Level 1

8 points

Cannot See Nano in Device Manager, ITunes or Ipod Updater

Help! I purchased a new Nano 3 weeks ago and I have been struggling with it ever since. I had it working very briefly, with some songs loaded. However, I then applied the lastest update (03-23) and my nano hasn't worked since. I've tried everything. I've uninstalled and reinstalled. The Nano does not show up in Windows Device Manager, and it does not show up in Itunes or in ipod Updater. In all the postings I've read with suggested solutions the nano was at least showing up SOMEWHERE. Mine doesn't show up in any of the three places. The songs I had loaded onto the Ipod disappeared, although they still show on my computer in ITunes. I have 2 USB 2.0 ports, and I've tried switching between those, but that still doesn't work. I am able to plug my Palm into either of the 2 ports and do a Hotsync, so I know the ports themselves do work. One post suggested putting the nano into disk mode before opening up the ipod updater. I have tried and tried to get my nano into disk mode and I can't get it to do that. The Apple logo comes up, I try to press Select and Play/Pause but it just comes up with the language selection list. I click on "English" and it brings up the regular menu. I do remember my computer restarting with the Nano still connected when I was working on this problem early on. Could that have damaged something or reset something? I've spent hours and hours over the past couple weeks on this problem and I'm truly stumped. Can anyone help? At this point I don't know what else to do except take it back to Best Buy. Thank you in advance to anyone who can advise.

Dell Pentium, Windows XP

Posted on Apr 27, 2006 1:18 PM

115 replies

CherylS Author

Level 1

8 points

May 5, 2006 6:48 AM in response to weemalky

Great summary, weemalky. Unfortunately I just tried it again (for probably the 6th or 7th time) exactly as you described and it does not work for me.

From what I can tell the USB format tool is simply running DOS commands. (I used to be quite fluent with DOS 20 years ago, and while I've forgotten a lot after so long, I do still recognize a DOS shell and commands.)

I'm glad this fix is working for some. I believe it doesn't work in my case because my computer is not fully recognizing my nano when I plug it in. The DOS command in the USB format tool doesn't work, because it isn't finding my USB attached nano. Before I installed the 3-23 update when I plugged my nano in it showed up as Drive F in My Computer, Windows Explorer, etc. Now it never shows up as a drive when I plug it in, no matter how long I leave it attached. The only thing that happens is that an an "Unknown Device" appears in the USB list in Device Manager. Right click My Computer, Click Manage, Click Device Manager, Click expand USB list, plug in nano and viola an "Unknown Device" shows up in the USB list.

I tried SoniaC's steps exactly again last night, leaving my nano plugged in for well over an hour. Didn't work.

Still open to suggestions.

weemalky

Level 1

0 points

May 5, 2006 7:31 AM in response to CherylS

It's true my Nano appeared as a drive although it was completly inaccessible. You are not even getting it to appear at all. Looks like if you can fix that then you should be able to address the reformat issue.

This thread seems to have a few suggestions

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=853418

May 5, 2006 12:16 PM in response to weemalky

here's an exact fix for Windows users:

http://screwdave.blogspot.com/2006/05/ipod-nano-updater-3-23-really-needs.html

must do repair steps in a particular order. works fine for me now.

Dilellan

Level 1

0 points

May 6, 2006 10:51 PM in response to pacificdave

I have the same exact problem as CherylS. I followed the instructions outlined above, but when I went plugged in the iPod, the HP Formatter Tool did not recognize it. I got the same message I have gotten in the past, that the device is not recognized. Also, the iPod does not show up in Windows (My Computer, Device Manager) or iTunes. In Device Manager, it is merely identified as "unknown device". I did not have any problem until I ran the iPod Updater.

Any other suggestions besides those posted in this string?

Mascara

Level 1

0 points

May 7, 2006 1:22 AM in response to insoundsfromwayout

Hi, got the HP USB tool, recognises ipod and then advises "device media is write-protected". Has anyone found the solution to this one yet? Thanks

Jane101

Level 1

10 points

May 7, 2006 1:25 PM in response to CherylS

Yeah but how do you put it onto disk mode?

shan27

Level 1

0 points

May 7, 2006 11:47 PM in response to weemalky

I have had all the same problems as everone else... ipod isn't recognized anywhere. I followed steps provided by gailpod and weemalky and though that everything had worked but when i brought up the updater it said "iPod manager internal error". Does anyone know what the problem is or where to go from here? I have been screwing around with ipod for the entire weekend and i'm about ready to throw it out the window. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

May 8, 2006 12:00 AM in response to CherylS

Hello, before I start saying nasty things about APPLE's Customer Support please go here
http://screwdave.blogspot.com/2006/05/ipod-nano-updater-3-23-really-needs.html

If you do exactly what Dave is proposing, the bl...y iPod is running. Purchased our NaNo last Saturday. NaNo got the 1.1.1 Software installed.I had iTunes 6.0.4 up and running, but when I docke the NaNo to the XP System I had for HOURS the "do not disconnect" screen running.
The solutions APPLE is providing in their FAQ are NOT WORKING!!
You have to FORMAT your NaNo with the mentioned HP USB Tool.
Took me approx. 12 hours of work and 8 reboots on several PC's before we could start "enjoying" the NaNo. This is an even worse experience than getting a Bluetooth Cellphone connected to a PC and running.
When do engineers start thinking as USERS and not as engineers when they make their Software??

