CJinPA
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: unique ipod shuffle (2nd gen) problem

I have an ipod shuffle (2nd gen) that is corrupted but I can't get iTunes to restore it.  iTunes only picks up the unit every 4th or 5th time I plug it in, and when I do I get the below error message (see screen shot below).   When I click on the "OK" in the bottom dialogue box, BOTH dialogue boxes go away and I can't click on the "Restore iPod" button.   I've tried various keyboard tricks but can't get the top dialogue box to stay there.  Any suggestions on how to get to the Restore button in this situation, or just get the darned thing Restored?    Thanks

Screen Shot 2015-11-27 at 7.00.19 PM.png

iPod shuffle, iOS 9.1

Posted on Nov 27, 2015 4:11 PM

by Kenichi Watanabe,Apple recommended
Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe
Level 8 (40,350 points)
Mac OS X
A:

I think that light pattern means there's a problem and you need to do a Restore, which is OBVIOUSLY what you are trying to perform...

 

> using a 3 inch cable that I ordered directly from Apple.

 

That may be the issue.  You said earlier that your shuffle is 2nd gen.  Apple's ultra-short docking cable for shuffle sounds like the one that comes with the current 4th gen shuffle.  While it fits, it does not work with 2nd gen shuffle, because the connector (plug) is different.  The 2nd gen shuffle came with a longer cable with a "mini-dock" at the iPod end.  You don't have that one anymore, or it's faulty?

 

However, it is odd that you can get to where it even appears in iTunes, using that cable.  It should not work at all, if that's a 4th gen shuffle cable.  Did that cable work previously for syncing, before your shuffle became corrupted?  There ARE third-party cables that look like that (short with no mini-dock); they are specifically made for the 2nd gen shuffle as an inexpensive replacement.

 

Since that shuffle model is pretty old at this point, the problem may be the battery being worn out, or other problem with iPod itself.

Posted on Dec 2, 2015 9:04 PM

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CJinPA

Q: unique ipod shuffle (2nd gen) problem

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Dec 2, 2015 2:02 PM in response to CJinPA
    Level 8 (40,350 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 2, 2015 2:02 PM in response to CJinPA

    That's a screenshot on a Mac (not Windows), right?  Is that the current latest version of iTunes, because I could not get my 2nd gen shuffle to complete a Restore about two weeks ago.  The way it failed for me was a bit different (iTunes crashes about half way through). 

     

    When the problem occurs for you, is iTunes still responsive for doing other stuff?  After you click OK in the dialog shown on screenshot (the blue button), you are saying that the iPod shuffle Settings screen disappears?  Like you disconnected the iPod...?

  • by CJinPA,

    CJinPA CJinPA Dec 2, 2015 2:18 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 2, 2015 2:18 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    Kenichi, thanks for your reply.  Yes, that is a screenshot from my iMac and yes I do have the latest version of iTunes running. 

     

    When the problem occurs, iTunes remains responsive for other tasks; I can still see my music library, playlists, etc.   Your last statement is also correct....when I click OK on that dialogue box it's as if iTunes just disconnects the iPod.   Sometimes the same dialogue boxes pop up a minute later, sometimes I have to disconnect the iPod and reconnect in order to get it to bring up the dialogue boxes again.  I've tried ejecting the iPod as well and that has no impact. 

     

    Appreciate any further recommendations you or the community have.

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Dec 2, 2015 2:37 PM in response to CJinPA
    Level 8 (40,350 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 2, 2015 2:37 PM in response to CJinPA

    Do you plug your shuffle into a USB hub, or directly to the Mac's USB port?  If you are using a USB hub, it's possible that it's not supplying enough power to the shuffle.  Maybe you connected something new recently that is drawing more power than the hub can provide.  Or the hub is becoming faulty.  That may explain the erratic behavior.  When the Restore begins, the shuffle is already recharging its battery (if you just connected it).  If a bit more power is needed during the Restore, that may cause the shuffle to power off, so it disappears from iTunes just as you start the Restore.  Then the shuffle "reboots" and pops back up with the "corrupted" message.

     

    If you have not already (whether you use a hub or not), you should try the following, as a test.  Shut down (power off) the Mac.  Disconnect all USB devices (including any hub); you can leave standard USB keyboard/mouse connected, if used.  If the shuffle's power switch is ON, put it in the OFF position.  Connect just the shuffle to a direct USB port on Mac.  Start up Mac, run iTunes, and try it again.

