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Q: iPod Classic 7th Gen 160gb SO MANY PROBLEMS!!!

My ipod classic automatically disconnects every time i connect it to my pc. I have checked the cable, it is fine and works with other ipods, and my computer's usb port is powerful enough to handle this device. There were some points in time where it would connect after many many menu + select button restores but this is an unreliable method. Also, 4 times the ipod has said it has no music. I plugged it in and itunes couldnt read the music files. When i checked my c: drive it showed that the ipod had all my music on it though.

I've tried all kinds of trouble shooting, apparently these problems have nothing to do with the hard drive because on diagnostic mode i can check its HDSpecs. I've also tried disk mode but itunes doesn't show that the ipod is connected.

I am at my wits end with this ipod. Please help!

iPod classic, Windows 8, automatic disconnects

Posted on Feb 26, 2016 10:26 PM

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Q: iPod Classic 7th Gen 160gb SO MANY PROBLEMS!!!

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  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Feb 27, 2016 1:31 AM in response to KJJJKNNMMN
    Level 8 (38,788 points)
    Mac OS X
    Feb 27, 2016 1:31 AM in response to KJJJKNNMMN

    This type of problem can definitely be related to the health of the hard drive.

     

    When disconnected, does the iPod still operate properly as an iPod?  That is, does it show its screen menus.  Does it play songs (if there are songs loaded)?

     

    The first step is to get the iPod to appear in iTunes.  When you connect the iPod, watch the iPod's screen.  Does it say "Do not disconnect" or give other indication that it is connected?  Does it just show the battery charging symbol?  Or does it not react at all to being connected?

    My ipod classic automatically disconnects...

    Before it "automatically disconnects," what is your indication that the iPod is connected?  Does it initially appear in iTunes, and then disappears?  Please provide more details...

  • by KJJJKNNMMN,

    KJJJKNNMMN KJJJKNNMMN Feb 27, 2016 11:25 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 27, 2016 11:25 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    When it is disconnected i can still see all the menu items and play songs normally. That is unless the problem is the one where the ipod says it has no music. Then the menu items are still there but i cant play or go into music because it thinks i have no music. This is not the problem at the moment though. I can still play all my songs and charge the ipod.

     

    When i connect it, it shows that it is connected and the battery shows its charging too. After 1-3 seconds though i hear the disconnecting sound from my computer and the ipod shows the screen, do not disconnect when it is ejecting. I still see the battery charging.

     

    The ipod never appears in itunes. It disconnects too quickly. The indication that the ipod is connected is the connection sound from my computer and the ipod showing that it is connected for those 1-3 seconds.

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,Helpful

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Feb 27, 2016 3:43 PM in response to KJJJKNNMMN
    Level 8 (38,788 points)
    Mac OS X
    Feb 27, 2016 3:43 PM in response to KJJJKNNMMN

    As a test, shut down (power off) your computer and disconnect all USB devices.  You can leave standard USB keyboard/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 the iPod to a direct USB port on the computer by itself.  Does the same problem with the iPod not fully connecting occur?

     

    If it still disconnects quickly, put the iPod into Disk Mode

     

    Putting iPod into Disk Mode - Apple Support

     

    Then, connect it to a direct USB port on the computer by itself.  If iTunes picks it up, it may prompt you to do a Restore on the iPod with a message about "recovery."  If you are OK with erasing the iPod, you can tell iTunes to proceeds with the Restore


    NOTE:  If there is a hardware problem on the iPod's hard drive, it is possible that the Restore will not succeed.

  • by KJJJKNNMMN,

    KJJJKNNMMN KJJJKNNMMN Feb 27, 2016 3:43 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 27, 2016 3:43 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    I was able to connect my ipod and restore it. I have done this a couple times in the past though and it only fixes the problem briefly. I will keep you posted.

  • by KJJJKNNMMN,

    KJJJKNNMMN KJJJKNNMMN Feb 28, 2016 9:38 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 28, 2016 9:38 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    The iPod has started to display problems again. It worked fine one time and now it keeps disconnecting with the same symptoms as last time. Is it a hard drive problem?

