unknown error [-50]

So I'm basically having the same problem as described in the initial post. I have the latest version of Itunes (7.0.1.8), and every time I connect my Ipod, it goes through the normal synch phase, but for some reason automatically disconnects itself and does not allow further synching until physically disconnected then reconnected. I try to do a restore, however the Ipod is unresponsive, yet Itunes says it is restoring and shows a progress bar, but eventually errors out (i believe its error 1418). When I try to use the "synch ipod" command, it gives me error [-50]. I tried the authorize/deauthorize option, but that did not work apparently. Seems like Apple really messed some stuff up with Itunes 7 and it's really frustrating because you can't manage playlists through Itunes if you can't resynch...hopefully someone can find a solution to this problem or Apple can come up with some kind of answer.

Windows XP Pro 5th Gen Ipod 30gb

I tried everything mentioned in this thread, and still kept getting "unknown error (-50)" when I tried to update.

This all started happening after upgrade to iTunes 7.

Over the last weeks, I have done several restores, an
iTunes deauthorize/authorize, change drive letter,
enable disk use, uninstall/install of iTunes, and probably
more. It was always -50 on update.

What finally worked for me was to recreate my library
by importing the XML file as described here:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93313

Success. After two weeks of impersonating a brick, my iPod is functional again. It may not work for you, but it's one
more thing that might help.

It doesn't leave me with much confidence about updating the library in the future.

Windows XP

I am having the same problem. I've tried all the solutions offered on this thread and nothing has worked. I have a brand new fifth gen 80 GB iPod and I'm starting to regret my purchase. I can transfers CD's no problem. However, if I try to force a sync or change options in iTunes the -50 error keeps coming up. For example, I deleted some songs in iTunes and then tried syncing through iTunes. Didn't work. I had to disconnect/reconnect the USB cable for the changes to take effect on my iPod. I expect better from Apple. From what I've read on the this thread, it seems to be a problem that started with iTunes version 7. Anybody have any other suggestions?

If you are having issues syncing your ipod to itunes, it might help to check the drive letter your PC is allocating the ipod when you look in the My Computer folder. I had a similar problem because my ipod was being allocated the C: label and itunes wont sync properly with a ipod allocated as C:. you can change the drive letter allocation by selecting the start bar - Control panel then go to Administrative Tools and then Computer Management, then select Disk Management you will then be able to right click on your ipod in the right column and select change drive letter and path, click on change and select a different unallocated drive letter. Hopefully then itunes will then be able to sync with your ipod.

Thanks ajahearn. I tried that. It didn't work either.

Now that you mention it, My Computer doesn't show my iPod as a drive. I can see it when I go into Control panel then go to Administrative Tools and then Computer Management, then select Disk Management. It shows my iPod under Disk Drives as "Apple iPod USB Device." When I right click on it and then click Properties, it shows the following in the Properties - General tab:

Device type: Disk Drives
Manufacturer: {Standard disk drives}
Location: Location 0

Then in the same tab in the Device status box:

No drivers are installed for this device.

If you are having problems with this device, click Troubleshoot to start the troubleshooter.

Then the Device usage drop down shows:

Use this device (enable).

In the Details tab it shows the following:

Device Instance Id

USBSTOR\DISK&VEN APPLE&PROD_IPOD&REV1.62\000A270015CE6293&0


My iPod apparently isn't assigned a drive and is not showing up in My Computer. Could this be part of the problem that is causing the -50 error "unable to read/write to drive" whenever I try to sync my iPod? Anyone have any thoughts?







Windows XP

I had the same problem about a year ago on a 3rd (or 5th) Gen 20 GB. It would give me that message and then I'd have to try things again and again to be able to put music on. Eventually I had to resort to emptying it and starting again and I could only fill up to roughly the 10 GB mark before nothing I could do would change it. There was a bad sector on the hard drive, and I brought it right into an Apple Store and they tested it and I got a new one right then and there. So yeah, bring it to an Apple Store and they'll tell you if it's an iPod problem.

I am having the same problem. I've tried all the
solutions offered on this thread and nothing has
worked. I have a brand new fifth gen 80 GB iPod and
I'm starting to regret my purchase. I can transfers
CD's no problem. However, if I try to force a sync
or change options in iTunes the -50 error keeps
coming up. For example, I deleted some songs in
iTunes and then tried syncing through iTunes. Didn't
work. I had to disconnect/reconnect the USB cable
for the changes to take effect on my iPod. I expect
better from Apple. From what I've read on the this
thread, it seems to be a problem that started with
iTunes version 7. Anybody have any other suggestions?

I have a Gen3 pod. I went back to my slow-*** firewire connection and it was fine.

Slow as all ****--but fine.

If you look through the forum there appear to thousand of people who have this problem. Here's what we know so far:-
1. The problem is related to iTunes v7 and the firmware v1.2 on later ipods.
2. it is a bug in the firmware that gives any/all o the following symptoms
- freezes after re-set
- freezes during restore
- cannot sync
- cannot eject
- cannot switch off
- basically CANNOT USE IPOD AT ALL
3. the problem appears to have been known to apple for at least a couple of weeks but they have not found a solution and for the time being they have also chosen to not even acknowledge the problem to re-assure users that their hardware is OK and a software fix is on the way.
4. Contentious posts are being deleted by Apple (I have already had 2 removed so get this one while it's hot)

keep the pressure up!!!
They will have to acknowledge it and fix it

I have had the same error with the 2nd Gen Shuffle since I bought it about a week ago. I have successfully gotten it to sync twice in that time. I was only able to add songs, never delete. I would get the “can't read and write error” along with the -50 error. iTunes will see the Shuffle, but won't communicate with the Shuffle other than to list its Serial number and show its settings. When I try to set the settings such as enable disk use the next time I plug it in it is back to the settings it had before. I have observed that when I first plug it into the docking station Windows sees the iPod correctly; it is once iTunes opens that things go crazy. Once iTunes is opened the drive changes from iPod to just a drive letter that is no longer accessible. Once I uninstalled iTunes, rebooted, and then put the Shuffle in the docking station Windows kept the drive available as an iPod. I could at least delete my music now. I truly believe Apple has a problem with iTunes 7. I'm saddened to see that Apple doesn't show any concern for this error. As other people have stated before Apple could at least inform us that there is a problem they are working on, but since they only care about image what could I expect. I have purchased 4 other mp3 players from other companies and have not had any issues, but I thought that so many people act like the iPod was so great I would try it. Well I figured I could start with an inexpensive purchase and check out the experience. Well here I am with a bad taste in my mouth from Apple asking myself what else did I expect. I will be returning the Shuffle to the store, what a pity since it was such a neat little device.

How do enable disk use? I have a new 2G Shuffle and I can't find the box under the Settings tab.