If you do not want to get nuts, got to Dave's blog and ENJOY!

Hope that everyone now get's their NaNo running. regards

CherylS Author

Level 1

8 points

May 8, 2006 9:14 PM in response to KingCloggy

Unfortunately the steps in Dave's Blog don't work for all of us, even if you follow them exactly. It's great that they resolve the problem for some, but some of us are still dead in the water.

The only idea I have left to try is trying to find someone else who'll let me hook up my ipod to their computer to see if a different computer will make a difference. That may mean dropping by my local PC tech/repair shop, we'll see. (That actually may be the fastest and easiest, given my schedule.)

All I can say is that this is my first experience with Apple, and frankly I am not impressed at all. They could not possibly have thoroughly tested the 3-23 update before they released it. The HOURS I've spent just trying to get this thing to work!! And that I now have to try find another computer to hook up my Ipod to, to see if I can get it to work? Absolutely ridulous

jnewell

Level 1

5 points

May 10, 2006 6:26 AM in response to weemalky

wemalky's summary earlier in this thread is the best step by step solution I found searching in this forum for answers to this problem.

You will need to find the HP usb formatting tool elsewhere (but even the cached Google version of the original HP page will link to the exe file which is still on HP/Compaq's website). However, I tried reformatting the Nano with Windows Explorer and that worked fine, so I don't think the HP tool is necessary.

After reformatting the Nano, I was able to "restore" the Nano (funny term to use when wiping the whole device) and thereafter both the 03.26 updater and iTunes had no trouble recognizing the Nano.

We're back to full functionality with the Nano -- thanks to all who posted solutions.

May 10, 2006 8:11 AM in response to GailPod

i tried this HP thinngir from th elink given. its not letting me put in any device to check or nothing.

May 10, 2006 8:52 AM in response to CherylS

I cant put this ruddy ipod in disk mode. there isnt anything i havent tried. im tired and frustrated. please is there any thing i can try. this hp thing didnt work cos my usb is not recognized. the whole thing is just wearing me out. i feel like throwing this thing in the bin. please can someone put me outta my misery.

Missa_B

Level 1

0 points

May 10, 2006 10:05 AM in response to GailPod

I have the solution!:
1. Download HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool (google
it) and install.
2. Connect iPod to USB and set the iPod in Disk Mode
(details are on website)
3. Run HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool and format to
FAT32.
4. Run iPod Updater 2006-03-23 and select restore.
5. Run iTunes and copy music

Enjoy!!
-GailPod

Windows
XP

My 13 yr old daughter was ready to KILL her Daddy! She bought the Nano with her own money she earned pet and baby sitting. Things went well for two weeks

Then good ole dad thought it would be good to update the software as suggested by APPLE! WRONG! Called Support for the FREE support. Poor guy had no clue! Wants me to send iPod Nano back. They are sending out a box to send it back in!

GailPod saves the day! Followed the directions and am downloading songs as I type this.

Dad will now be HERO when he picks up Missa at school with working iPod!

Thanks GailPod!!

Missa's Dad

HP Windows XP Pro

HP Windows XP Pro

jnewell

Level 1

5 points

May 10, 2006 11:31 AM in response to nano not picked up

Getting it into disk mode requires the second double push before the Apple screen comes up. It takes me several tries each time. You have to do it earlier than you'd think.

I agree about Apple support but I'm sure their standard answer is "well, buy an Apple." 😀 😟

May 10, 2006 3:03 PM in response to GailPod

I have the solution!:
1. Download HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool (google
it) and install.
2. Connect iPod to USB and set the iPod in Disk Mode
(details are on website)
3. Run HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool and format to
FAT32.
4. Run iPod Updater 2006-03-23 and select restore.
5. Run iTunes and copy music

Enjoy!!
-GailPod

Windows
XP

I get to #4 and I cannot select "restore".
In fact, I cannot select either option.
They're grayed out.

The message "Plug in an ipod to update it" is the only one I see.
I've tried everything I can think of here.

- George

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Cannot See Nano in Device Manager, ITunes or Ipod Updater