  • by CJinPA,

    CJinPA CJinPA Dec 2, 2015 7:49 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 2, 2015 7:49 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    No, I'm not using a USB hub.  The shuffle is being plugged directly into a USB port on the back of the iMac, using a 3 inch cable that I ordered directly from Apple.  The only other hardware that I have plugged into the iMac via USB is a printer.  Nonetheless, I tried what you recommended in the last paragraph (with the printer USB unplugged) and got the same result.    When I open iTunes the same 2 dialogue boxes pop up and when I "OK" the top box the second box goes away immediately.    I've tried all manner of keyboard tricks to try to quickly get to the "Restore" button on the second box but nothing catches it in time.

     

    It may be helpful to know that as soon as I do anything with this shuffle (turn it on, connect it to USB, plug it in to charge) it goes right into the green/orange/orange light cycle.  That confirms the need to reboot and, as you state, may also indicate that it doesn't have enough power to stay powered on.   So I'm in process of recharging it (again) but I'm doubtful that will work when it didn't the first time.

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,Apple recommended

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Dec 2, 2015 9:04 PM in response to CJinPA
    Level 8 (40,350 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 2, 2015 9:04 PM in response to CJinPA

    I think that light pattern means there's a problem and you need to do a Restore, which is OBVIOUSLY what you are trying to perform...

     

    > using a 3 inch cable that I ordered directly from Apple.

     

    That may be the issue.  You said earlier that your shuffle is 2nd gen.  Apple's ultra-short docking cable for shuffle sounds like the one that comes with the current 4th gen shuffle.  While it fits, it does not work with 2nd gen shuffle, because the connector (plug) is different.  The 2nd gen shuffle came with a longer cable with a "mini-dock" at the iPod end.  You don't have that one anymore, or it's faulty?

     

    However, it is odd that you can get to where it even appears in iTunes, using that cable.  It should not work at all, if that's a 4th gen shuffle cable.  Did that cable work previously for syncing, before your shuffle became corrupted?  There ARE third-party cables that look like that (short with no mini-dock); they are specifically made for the 2nd gen shuffle as an inexpensive replacement.

     

    Since that shuffle model is pretty old at this point, the problem may be the battery being worn out, or other problem with iPod itself.

  • by CJinPA,

    CJinPA CJinPA Dec 3, 2015 12:23 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 3, 2015 12:23 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    Now that I looked at the cable I ordered, it specifies 3rd gen and 4th gen but not 2nd gen.  If the needs are different that may be the issue, although it's highly disappointing that apple would not have that reverse acceptance built in.

     

    I do recall the mini-dock you're referring to and will need to search for it.   This particular ipod was a gift to wife from one of our kids years ago; she used it for a while then let it sit on desk for past couple of years.   I'm trying to resurrect it for incidental use and frankly as a bit of a tech challenge as well. 

     

    Apple sells a mini-dock replacement; ironically it's available for the same $45 cost as a 2nd gen shuffle.  I've searched for other 2nd gen shuffle cords on Amazon; almost all of them are have mediocre to awful ratings and user statements that the cord just didn't work.    If you're aware of a reliable and reasonably priced (<$10) cord for 2nd gen shuffle charging, please send the link.  

     

    Will look for mini-dock and report back.    Thanks again for your continued help!

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Dec 3, 2015 2:36 PM in response to CJinPA
    Level 8 (40,350 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 3, 2015 2:36 PM in response to CJinPA

    I didn't see Apple selling the "official" 2nd gen shuffle cable anymore, but I recall it was expensive (you can get a brand new 4th gen shuffle for $49 retail, with better features and warranty).  I would get one of those "$5" third party products.  The customer reviews seem to be 5-star It works! or 1-star It doesn't work!, so you'll hopefully get one that works.  Maybe this one

     

    http://www.amazon.com/White-Function-Cradle-Shuffle-Generation/dp/B000Z9PGFA

     

    because it holds the shuffle at a specific position relative to the connector plug (like the original cable), which may be important for the 2nd gen shuffle.  And it's better to have a longer cable so that it's not hanging off the back of your iMac.

     

    (My favorite shuffle design is the 1st gen model.  The one that looks like a USB flash drive.)

  • by yog10,

    yog10 yog10 May 13, 2016 10:08 PM in response to CJinPA
    Level 1 (12 points)
    iPod
    May 13, 2016 10:08 PM in response to CJinPA

    i too have a problem

     

    when i connect my ipod shuffle 2nd gen a pattern of green orange orange light blinks and it does not connect and appear in my itunes or computer

     

     

     

    so someone in apple told me to restore it but how ?