to remind you you'll have to manually disconnect. Say "ok."

Select "apply".

Right click on the Apple device in device manager (might work to click on anything, but look for the apple device).

Select "search for hardware changes."

When finished. iPod should function normally and sync.

You can switch back to uncheck "enable disk use" and apply if desired.

iPod will not sync. Cannot be found/File not found

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