itunes can not sync file because file can not be read but plays in itunes fine

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itunes can not sync file because file can not be read but plays in itunes fine

I am trying to sync .mp3 audiobook files to my iPhone 6s. Both it and iTunes are updates to the latest version as of this writing. I constantly get error messages that a file could not be synced because the file could not be read, however, the files plays fine with iTunes, as well as other media playing software, on my PC. I previously did not have this problem years ago when I listened to these same audio files through my iPhone 3. I can sometimes get the files to sync 4-5 files at a time, and then I will get an error. Making the phone sync again will net me several more files before the error occurs again. I have even tried converting files to the AAC versions, to no avail.

This is very frustrating. I have tried about every solution I have seen, such as turning off the firewall on my PC (which seems like a ridiculous fix, why should I EVER turn the firewall off?) and none of these seem to work either.

These files are not corrupt, when they finally do (if ever) sync, the play fine from the phone.

This seems to be a problem that has been around for years, based on dates I am seeing on forums and web searches. Is there no REAL solution?

iPhone 6s, iOS 10.2

Posted on Jan 4, 2017 5:00 PM

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Answer 1

turingtest2

Level 10

278,263 points

Jan 9, 2017 6:52 PM in response to djmarquart

Very odd. The only thing I can think of to suggest is the following all-purpose set of steps for dealing with erratic syncing or device behaviour. They assume that all of the content you want on the device is in your library ready for restoring. If it isn't see Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device first. I would also recommend you copy everything out of the camera roll if you haven't already.

Backup device.
Restore as a new device.
Restore the backup you made earlier.

Use an encrypted backup if you want to preserve passwords, Wi-Fi settings, web history and health data where appropriate. I also suggest syncing with a selection of playlists (unless you're using iCloud Music Library) rather than manually adding content as, if nothing else, the process above is easier to do if you ever have to go through it again.

tt2

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Answer 2

turingtest2

Level 10

278,263 points

Jan 6, 2017 1:29 PM in response to djmarquart

😟

And I assume you're not using the option to convert higher bitrate songs to a lower bitrate (or the tracks wouldn't need converting).

Does iTunes tell you exactly which file it had a problem with, or does it leave you guessing?

tt2

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Answer 3

djmarquart Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 6, 2017 6:40 PM in response to turingtest2

It tells me which file, but it's not always the same file...

Sometimes, it will sync a file just fine, and 3 files later it will kick an error. Then it will get hung on that file. So I might try to remove the entire album from my phone and try again, in which case the original error file will sync but a different file that synced earlier will not.

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Answer 4

djmarquart Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 9, 2017 6:55 PM in response to turingtest2

So, I went and plugged the phone in today with every intention of backing it up and restoring, as you suggested. To do that it needed to sync, first, and I still had some of the playlists set to sync. It synced no problem this time. Nothing different, with the only exception being that I have the PC connected to a 5ghz wifi connection rather than the default, although I have no idea how that might affect anything.

Here's to some crazy glitch...

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Answer 5

turingtest2

Level 10

278,263 points

Jan 5, 2017 8:55 AM in response to djmarquart

What antivirus software do you have? It may be blocking iTunes when it tries to access the files. You may be able to exclude the media folder from real time AV scanning.

tt2

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Answer 6

djmarquart Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 5, 2017 1:41 PM in response to turingtest2

I use Windows Defender, I'm not sure why AV would be an issue, but I will try it. I have my doubts, however.

Edit: Listed the entire folder as an exclusion, got the error at the first file.

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Answer 7

turingtest2

Level 10

278,263 points

Jan 5, 2017 1:54 PM in response to djmarquart

Yeah, I've not heard of problems with Windows Defender before. Is the media on an external USB drive? If so changing the port your device plugs into might help.

tt2

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