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

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...

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.

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!

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/

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.

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.

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?

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).