iPod Special Report: iPod not showing up in iTunes

Several users have reported a problem with the iPod not being visible to iTunes.

MacFixIt reader Glyn suggests a twelve step process that resolved the situation in his case:

• Download Cocktail and set invisible items ( found under interface->finder tabs within Cocktail) to be visible
• Navigate to the top level of the iPod.
• Copy the contents of the iPod_Control folder to your local desktop
• Trash the iPodPrefs and the contents of the iTunes folder but not the folder itself. Also I think I may have trashed the device/preferences file but I am not sure
• Trash the contents of the Music folder which should be already be copied to your local drive.
• Unmount and unplug the iPod
• Reset the iPod by Toggling the Hold switch on and off. (Set it to Hold, then turn it off again.), Press and hold the Play/Pause and Menu buttons until the Apple/iPod logo appears. as per Apple Knowledge Base article #61705)
• Mount the iPod on the desktop.
• Startup iTunes. The iPod should appear now
• copy the individual folder contents of the Music folder you copied earlier onto your iPod.
• The music is back and you can start iTuning again
• Do not forget to reset the finder with invisible items turned off using Cocktail.

• When songs won't play
• Warning about Windows DRM and the iPod
• Using Apple's Disk Utility, other disk tools to solve iPod directory/permissions problems
• USB 2.0 synchronization/data transfer problems
• Audio dropouts, pauses
• Revitalizing a frozen/unresponsive iPod
• Sudden, Unexpected Resets
• Repair difficult, replacement often cheaper: Cracked LCD screens and more
• Quirkiness when synchronizing with high-power USB 1.1 ports
• Mac freezes when going to sleep with iPod connected
• iTunes-purchased tracks won't transfer to iPod
• iTunes crash on iPod connection; solutions
• iSight interference
• Falling Asleep (appearing off) suddenly
• iPod-stored tracks cannot use some iTunes features
• Updater software issues
• Shuffle USB connectivity issues
• Remote Control problems
• iPod not showing up in iTunes
• Batteries: Charging, maintaining capacity, maximizing life; more
• Preferences not sticking
• Extracting files from an iPod to a Mac
• Distorted/static sound
• Dealing with Smart Playlists
• AppleCare for iPods
• Complaints about Apple earbud quality; alternatives
• Data loss -- Music disappears from iPod

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