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iPod Recognized in Windows, not in iTunes

Like many others on this forum, I've been having issues with iTunes and my iPod since installing iTunes 7.0. My iPod appears in My Computer, but iTunes will not recognize it.

My first instinct was to try the iPod updater, however when I attempt to run it I get the following error message: "Invalid iPod Service Version."

I have tried everything I could find on this website, starting with all the steps in Apple's "iPod shows up in Windows but not in iTunes" article. Most of these steps have not worked, though I've had limited success with the step entitled "Restart the iPod Service." After performing this step, iTunes does indeed recognize my iPod, but this only works until the next time I eject my iPod. It does not appear to be permanently solving this issue for me, as I have to manually restart the iPod service every time if I want it to work. I noticed during this step that my iPod service was set to "Manual", so I changed it to "Automatic", however this has made no difference.

None of the other steps in that article have worked for me, and yes I have done every one of them. I have additionally uninstalled and reinstalled iTunes several times. I have attempted to uninstall iTunes 7.0 and reinstall an older version, but this no longer works as there seem to be errors if I attempt this. I have tried reinstalling the iPod software, but this hasn't helped either. I have tried the first 4 out of the 5 R's, but this hasn't helped (I'm not quite willing to believe I have to restore my iPod just yet). I have tried resetting the iPod while it's connected to the computer, but this hasn't helped. I saw in one user's post that he was able to fix his problem by going to the Device Manager, clicking on his iPod, clicking the Volumes tab, and clicking Populate, but this didn't work for me. I have tried toggling AutoRun on and off, but this hasn't worked. I tried deactivating all potentially conflicting startup services, but this hasn't worked.

I'm really at the end of my rope here. If anybody has any new suggestions I would greatly appreciate the help.

Dell Dimension 4600 Windows XP Pro

Posted on Sep 19, 2006 10:34 AM

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23 replies

Sep 19, 2006 10:51 AM in response to dmmontal

I am having the exact same problems too. I also have a 5th gen 60gb ipod and also a 1gb shuffle. Neither of them are recognized by itunes 7. I have temporarily fixed the problem by reinstalling itunes6.0.5. Seeing as how you could not install an older version, have you tried completely removing itunes and quicktime from your computer, and then try to install older software?

Asus Windows XP

Asus Windows XP

Sep 19, 2006 11:06 AM in response to jred16

Yeah I did completely remove iTunes and Quicktime before attempting to reinstall the older version of iTunes. I even also used the Windows Cleanup Tool to make sure they were thoroughly removed, but it didn't work. I was able to reinstall iTunes 6 (not sure the exact serial number, it was the most recent one before 7.0), but when I tried opening it I kept receiving an error message saying something about how one of the necessary files couldn't be read because it was from a newer version of iTunes. I went back and double checked to see if I had left anything behind after uninstalling 7.0 but I just didn't see anything.

So it looks like I'm stuck with 7.0. Hopefully Apple will provide some sort of solution to this problem, seeing as how so many people are having it.

Sep 19, 2006 11:07 AM in response to jred16

Yeah I did completely remove iTunes and Quicktime before attempting to reinstall the older version of iTunes. I even also used the Windows Cleanup Tool to make sure they were thoroughly removed, but it didn't work. I was able to reinstall iTunes 6 (not sure the exact serial number, it was the most recent one before 7.0), but when I tried opening it I kept receiving an error message saying something about how one of the necessary files couldn't be read because it was from a newer version of iTunes. I went back and double checked to see if I had left anything behind after uninstalling 7.0 but I just didn't see anything.

So it looks like I'm stuck with 7.0. Hopefully Apple will provide some sort of solution to this problem, seeing as how so many people are having it.

Sep 19, 2006 11:11 AM in response to dmmontal

dmmontal,

Can you do me a favor? Can you see if bouncing the iPodService -- i.e.

1. Quit iTunes.
2. Right click on "My Computer". Select "Manage"
3. Select "Services and Applications" in the left hand panel.
4. Double click on "Services" in the right hand panel.
5. Double click on "iPodService" in the right hand panel.
6. This brings up a dialog.
7. In this dialog, push the "stop" button.
8. Make sure your iPod is connected and wait until it settles in Windows, i.e. you get all the new hardware balloons and noises.
9. Push the "start" button in the dialog to restart the iPodService.
10. Restart iTunes.

Does iTunes now see your iPod?

Alternatively, if the iPod is plugged in when you boot the computer, does iTunes see the iPod?

Sep 19, 2006 11:21 AM in response to toonz

Hi Toonz,

Please note that in my above post I stated that I did indeed follow the steps you outline below, which I originally found in Apple's main article on this topic. The result was that it worked temporarily. The iPod was recognized, but only until I ejected it. It only works once. If I attempt to connect the iPod again (either before or after rebooting), it is again unrecognized and I have to manually repeat the steps below to get it to work.

Also I did take your advice and try booting with the iPod plugged in. During the boot up process I see a black screen with some text and a message, which I believe said "Diskette Drive 0 failed to initialize". Something like that. When my computer finishes booting and I open iTunes, yes my iPod is recognized, but again this only works one time. If I eject the iPod and reconnect it it is unrecognized. It is only recignized if it is connected before booting up, which is definitely not the way an iPod is supposed to work.

Sep 19, 2006 12:21 PM in response to Kubrick

Hi Kubrick,

I did actually see your thread and I've looked through the blog you've posted. Unfortunately neither has solved my problem. The guy in the blog seems to actually be having less trouble than me, believe it or not, as far as the iPod recognition issue. I tried his suggestion about plugging the iPod in first, and THEN opening iTunes (which I didn't have to do with earlier versions), but I didn't have any luck with that.

Sep 19, 2006 3:56 PM in response to dmmontal

Yeah dmmontal, that's what really concerns me. There seem to be such a variety of different issues cropping up that it's hard to imagine it being fixed quickly.

I still have to STOP the iPod Service every time then open iTunes just for it to see the iPod. Every time I connect I don't want to have to do this. I would settle for iTunes just recognizing the iPod for starters; but then other users seem stuck at that stage with the iPod updating problem.

Please post back to this thread or mine if you figure out any good tips.

Sep 19, 2006 9:34 PM in response to dmmontal

Same as everyone else, I am getting frustrated with iTunes 7 not recognizing my ipod and I have tried resinstalling, etc. One thing that I am getting that I haven't seen mentioned is that when I plug my ipod in, windows explorer automatically opens up showing the device as as external drive. After reinstalling the com interface, my ipod showed up in iTunes once, but never again.

Please Apple, find us a fix for this problem! iTunes 7 seemed like such a great upgrade until the ipod issues.



Windows XP

Sep 19, 2006 9:59 PM in response to dmmontal

I too had this problem for a few days after upgrading to version 7.0 for windoze. I diligently went through all the steps outlined in the help pages. Ironically enough, my ipod eventually showed up, but I got the page saying it needed to be wiped clean, so that is what I did.

Now, the only problem is that new podcasts won't sync with the ipod, though all the settings are appropriate. The one fix I haven't tried yet is to turn on syncing music, to see if that makes the already-selected option to sync podcasts work.

iPod Recognized in Windows, not in iTunes

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