I still have an Ipod Classic 5th generation that works perfectly and holds its charge - but it won't sync to iTunes. I have tried different cables and different hardware but no joy. I took in to some repair place and they said it is too old to talk to iTunes. Is this right? Is there any way around it? Thanks.
iPod classic, Other OS
The current version of iTunes should work fine. What antivirus package are you using? Some may block communications. Norton in particular of late has been behind the issue for some people.
tt2
Thanks - it's AVG but I'm not sure which version (I will check) - however it was just the same on a friend's Mac with different antivirus.
Does the device show in Windows Explorer or Finder if you put it in disk mode?
Do you hear the "device connected" sound?
tt2
I don't know what disk mode means - I hear the sound but Explorer doesn't see it - but the iPod gets the symbol on with the red line through saying do not disconnect. It still plays through my docking system and charges at the wall, too.
See Putting iPod into Disk Mode - Apple Support.
With it in disk mode does it show in Explorer? And what about iTunes?
tt2
I have a 5th gen "video" iPod, and it works fine with the latest iTunes.
but it won't sync to iTunes.
Does that mean it does not appear in iTunes at all, or that it does appear in iTunes but you can't get it to sync?
Also, watch the iPod's screen when you connect it. Does it say "Do not disconnect"? Or does it just show the battery charging symbol? Or does it not react at all to being connected?
Do you use a Mac or Windows PC? If Windows, what version?
I will try tonight and report back. Thanks.
I doesn't appear at all, in either iTunes or Explorer. When I connect it it says 'Do not Disconnect'.
I use Windows, I'll have to check which version but it's old (possibly 95) but I tried it on a friends Mac with a much newer operating system and it's just the same.
I don't think it's Windows 95. 😉 You wouldn't be able to run any recent version of iTunes... It may be Window XP, if it's "old." Found this
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/which-operating-system
Knowing the version of Windows may be relevant in finding the solution. The Do not disconnect on iPod's screen is good news. That means the iPod is acknowledging being connected to the computer, which makes the problem more solvable, compared to a hardware problem.
If it does not work on two computer (and one was a Mac) and with more than one docking cable, the cause may be on the iPod side of the connection. Putting it into Disk Mode as tt2 suggested would be a good test.
I've done a few more checks. It is actually Windows 7, so newer than I thought.
I've put it into disk mode, and it still doesn't show, either in Explorer or iTunes. It did at one point briefly show in iTunes then disappeared and I've not been able to get it back again.
That suggests a possible issue with the cable. It may be OK for charging, and the device might display the "Do not disconnect" warning but perhaps no real connection is established. It should work in disk mode even whether or not Apple's iPod driver gets loaded. Try a new or known good cable. Check for fluff in the docking port. If found tease out gently with a thin sliver of card or plastic.
tt2
Have tried 3 cables, including one brand new apple original cable.
Liz Wyman wrote:
Have tried 3 cables, including one brand new apple original cable.
I neglected to re-read the top of the thread. 😊
Take a look at the port with a magnifying glass and a light just in case there is any sign of debris. Alternatively it could be a connection inside the device that has failed.
tt2
"Do not disconnect" on the iPod's screen good. It's also good that you briefly did see it in iTunes. I think the data connection is working, and the iPod is probably OK, but there is a software issue on the computer.
As a test, shut down the computer and disconnect all USB devices. You can leave standard USB keyboard and mouse connected, if used. Do this to Reset (restart the iPod)
Learn how to reset your iPod - Apple Support
Start up computer, run iTunes, and connect iPod to a direct USB port on the computer by itself. Is there any difference?
If that does not help, I would try reinstalling iTunes by downloading the latest version here
Your iTunes data is not affected by reinstalling iTunes, but you should have a backup (which is good advice whether you are reinstalling or not).
I've already reinstalled iTunes, and I've tried it connected to my laptop, a friend's Mac. and now also my work PC. I'm starting to think I should just bin it, which is very frustrating when it still works!
Ipod 5th generation and iTunes
