RfAbird
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: I have an Ipod shuffle, 1gb, think it is 2nd generation. When I connect to pc for charging, I receive "There is a problem with this ipod. Scan to see if there is a problem"  No problem is found with scanning. Thought, okay, getting old, bought new on

Thought the ipod may have been getting passed" used by date", although sometime it would charge, others, maybe not  Bought 4th gen, 2gb in Dec 24th, 2015, and have been receiving same message.With latter I have amber blinking light.  I can load tunes on both, and once charged, both work okay.  Concerned about the message, and inconsistency of charging?  I would appreciate any ideas, thank you.Otherwise a great little gadget, great for carrying in pocket for walking, gardening etc, etc  RFAbird

iPod shuffle, Windows 10, Ipod 2nd used previous versions.

Posted on Feb 26, 2016 9:38 PM

by Kenichi Watanabe,Solvedanswer
Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe
Level 8 (40,415 points)
Mac OS X
A:

2nd gen shuffle and 4th gen shuffle work a bit differently.  4th gen shuffle is more similar to other iPods like iPod nano (except for no screen).  2nd gen shuffle is a much simpler design.  So you should not expect that their settings screens in iTunes look and work the same.  I think you got the 2nd gen shuffle working properly.  Yes, with disk use enabled, the shuffle appears in the Windows file manager ("Explorer").  The iTunes data is hidden, so you won't see anything on it, except through iTunes.

 

Trying to figure out what you're saying about the 4th gen shuffle...

Went to check the explorer, opened it up to find the 'folder empty"...  What I do not understand now, is why, in explorer ,is my usb drive showing 'empty folder."

Again, that's normal.  The iTunes data is hidden, except when looking at the iPod through iTunes.  You don't need to do anything like optimization through Windows.  You interact with the iPod through iTunes, not Windows.  Doing stuff to it through Windows is more likely to cause problems, because you might mistakenly do something that is harmful. 

 

Since you found how to do a Restore on the 2nd gen shuffle, do one on the 4th gen shuffle too, to give it a fresh start. 

 

After the Restore, don't do anything to it using Windows tools.  The 4th gen shuffle has more options for how it gets loaded.  If you want to use it like the 2nd gen shuffle, check the box for Manually manage music (probably is already after doing a Restore).  Disk use is also enabled when set to Manually manage music.  The other method to load it (not available on the 2nd gen shuffle) is to use automatic syncing.  I can describe how to set that up, but first confirm it is working properly with the Manually manage music setting.  Load it like the 2nd gen shuffle and make sure it is working properly.

One question I would like to put to you is what bit rate ....AAC should the music convert to? I have no idea about this

If you are referring to the setting on the iPod's Summary settings screen, leave that unchecked.  That option is used to make your song files smaller, to fit more songs on the shuffle.  However, the conversion reduces sound quality.  Normally, iTunes syncs song files to the iPod without doing any conversion.

 

After confirming your 4th gen shuffle is also working properly, you can post back if you want more info about other methods to load your 4th gen shuffle.

Posted on Mar 2, 2016 6:05 AM

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RfAbird

Q: I have an Ipod shuffle, 1gb, think it is 2nd generation. When I connect to pc for charging, I receive "There is a problem with thi ... more

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Feb 27, 2016 1:05 AM in response to RfAbird
    Level 8 (40,415 points)
    Mac OS X
    Feb 27, 2016 1:05 AM in response to RfAbird

    The amber blinking light is not an indication of a problem.  Blinking light just means DO NOT DISCONNECT - Eject iPod before disconnecting.  It has nothing to do with charging or the battery status.  If you Eject the shuffle in iTunes but leave it connected, the light becomes solid (not blinking).  Solid light means OK TO DISCONNECT.  With the solid light, the color has meaning.  AMBER means battery is charging.  GREEN means battery is fully charged. 

    Concerned about the message, and inconsistency of charging?

    What is the "inconsistency of charging"?

     

    NOTE:  The 2nd gen shuffle cannot use the USB docking cable that comes with 4th gen shuffle.  The connector is different between 2nd and 4th gen shuffles.  Use the original docking cable (with cradle) for 2nd gen shuffle, and the ultra-short cable with 4th gen shuffle.

     

    Does that message always appear when connecting both shuffles?

  • by RfAbird,

    RfAbird RfAbird Feb 29, 2016 11:39 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 29, 2016 11:39 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    Thank you for your reply.I do connect with correct chargers for each of the ipod.  That is not the problem.  The inconsistency of charging is not a real concern. Just an inconvenience when it does happen occasionally.  What I am trying to find out, is why I receive messate "There is a problem with this drive. Scan the drive now and fix it."  As i mentioned when I first received this with the 2nd gen. ipod, I put it down to age of ipod, but I could still load songs onto it, play it, and most of the time charge it.  Having only recently 22/23 December purchased new one (actually given to me by family member) and not used until January) I receive the same message. I do a virus scan, and have tried 'trouble shooter" but find nothing.  Maybe I am not 'scanning' in the correct place.  What type of scan is required.  Why should I receive same message for two different models of ipod shuffle? Normally I would not have worried about updating as the 2nd gen. was working, but I thought it was on the way out, eg, was about to cease working.  The new one giving me the same message leaves me puzzled.  If any one can enlighten me on this I would appreciate it.  Thank you for your time. RFAbird

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,Helpful

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Mar 1, 2016 1:45 AM in response to RfAbird
    Level 8 (40,415 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 1, 2016 1:45 AM in response to RfAbird

    The inconsistency of charging...

