My iPod Will Not Update

[penguinlips]

I have a 3G 30 GB ipod, Windows XP (SP2), iTunes 4.8. I've been updating my iPod successfully for almost two years now via FireWire. Last weekend, I bought a song on iTunes and plopped my iPod in the cradle, and I got this weird message that on the iPod, which read something like "iPod card not available."

Now my computer & iTunes don't recognize the iPod when it's on the dock connector. I even tried bypassing the dock, plugging it directly to the iPod. The iPod only charges when in the dock, but does not update.

I'm thinking that this problem is more serious than resetting iPod (which I've done at least two dozen times), reinstalling iTunes or reformatting iPod (which Updater cannot do, since it doesn't detect an iPod.)

What can be done at this point? I'm thinking of getting an iMac and a new iPod, and starting over (I only have to get the courage up to rob a bank -- maybe this weekend). This will probably be another topic, but is there a way I can get my music to a new computer/iPod?

Thanks in advance.

[penguinlips]

Hi,

Posting a new thread here to an old problem. My iPod will not update when I plug it into the dock. I have a 3rd gen, 30GB iPod. I'm using Windows XP (SP2) and using FireWire to connect the dock to the computer.

I got a message on the iPod display the other day: "iPod does not read the iPod card" or something like that. Ever since then, I can't update new songs to my iPod. Since it's FireWire, the iPod charges up, but will not update.

Is this a hardware problem on my iPod? When I run iTunes and Updater, it does not detect an iPod connected.

[honeybee1236]

Keep your post on this subject on the same thread. It makes it harder for people to try and help you not knowing all of the info.

When you connect the iPod does it show up in my computer? When you connect it again please write down the error message your getting exactly as it appears.

Did you try reinstalling the software or download the updater again?

Did you try any of these troubleshooting tips here:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61711

[penguinlips]

Hi, Thanks for responding.

When I connect my iPod, nothing happens other than it charges from the FireWire connection. The computer doesn't recognize it at all. It doesn't show up on iTunes, and the icon doesn't appear in the menu tray on the bottom. It doesn't make that bell sound when I put it in the dock or when I take it out.

I don't get an error message at all now. It only happened the very first time it failed to connect. There was a message on the iPod screen that lasted for 5 seconds, and it said something about "not recognizing the iPod card..." I haven't seen the message since, but I also haven't been able to update my iPod since.

I tried reinstalling iTunes and the Updater, no luck. I even tried the "Repair iTunes" prompt after I downloaded iTunes.

Is this something physically wrong with my iPod?

Thanks again.

[penguinlips]

Okay, since my iPod problem seems to be unfixable -- does anybody want to buy my POS iPod? 30 GB -- you can have all the songs (2500 songs, mostly alternative, jazz, etc...). I guess I have to buy all new stuff, just like Apple commands me to...

[penguinlips]

Okay, now I'm really peeved. It really sucks having an iPod that won't update. You wanna know what the saddest part is? I'm a total iPod/iTunes junkie, and I will sell my grandmother's house so that I can get another iPod that will crash on me a year and a half later. And then I'll buy another iPod even then!

Yes, I admit I'm going broke buying iPods and every iPod gadget (iTrip, leather cases, now I'm getting an iMac, which will be obsolete in 6 months). You know what? I don't care!!! Because I'm making Apple rich, and that's the only thing that matters!!!! HAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAH.

(As you can tell, I've really lost it...)

[jeffhifi]

please advice

thanks alot

[Matador910]

I had a problem where my iPOD would cause iTunes to freeze when I tried to update it. You people should be paying me if this works for you!!!...
I just plugged the cable into the iPOD straight without using the dock and now it works fine every time!
Try it. And don't forget to thank me!

[penguinlips]

and it didn't work. Thanks for the thought though -- I'm glad it worked out for you.

Like I said earlier, I actually got a brief message on my iPod that lasted all of 5 seconds that said words to the effect of: "Cannot find card..." I haven't seen the message since, but of course my iPod hasn't updated since, either. I haven't heard of anyone else that had this happen to them, and the rates of response to my post has reflected that fact.

I'm slowly going through iPod update withdrawal. It's like coming out of rehab... I'm gradually being liberated from my "iPod junkie" status.

Thanks again...

[honeybee1236]

penguinlips - There is something wrong with the PC card. It's not the iPod. Maybe one of the cards isn't working, like the USB card that your using to plug the iPod into. These are the recommended cards from Apple to use with the iPod:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93405

Try connecting the iPod via another port on the PC. If it still doesn't work then you need to get another card. The one your using is the cause of the problem.

[penguinlips]

honeybee -- thanks!!! I'll give it a try. It figures that it's something with my pc. Sorry to rail on Apple and its products. This serves me right for having a PC instead of an iMac or G5.

I'll let you know if it works...

:)

[honeybee1236]

No problem. I know this can be flustrating when you have something that won't work no matter what you do.

[penguinlips]

Hi Honeybee,

Well, I guess I'm back to square one. I installed a new IEEE 1394 PCI Card, with dual FireWire/USB 2.0 outlets. The iPod just charges up when I plug it into the dock, and doesn't update. I'm thinking like before, that there is something physically wrong with the iPod. Oh well, I guess I'll apply for that second mortgage and get another iPod... The color displays are cool.