Solution for iPod Shuffle 1GB
Hey peeps, here's what worked for me:
Device: iPod Shuffle 1GB
PC: Windows XP sp2, dual monitors, Wacom Intuos2 tablet, custom built tower, Intel P4 3.2ghz, Asus P4S800D-X mobo, GeForce 7300 GT, 2GB Kingston RAM [not the hottest specs, but HEY, I was on a budget]
Problem:
"iPod cannot be synced. Unknown error -48." which lead to "the iPod could not be restored" (error 1418)
1) Updated iTunes to version 7.6.2.9 using Help menu (shouldn't matter whether you use Help menu updater or download from Apple site, also careful you don't install iSafari unless you really want it)
2) Exit iTunes
3) I physically disconnected *ALL* other usb devices from my computer except for Wacom tablet (I have carpal tunnel)
4) Shutdown/Exit all GUI programs you don't need: Yz Toolbar, Yz Dock, Yz Shadow, DisplayFusion, SysMetrix, Rainlendar, BOINC, FreeClip. (I don't know why this matters, but it did) AND set your Windows theme back to the default (don't know if this made a difference, but I was tired of this iPod problem already)
5) (Follow instructions at:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304996)
Open Notepad. Put this into Notepad:
regsvr32 /s softpub.dll
regsvr32 /s wintrust.dll
regsvr32 /s dssenh.dll
regsvr32 /s rsaenh.dll
regsvr32 /s gpkcsp.dll
regsvr32 /s sccbase.dll
regsvr32 /s slbcsp.dll
regsvr32 /s mssip32.dll
regsvr32 /s cryptdlg.dll
regsvr32 /s initpki.dll
(Each individual line should begin with regsvr32 and end with dll)
Save as "appleipod.bat" and save to your Desktop. Double-click it, wait for a command window to appear and disappear. You can delete the appleipod.bat file after this.
6) Open your updated iTunes, connect iPod Shuffle using a USB port that's actually part of your motherboard, (I then registered and filled out all forms), and Restore your iPod (if it doesn't prompt you automatically, there are 2 tabs near the top, click on Settings>Restore). I restored using "latest" firmware/software available.
7) You might have to reboot, Windows or iTunes might say something about having detected a device in an error state and that it needs to check it, it's okay: let it, it'll restore your iPod Shuffle with latest software. (sorry about lack of clarity at this step, but I was tired)
Notes: Again, this is for a iPod Shuffle 1GB, don't know if it'll work on others but everyone seems to use the same problem resolution. I read many pages/posts/forums, I tried using Windows' Error Checking which never seemed to yield any effective results. This also might be why my computer "detected" the iPod "in an error state". When connecting the iPod to my computer, it didn't restore if I had it connected to one of the convenient USB ports at the front of the case, only worked when I connected it to one of the onboard ports (they're both USB 2.0 connected to mobo pins so I don't know why that mattered). Also, my first attempt to sync at Step 7 failed, but I just let it try again and it worked. I have to say, SERIOUSLY, I didn't expect to spend 6 hours working on this stupid problem and I expected MUCH BETTER results from an Apple device. One thing that may have lead to my frustration was that I first installed the iPod on a laptop, synced some songs, and then installed/synced on a desktop but who knows.
HOPE THIS HELPS.