    What is the "inconsistency of charging"?  You'll need to explain the specific problem (and the inconvenience) in more detail.

    I receive messate "There is a problem with this drive. Scan the drive now and fix it."

    If that is the exact message, it is coming from Windows, not iTunes.  The "scan" refers to scanning for data corruption, not viruses or other malware.  There is probably no actual problem with the iPod's storage (but Windows sees something wrong). But you can do a Restore on one of the iPod using iTunes (pick the older one).  This erases the iPod, reinstalls its software, and set it to default settings (the old iPod gets a fresh start).  If there is any actual data corruption on the iPod, erasing it gets rid of it.  No need to "scan" for it.

     

    Use iTunes on your Mac or PC to restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support

     

    If doing a Restore stops that message from appearing, do a Restore on the other iPod (if that one still causes the message to appear).

     

    FYI - My 2nd gen shuffle is still working fine.  And I also bought a 4th gen shuffle in December. 

  • by RfAbird,

    RfAbird RfAbird Mar 1, 2016 1:42 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 1, 2016 1:42 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    Thank you for your reply.  I have tried to reset, according to instructions from ITunes help, but it did not seem to make any difference.  However, by clicking  the warning message (There's a poblem...) I have managed to draw up a box to run a scan The box is labeled Explorer.exe and message  at end of attempt to scan it says "Disk check could not be performed because windows cant access the disk."

     

    My version of itunes is 12.3.2, I am told that is the latest.

     

    However, I do now note that although I can read the ipod,( in this case I have been using the older, 2nd generation shuffle in itunes), my tunes are all listed, (and play when I disconnect from pc) apart from a quick flash in pc list of items (eg, docs, music, os. etc)which comes up with various drive names, depending on which port I connect to, eg, Fdrive, or gdrive, it then disappears.  Therefore, I suspect there is something between windows and the ipod that is not working.

    When I checked out the help re drives, and I attach print screens I took, there does seem a small difference in devices manager, I have intel 8 series, as opposed to the help page indicating intel 9.  There is no yellow exclamation mark though indicating a possible problem.

     

    I feel I am going around in circles, and not liking it. The ipods are both working, so perhaps I should just accept that, and be done with it. 

    However, if you have any further suggestions after reading above, and have the time and inclination to put them forward, it niggles me that something is obviously not right.  The problem is I battle with the technical side of computers, I just like the good parts when everything goes smoothly.!!!!!

     

    I do appreciate your help and thank you for your efforts

    .

    No sorry, I tried to put screen print in, but it, this area for images would not accept it  Probably too big. Thanks again.

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,Helpful

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Mar 2, 2016 5:13 AM in response to RfAbird
    Level 8 (40,415 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 2, 2016 5:13 AM in response to RfAbird

    Something I should have included in my previous reply...  If your Windows PC is a laptop, you should have it connected to its power adapter when you connect iPods.

     

    I was a bit curious about the charging issue, because it may be related to the "scan" error message issue.  For example, if the iPod is not getting enough power from the USB port for some reason, it may not charge its battery and operate consistently when connected.  Here are some tests, to help narrow down the cause.

     

    I assume you can get the iPods to appear in iTunes, since you seem to have songs on them and they work when disconnected.  You can use the older iPod for this test.  Select the iPod in iTunes (click its device button on horizontal bar) to show its settings screen in iTunes window.  There is a setting (checkbox) there for Enable disk use.  Checkmark this setting (if it's not already) and click Apply.  iTunes normally mounts the iPod's disk only when actively syncing (although the iPod appears in iTunes while connected).  With disk use enabled, iTunes keeps the iPod's disk mounted continuously (while connected).  See if this change makes a difference.  Some recent Windows PCs have an "energy saver" feature that reduces power to the USB port when the connected storage device (the iPod in this case) is not mounted.  If this is happening with your system, Windows may be reducing power to the iPod's USB port after iTunes finishes syncing, which causes your problems.  With disk use enabled, the iPod's disk stays mounted; Windows maintains full power to the USB port. 

     

    NOTE:  With disk use enabled, you need to Eject the iPod in iTunes before physically disconnecting it.

     

    The other test is for possible conflict between connected USB devices.  You can do this one with the newer iPod.  Shut down (power off) the computer and disconnect all USB devices.  You can leave standard USB keyboard/mouse connected, if used.  The shuffle's power switch should be in the OFF position.  Start up computer, run iTunes, and connect iPod to a direct USB port on the computer, by itself.  Does this make a difference? 

