Q: Persistent error (-54) when trying to sync.

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bo9

Level 1 (4 points)

iTunes

Q: Persistent error (-54) when trying to sync.

I get and have been getting for months now a persistent error (-54) message (among others) when I try to sync my iPod 5th gen with iTunes. I have to sync multiple times to actually get songs onto the iPod. Even then, occasionally they're on it but don't play, so I have to unsync and resync again and again until it goes through.

I've tried Google search upon Google search and attempted every fix I could find, from taking ownership of the Music folder to trying to unset Read Only, and still I get this error. I'm at my wits end with this, can anyone help?

Specs/further information if needed:

Lenovo laptop running Windows 10 Build 7600 64-bit
Latest update for iTunes installed, running as Admin (and in compatibility mode for Windows 7, since thats when it last worked seamlessly)
iPod running ios 8.4
Convert to 128 kbps set -- can't uncheck this either as this is the only way all my music will fit on my iPod.
Ran diagnostic, everything seems okay -- iTunes says there's no Universal Serial Bus Controller or Firewire (IEEE 1394) Host Controller detected, unsure if that matters?
iTunes folder is currently on an external harddrive to save space. Harddrive is hooked up to computer via USB.

I also get "This file could not be converted" quite frequently but as I said, converting the files to lower bit rates is the only way to get everything to fit.

iPod touch, iOS 8.4

Posted on Apr 5, 2016 8:43 PM

I have this question too

Q: Persistent error (-54) when trying to sync.

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by norm123,

norm123 Apr 7, 2016 8:42 AM in response to bo9
Community Specialists

Apr 7, 2016 8:42 AM in response to bo9

Hi bo9,

I understand that you are getting an error -54 while syncing your iPod touch with iTunes. Let's see if we can get passed this.

With that error, it typically can be ignored as the content will continue to sync afterwards. Because that isn't the case for you, we might want to take a look at some additional troubleshooting like consolidating your library or disabling any security software that might be preventing the sync from happening. Take a look at the first article for more details on that.

If you see error -54 when you sync with iTunes
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205597

You also mention about convenient files to a lower bit rate to sync over so you can all your music on your iPod. What you may need to do is convert the songs to a different format before you preform the sync. All you need to so is select the song that is having issues converting and then go to the drop down menu File > Create New Version > Convert [import preference setting]. Take a look at the next article for more details on this.

iTunes: How to convert a song to a different file format
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204310

Let me know if this helps.

Have a good day!
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by bo9,

bo9 Apr 8, 2016 3:29 PM in response to norm123
Level 1 (4 points)

iTunes

Apr 8, 2016 3:29 PM in response to norm123

Hello norm123,

Unfortunately, this didn't work either. And now I'm having the issue of my music being wiped completely from the iPod on random syncs that don't complete, even though everything is still checked in iTunes. So I have to resync everything all over again.
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by norm123,

norm123 Apr 9, 2016 6:23 AM in response to bo9
Community Specialists

Apr 9, 2016 6:23 AM in response to bo9

Hey bo9,

Sorry to hear that. Because this is still happening and not resolved, you will want to contact Apple Support. You can start that process by using the link below.

Contact Apple Support
https://www.apple.com/support/contact/

Take it easy
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Q: Persistent error (-54) when trying to sync.

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by norm123,

by bo9,

by norm123,

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