Unknown error (-48) when syncing iPod

At the moment there's no reliable long term fix for this error, Apple are currently working on a permanent solution. This is the workaround I'm currently using until a reliable fix comes along.

Set up iTunes "not" to open when you connect the iPod.
Enable Disk Use on the iPod
Eject the iPod and shut down iTunes
Reconnect the iPod and open Disk Utility
Click on your iPod in the Utility pane and choose Repair Disk which will find and fix a number of errors.
Close Disk Utility and open iTunes and your iPod should connect and update as usual.

Keep the settings above and each time you connect the iPod to update it run Disk Utility repair as above before opening iTunes. It's far from being a acceptable answer but until a permanent one comes along I've found that it works for me. Another fix that's been posted is to restore the iPod on a PC and format it for Windows but I don't see that as a permanent solution for anyone who only ever uses a Mac.

You're welcome. I'm sorry there's nothing more reliable at the moment, if there was I'd be using it myself :>) However the workaround should solve your problem in the meantime. Take care.

Thanks for a solution Zevoneer,

I have just upgraded from my Mini to a 80G, and it has just popped up on me? Although it doesnt look like many people have this problem?

Hopefully it wont last long.

Thanks again.

You're welcome. You've actually missed the recent flood of posts on error 48, I think most are working around the situation until a permanent solution comes along. Take care.

I'm another error -48 victim. I have a Power Mac dual G5 running 10.4.8 and iTunes 7.0.2, and a 5th-generation video iPod 30 GB.
Nothing I've tried works yet, so I'll try Zevoneer's suggestion (thanks), even though it's hardly a long-term solution 🙂. No offense Zevoneer; I'm annoyed with Apple, not you!

Zevoneer

Thanks for the tip - I may try it, as one of the many 48ers...

For what it's worth, here's my story: I have two 80G Video iPods, one with the problem and one (so far, touch wood, please don't let me tempt fate) ok. I only have 1 mac, 1 account, i.e. the same sytem for both of them.

Differences are:

One is black, the other white. I don't think that is the problem, but for the logically different it's the black one that works!

I got one for my birthday, the other for Christmas. The answer to the obvious question is, September 18th and yes I like chocolates. 🙂 But I think there is a clue here.

The one I got in September, as soon as they were announced, took over a week to arrive as it found its way from the Far East to England. The second one arrived a day later, having come from the Midlands (England).

And guess what, the one from the UK is the one that is having trouble. I can tell there are other problems from the sheer volume of posts I have waded through, but there is definitely something wrong with some of the regional settings handling/builds. Regardless of duplicates, smart lists etc. Apple needs to look seriously at this now.

Sadly I wouldn't advise anyone to get one right now, which is a shame as they are great. Like everyone else I am stunned by how long this has gone on. So thanks for your tip, mate, I will probably give it a go as synching up 50G of music and video each time is a pain!

Come on Apple, sort it out!


2GHz Intel Core Duo iMac Mac OS X (10.4.8) Various iPods!

Well, my 30 GB iPod is black, bought from the Apple Store on 5th Avenue in NYC in early November, and it has the -48 error 🙂

Personally, I think the problem lies with iTunes 7.0.2, not the iPods, but that's just my opinion, and I really don't feel like going through the hassle of going back to 6.X just to find out if I'm right. That's Apple's job.

I agree though, whatever the cause: get a move on, Apple, and fix the bleeding thing.