iPod Frustrations

I use a Mac iPod on my PCs via some third-party software, but I’ve NEVER had a problem getting my PCs to recognize the iPod.

As far as I understand, you need to use USB 2.0 with the iPod when connecting to a PC. Why there’s two versions of Firewire out there (6-pin and 4-pin) just baffles me. To further complicate that, Macs come with the 6-pin connectors whereas Firewire PCI cards for PCs typically come with 4-pin connections. What’s the point?

Anyway, hope you resolve your iPod issues. Give the new iTunes for Windows a run, but make sure you have a backup of your Music Library prior to installation, and read the Setup Assistant screens carefully. :-)

does the usb cable work…i have the same problem

i just got an iPod..i spent a long time organizing my music library, then when comes the time to upload it all onto the iPod, i realize that the Dock-to- USB 2.0 cable is not included. And thats really anoying cause i really wanted my library to be on it for tommorow. Its a shame they dont advertise that you need to BUY another cable if you dont have firewire on your PC. Anyone know how much it costs for one of these cables?

Have a Dell and just got an Ipod. Having the same problem ? The ipod does not seem to be connected even though the Device Manager says that it is connected. Did you ever figure out the solution?

Ben, go to Apple’s website http://www.apple.com and go to the UK store you can purchase the USB 2.0 Firewire cable for about 20 pounds. It take a few days for them to deliver.

I have an IBM thinkpad . I’ve bought a firewire card, the USB cable and soft reset … but I still cannot connect ipod .Anyone got any new ideas??

I have had the same problems with my PC. My computer is oblivious to the fact that the IPOD is hooked up.

OMG i am sitting here, trying to get my brand new ipod (xmas present) to work. i hooked it up to my dell inspiron 4000 notrebook and what a surprise i am having the EXACT SAME PROBLEM it keeps asking me to plug it in… i am having a hrad time controlling myself, i just want to stomp on it and rip it apart. i have already spent like 3 or 4 hours troubleshooting. For the love of god- did you ever get this fixed? HELP! Please IM me at lisas986, on aol, or e-mail me, before i go CRAZY. THanks!

Can I join the Frustration club?
Checking on USB Device iPod properties, I get “No drivers are installed for this device” while Device Manager tells me “This device is working properly.”
I presume the problem arises because when I’m asked to “plug in your new iPod so that it can be configured” the iPod (plugged into my Dell PC via a USB2 port) my computer shows no sign of recognition that anything is plugged in. Not as a drive on My Computer nor as an option in iTunes.

I hope that when someone solves this problem, they take the time to release us all from our anguish!

That ‘crie de coeur’ #10 above is mine.

I solved the problem today. First I went to the iPod help desk, where I was told to ignore the 7 USB2 ports in my Dell, and add a new USB2 card from Belkin or Adaptec to a free slot.

This sounded rather silly. So I went to the Dell help desk. The guy there talked me through uninstalling all my USB ports, via Device Manager, then reinstalling them by rebooting. Apparently the problem was somewhere in there. With the USB ports problem cleaned up by the reboot, I then plugged my iPod into one of the USB ports and rebooted again. When the Dell came back up, the iPod was working.

This may not work for anyone else. But I suggest calling Dell. Good luck.

omg someone plz help!!!!
my damn ipod was workin okay, i plugged in the USB into my toshiba tecra 8100 it was workin cool!!!

then bamm “she bangs she bangs, she moves she moves” – azn guy from american idol

just kidding but it said that i disconnected the USB cord and now ipod wont even turn on at all, ive come to find out that i have a USB 1.0, but it was workin for like 30 min

now i think ibroke my ipod plz someone help!!!
has this happened to anyone else

p.s. when i attempt to turn it on a icon of a bettery shows and a explanation mark pops up ….

Alright, Dell + iPod frustration club, another member here.
I did buy the USB dock connecter cable, but it did not work. I then installed a Belkin firewire card, but it does not work either.
I am encountering two problems:
1)The iTunes screen does show that I have successfully updated my iPod, but the GB values are wrong. Greatly exaggerated, something like 10gb where it should be around 4gb.
2) I choose to ignore this strange discrepancy, and when told that it is safe to do so, I disconnect the iPod to survey my new .aac treausures. Nothing on the iPod. No songs register on the actual iPod. Strange.

So, I went to a HP laptop in the office, and used the 6-9 pin converter, and shared my iTunes folder across the network, updated the iPod, and everything seems to work fine.

What is the problem with Dell? I need to use this Dell desktop as loading and updating station for 3 iPods in this office, and currently cannot.

Thank you.

I guess I’m joining the iPod doesn’t work with Windows club. I have a new IBM Thinkpad t41 and a new iPod 40GB. Damn thing isn’t recognized with the new USB 2.0 cord I had to purchase separately.

I suppose the reason they make you purchase it separately is because it doesn’t work. If they included it in the box, everyone would know this right away. :(

This appears to be a common problem. Fortunately there’s a local Apple store nearby and if that doesn’t work, Apple HQ is only 4 miles away. Argh!

For now, it’s a cool looking paperweight.

Hi everyone,
I was really happy to receive my ipod………..but i also have the exact same problem on my desktop (custom made). I tried it on my father’s toshiba laptop and it worked out fine. I am going to install it on my laptop soon, but I really want to install it on my desktop. It is obviously not a problem with iPod, but just with certain desktops. Anyway, i’m going to try reinstalling my USB 2.0 and firewire ports, maybe that’ll work.

OK. Here is the deal with the 6 and 4 pin Firewire. It is necessary to have different pin configurations since one is FireWire 400 (like the iPod has) and one is FireWire 800, a much faster port that is not compatible with FireWire 400, so logically, it makes sense to not allow a FireWire 400 device to be plugged into a FireWire 800 port.

P.S.-If you’re having trouble with Dells, get a Mac!! Simple!

I got a new ipod, the 10gig model, back in September 2003,
After countless hours in the phone with apple, I had been told a wide arrangement of things. Starting with I had the wrong type of fire wire card, however after checking that, I found my fire wirer card to be on the compatible list. To being I installed software wrong, nope not that. We were finally able to download some songs by use of another computer, however the hardware in the two computers is identical. I thus concluded that the ipod has some problems with linking up to PC?s. You have about a 50/50 chance of it working.

I was able to get apple to let me return my ipod and to re-fund my $$.

If you are thinking about getting an ipod, to work with your PC, keep this in mind, apple support technicians DO NOT run PC?s, they are trained to read from a book, a list of possible solutions to your problems. I would strongly encourage apple to get some PC?s users on the tech support line.

I had the exact same problem with my iPod and my USB cable. Then I discovered that I needed to plug the other cable on the connector (the firewire cable) into the charger and have the charger pluged into a socket. It seems the iPod will not push information down the USB with its own power, it needs the additional power of the socket to do it.

Another clubber. I’ve bought a new comp. On the old everything was fine: no problem with installation, that rocked. New comp = new problems. Impossible to install my ipod, always the same problem, Ipod isn’t recognized. My last chance: following the Ed’s advice.

It’s a shame. I liked this little white plastic stuff.