iPod Special Report: Preferences not sticking

Several users have found that their iPods are suddenly no longer capable of remembering preferences set through iPod, such as which playlists to synchronize.

MacFixIt reader Brian Romanchuk writes "Ever since upgrading to Panther, I've noticed that I can't change my iPod preferences. When my iPod has mounted and finished syncing, I choose the preferences and try and deselect a playlist that I have set to synchronize. It deselects and the dialog box hangs there for about 10 -20 seconds and then disappears. No updating takes place. When I bring the iPod preferences back up again nothing was changed. Same holds true for trying to switch on the Firewire Disk option. I've tried trashing all the preferences related to iTunes and ipod and nothing works."

One workaround for this issue that appears to be working for some is as follows:

1. Perform a "Restore" process (erases the iPod's hard disk and restores the device to its original factory condition) using the iPod Software Updater application.
2. Go to iTunes and access the iPod preference pane. Check the box marked "Enable Firewire Disk Use" (not check by default) and leave it check.
3. Synchronization should now occur normally until you uncheck the "Enable FireWire Disk Use" option.

Note that without performing a "Restore" process, no preferences - including the FireWire Disk Use option - will stick. It seems that after a "Restore," the iPod preferences will be recognized for one synchronization, giving you a chance to enable the FireWire Disk Use option and leave it on.

Also, note that while the FireWire Disk Use option is in effect, your iPod will mount like any other volume, and be subject to a "Device improperly removed" error message if disconnected on the fly.

• 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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