  • by RfAbird,

    RfAbird RfAbird Mar 2, 2016 5:12 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 2, 2016 5:12 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    I do thank you again for time & attention. My PC is an 'all -in-one" desktop.In commencing to do the first part of your latest suggestion, with Gen. 2 ipod, I realised that when I had earlier thought I was restoring all, I was completely wrong. In clicking the ipod image at top bar, and it opened up to detail info of ipod, it had a restore to factory settings, so I went for it. (At this stage still having original 'error problem"message). I had to reload playlist, but I could see the ipod in explorer, and all seemed well.Music played, no error message, and I did click the 'enable disk'.  Feeling elated, I thought I would jump in and do same for Gen 4 ipod. Reloaded music, all good.Found scan also with ipod image, ran it, told device working okay.  Went to check the explorer, opened it up to find the 'folder empty".  Went into properties, told an appropriate amount of space was being used (this was same for Gen 2, when I checked it later).  In properties/tools, removable drive, in the optimisation area told it had never been run.(I really do not understand what this means, just reporting what I checked)There was 1.77 gb used on this Gen 4 ipod, when I tried to click "ready Boost, told this device cannot be used for this".  My 'Manually manage music', when clicked, unchecks the 'enable disk'.  If I don't have Manually manage music checked, then told I cannot sync music due to insufficient space???.  The only thing I seem to have achieved is the error message appears to have disappeared (hopefully for ever).  The whole thing seems slow to do everything, and my PC has 829gb free, so it is not as if I have a lot of stuff on it.  What I do not understand now, is why, in explorer ,is my usb drive showing 'empty folder."  It still does not have 'enable disk'  because I have set to 'manually manage music'.  There still seems some conflict between Windows and Itunes. One question I would like to put to you is what bit rate ....AAC should the music convert to? I have no idea about this.(The originator of the old saying ignorance is bliss, definitely had no idea about electronic technology, because ignorance with that is miserable torment to my mind.)  I do appreciate all the time you have given to assist me.  I still have my music on ipods I can play,I seem to have stopped error messages(hopefully) I have learnt a little along the way. Cheers, RFAbird.

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,Solvedanswer

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Mar 2, 2016 6:05 AM in response to RfAbird
    Level 8 (40,415 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 2, 2016 6:05 AM in response to RfAbird

    2nd gen shuffle and 4th gen shuffle work a bit differently.  4th gen shuffle is more similar to other iPods like iPod nano (except for no screen).  2nd gen shuffle is a much simpler design.  So you should not expect that their settings screens in iTunes look and work the same.  I think you got the 2nd gen shuffle working properly.  Yes, with disk use enabled, the shuffle appears in the Windows file manager ("Explorer").  The iTunes data is hidden, so you won't see anything on it, except through iTunes.

     

    Trying to figure out what you're saying about the 4th gen shuffle...

    Went to check the explorer, opened it up to find the 'folder empty"...  What I do not understand now, is why, in explorer ,is my usb drive showing 'empty folder."

    Again, that's normal.  The iTunes data is hidden, except when looking at the iPod through iTunes.  You don't need to do anything like optimization through Windows.  You interact with the iPod through iTunes, not Windows.  Doing stuff to it through Windows is more likely to cause problems, because you might mistakenly do something that is harmful. 

     

    Since you found how to do a Restore on the 2nd gen shuffle, do one on the 4th gen shuffle too, to give it a fresh start. 

     

    After the Restore, don't do anything to it using Windows tools.  The 4th gen shuffle has more options for how it gets loaded.  If you want to use it like the 2nd gen shuffle, check the box for Manually manage music (probably is already after doing a Restore).  Disk use is also enabled when set to Manually manage music.  The other method to load it (not available on the 2nd gen shuffle) is to use automatic syncing.  I can describe how to set that up, but first confirm it is working properly with the Manually manage music setting.  Load it like the 2nd gen shuffle and make sure it is working properly.

    One question I would like to put to you is what bit rate ....AAC should the music convert to? I have no idea about this

    If you are referring to the setting on the iPod's Summary settings screen, leave that unchecked.  That option is used to make your song files smaller, to fit more songs on the shuffle.  However, the conversion reduces sound quality.  Normally, iTunes syncs song files to the iPod without doing any conversion.

     

    After confirming your 4th gen shuffle is also working properly, you can post back if you want more info about other methods to load your 4th gen shuffle.

  • by RfAbird,

    RfAbird RfAbird Mar 3, 2016 4:06 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 3, 2016 4:06 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    I am reassured about the empty folder on windows.  I did not know that it would not read the apple info.I have learnt a few things along the way.  I had already restored the 4th gen ipod after doing the 2nd gen one and feeling great about it, but when I could not read the drive from explorer area, was concerned.  However your last email has reassured me on that level.  "Manually manage your music' is in the area of info that comes up when clicking the ipod icon at top bar, and when that is checked, the

    "enable disk" becomes unchecked.  NOT THAT THAT SEEMS TO MATTER AT THE MOMENT, THE ERROR MESSAGE HAS DISAPPEARED AND BOTH IPODS SEEM TO BE WORKING WONDERFULLY.  THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOO MUCH.  YOUR HELP HAS BEEN WONDERFUL, AND I THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR PERSISTENT ATTENTION ----IT HAS BEEN GREATLY APPRECIATED. rfbird