Why is iPod hidden from Windows but not iTunes?

[SWriverstone]

Hi All...

I'm getting seriously frustrated here.

My iPod touch (1st generation) works perfectly with iTunes on my laptop with Windows XP. iTunes recognizes and syncs with it without a hitch.

The problem? Windows XP does not recognize the iPod as a drive in Explorer. I'm convinced this is an iPod issue, not a Windows issue...because *everything* on my WinXP system works flawlessly.

The USB ports are all working 100% and recognize *every* other USB peripheral I plug in---regardless of which port---my camera, my GPS, my smartphone, external drives, etc---they all show up fine in Windows Explorer---but the iPod touch does not.

If I check Windows Device Manager (under USB Root Hub devices) the "Apple iPod" shows up there and Windows indicates (via Properties) that all is well and working fine.

So is there something I don't know here? Meaning, is there something in the iPod touch that deliberately prevent Windows from recognizing it as a drive like any other USB device?

My understanding is that the iPod touch is formatted with the FAT32 file system. Since I've never reformatted it, this shouldn't be an issue.

And I also understand that the iPod touch does not offer a Disk Mode switch...is this correct?

I'm just out of things to try, and would be eternally grateful if anyone else can help me determine what's going on here?

Thanks!
Scott

PS - I've tried all the usual suspects: the "5 R's," uninstalling/reinstalling iTunes, the works---this is why I suspect this is something deliberate in the iPod touch and not a Windows issue...

[SWriverstone]

Okay...this is clearly a COMMON, reoccurring problem. I've found MANY references to this same problem in this forum and on others.

If ANYONE has ever had this problem and determined a way to solve it, PLEASE post up here and let us know what worked for you!

It's pretty sad and depressing that in almost every instance of someone posting with this problem, there appears to be no solution short of drastic steps like buying a new computer, completely reformatting a system, etc.

Thanks!
Scott

[SWriverstone]

Just as a baseline...can anyone here who is using the iPod touch with Windows XP answer the following question:

When you plug in your iPod touch via USB...regardless of whether or not iTunes recognizes your iPod...does your iPod show up in Windows Explorer as a drive or connected device?

Thanks,
Scott

[Cameron_Talley]

Just as a baseline...can anyone here who is using the iPod touch with Windows XP answer the following question:

When you plug in your iPod touch via USB...regardless of whether or not iTunes recognizes your iPod...does your iPod show up in Windows Explorer as a drive or connected device?

Thanks,
Scott

I'm fairly certain that the iPod touch does not offer a "disk mode" as did previous iPods. So the reason it's not showing up in Explorer is that it's not supposed to. It's not accessible as a HD like other iPods.

[SWriverstone]

Thanks Cameron...I appreciate the response.

If the iPod isn't showing up in Explorer because it's not supposed to...then...my only remaining question is, is it still possible to use 3rd-party applications like Anapod with the iPod touch?

The reason I'm going through all of this is because I committed the ultimate "iPod NO-NO" of having to reformat my laptop and reinstall the OS and apps (including iTunes)...so now I'm in that infuriating situation so many other iPod users wind up in...which is that I have 7GB of music on my iPod touch that I want to get back onto my laptop.

Any suggestions?

Thanks much,
Scott

[Cameron_Talley]

I'm not 100% certain but I do believe that the touch IS compatible with certain 3rd-party apps that will get the music off for you. However, I unfortunately can't help much there as I don't know anything about the Windows apps available...I'm sure there is plenty of information at iLounge on this subject, though.

[tadad1]

There is a little free program called iPhoneBrowser that will let you copy all your music files back to your PC. If you open the browser you will find the Music folder under the iTunes_Control folder.

Unfortunately the files on the Touch are not stored by album or artist, and the file names are all 4 letter codes but you can rename them all by using a program like MP3tag that will allow you to bulk rename all the files at once by using the converting tag info to file name option. You can then arrange them by album in MP3tag and then copy\move each album to it's own folder.

[archurban]

it is simple. Of you have saved images in your touch, PC recognizes it as drive. Try it.

[locus]

A whie ago I was searching for this as well, I came across a post that suggested getting Winamp and there is a plugin that allows you to get your music from your touch back into your laptop, I did not follow it so not sure if it works, Google it and see if you can come up with something . hope it helps.

[smiduri]

@archurban: if you have photo stored on your iPod windows recognizes it as a camera, not as an external drive. This means that, using explored you can only see your photos and copy them from your iPod to your PC.

There are third party apps that let you see your iPod touch as an external drive; I currently use "Touch copy" from "Wide Angle Software". It's not free but not so expensive.

Hope this helps, Ciao
Simone

[niadanac]

Hi, I hope this helps. I also am a new iPod touch user and have been looking for an answer to the same problem of my Vista Home Premium not recognizing my iPod touch as a drive but yet iTunes does. I downloaded a program called DISKAID (do a google for it) it does work and best of all it is free. The only problem for me was as someone has already commented the iPod doesn't use conventional file names. :D

[Sephiroth]

The iPod touch is NOT meant to be recognised by Windows, as Windows recognises only storage devices. It is not an issue with the iPod. The iPod touch does not possess an external hard drive, and so, you cannot use it as an external drive for storing files, which is primarily why it doesn't show up.

[archurban]

try save any images from safari mobile. then connect with PC. you will see it.

[KismetsHand]

isnt this because the touch is flash memory and not a hdd device?

[gerwen]

isnt this because the touch is flash memory and not a hdd device?

I'd have to say no. Other flash devices work as an external drive. It's a choice by apple.

[KismetsHand]

Cool thanx for the reply and clarification