iPod Shuffle failure: Software issues at play in some cases, possible fix
Though we originally began coverage of this problem in conjunction with a series of articles regarding general warranty redemption issues, its widespread nature warrants separate attention.
The iPod Shuffle is susceptible to a failure where the unit spontaneously becomes unable to transfer music to or from its host computer, cannot play music, and flashes an alternating green and orange light when the Play button is pressed. The issue appears insoluble for most users, leaving warranty activation (many units fail within the first year) the only option.
It now appears that in at least some cases, this issue is software-based rather than due to an actual hardware failure for the Shuffle (though hardware failures are also certainly at play in other cases).
As such, MacFixIt reader Brett says he was able to revive his unit by first connecting the unit to another system (in his case a Windows PC) to check its ability to function, then re-installing Mac OS X (via an Archive and Install) process on the system with which the iPod Shuffle was unable to operate properly.
Brett writes:
"I popped the flashing Shuffle into my Windows XP Pro work laptop and ran the iPod Updater 2006-1-10. That way I was able to restore the Shuffle; however, plugging my "fixed" iPod back into the "infected" Mac would goof it up immediately. So...
"I did a clean install of Tiger (10.4) from the DVD onto a backup partition. After that, I was able to plug in the Shuffle and run the NOVEMBER 2005 update. At last, I had my library back. I have not tried the January 2006 updater on the Mac, nor did I install iTunes 6.02. I have not had any problems, though, updating to OS 10.4.5 or iTunes 6.03 (from 6.01).
"This likely doesn't help Windows folks, but it's worth a try on the Mac. Just don't plug the blinking Shuffle into a clean system; find another computer (or hit the Apple Store), restore it there, and then plug it into a clean install of Tiger."
Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.
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I bought my first iPod in May 2002 and it lasted until last year April 2005 which was surprising because I abused the living daylights out of it (ie dropped it). But these new ones did last more than a year and I don't abuse these two because I didn't have time to. Is there something wrong with QA in the iPod division?