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,Solvedanswer

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Feb 29, 2016 3:48 PM in response to KJJJKNNMMN
    Level 8 (38,788 points)
    Mac OS X
    Feb 29, 2016 3:48 PM in response to KJJJKNNMMN

    That is likely.  If the iPod is in good shape otherwise, and you want to replace the faulty hard drive, those components are no longer being produced.  Instead, you can consider replacing the hard drive with commonly available flash-based storage (compact flash card or SD card) on an adapter.  This web site has interesting info

     

    https://www.iflash.xyz/

     

    I noticed these "geeky" adapters are now being sold by mainstream and well-known Apple-centric vendor OWC

     

    http://eshop.macsales.com/search/iflash

     

    Although I have not used these particular adapters with 5th gen and later "classic" iPod, I have performed similar modifications (using different adapters) with my even older 4th gen iPod and iPod mini.  They work well with flash-based storage replacing their original hard drives.  In fact, they actually work better now.  The iPod mini originally had only 4GB of storage.  Now it has 64GB!

  • by KJJJKNNMMN,

    KJJJKNNMMN KJJJKNNMMN Feb 29, 2016 3:48 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 29, 2016 3:48 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    Thank you for the info! I'll give those adapters a try!

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Feb 29, 2016 5:24 PM in response to KJJJKNNMMN
    Level 8 (38,788 points)
    Mac OS X
    Feb 29, 2016 5:24 PM in response to KJJJKNNMMN

    5th gen and later classic iPods have very tight seams.  If you have not done this before, there is a HOW TO video on the OWC listing for a replacement battery

     

    http://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/BIPOD4505C/

     

    That may be the best technique for opening these iPods.  There is also a specialize ultra-thin metal tool that may make it easier

     

    http://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/TOOLISESAMO/

     

    Additionally, there are numerous videos on YouTube demonstrating various methods.  The iFlash web site also has some demo videos

     

    https://www.iflash.xyz/iflash-dual-uploaded-some-videos/

  • by runhardbc,

    runhardbc runhardbc Mar 6, 2016 5:15 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 6, 2016 5:15 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    I've had the same problem since last year when I first updated new software for my Mac and iTunes. Everything that has been stated in previous posts about the iPod Classic not recognized by iTunes and then going straight to disconnect happened to me basically it worked fine then it didn't. Months ago at the beginning of this year I actually spoke directly to someone at Apple about iPods and this problem and they went through many of the same troubleshooting thoughts without any success. After speaking at length to this person she said that she would bring it up in her committee meeting with the head of the department and get back to me (which she never did) but her final answer and the bottom line was that my iPod would not work with the newer iOS or iTunes updates. She was very helpful as to my problem and frustration but basically offered no end game or solution to making my iPod Classic recognized or syncing ever again. This all happened in January and Apple knows of this problem and has known of it going back to iTunes 12 update last year but obviously is in no rush or hurry to fix or address this customer problem either. I think and believe this could be all about getting or forcing customers to switch to Apple Music. They sell you a product and then down the road make it obsolete.

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Mar 6, 2016 5:13 PM in response to runhardbc
    Level 8 (38,788 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 6, 2016 5:13 PM in response to runhardbc

    Well, my even older iPods from 2003 and 2004 still work fine with the latest iTunes.  However, I have replaced the fragile hard drives in all of them with either a compact flash card or SD card (with appropriate adapter).  There is no conspiracy at Apple to intentionally make old products "obsolete."  Just old products that eventually become faulty.

  • by runhardbc,

    runhardbc runhardbc Mar 6, 2016 5:21 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 6, 2016 5:21 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    I used a brand new iPod Classic the last time I was able to sync. It works fine but will not sync. My conversation with this Apple employee was not with the regular customer service agent. She basically told me that there was nothing they could do that it would not work with the new updates. Personally speaking to me that's rendering something you've sold obsolete and it shouldn't even come down to the suggestion about replacing the hard drive. They can fix this with a iTunes update addressing this problem but choose not to why?

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Mar 6, 2016 5:40 PM in response to runhardbc
    Level 8 (38,788 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 6, 2016 5:40 PM in response to runhardbc

    To avoid adding more posts to an existing topic, go to the top of this forum category (to create a new topic)

     

    iPod classic

     

    Where it says Search or ask a question, enter a short summary (like a Subject line).  You can then enter additional details.  With a new topic, more people are likely to see it, and offer information.  Stick to describing the actual problem; leave out things like speculation about Apple's motives.  Include additional details, such as whether you use a Mac or Window (which version).  A brief but specific summary of what you tried already. 

     

    There are still millions of "classic" iPods in use.  Apple did NOT render them ALL useless.  Mine still work fine with the latest iTunes.  Even if your iPod is not faulty, there are other factors that can have an effect, such as Windows configuration (if you use Windows).