A number of users have reported problems syncing iPhones, iPads and iPods after the update to iTunes 9.2. In some cases, the computer freezes or stalls when one of these devices is connected; in other cases the device is not recognized by iTunes; and in yet other cases, the sync process is extremely slow.
Run through this series of potential fixes, which will solve sync issues for most users:
Reinstall iTunes. In some cases this issue can be resolved by completely removing then reinstalling iTunes as described in this Apple Knowledge Base article.
Remove third-party backup software. If you’ve installed software for an external hard drive or another device, it may include an automatic backup utility that recognizes the iPad as a storage device, interfering with the normal sync process. Try uninstalling any such software then re-syncing your iPad.
Remove iToner. It appears that the presence of Ambrosia Software’ iToner software may cause problems with syncing the iPad. Navigate to ~/Library/iTunes/iTunes Plug-ins and/Library/iTunes/iTunes Plug-ins (the Library folders inside your user folder and at the root level of your startup drive) and look for a file called iTonerSupport.bundle. Remove it, then restart, and check to see if iPad syncing occurs more quickly.
Delete iTunes .plist. Delete the following file ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.itunes.plist then restart
Obsessed with tech since the early arrival of A/UX on Apple, Sudz (SK) is responsible for the original editorial direction of AppleToolBox. He is based out of Los Angeles, CA.
Sudz specializes in covering all things macOS, having reviewed dozens of OS X and macOS developments over the years.
In a former life, Sudz worked helping Fortune 100 companies with their technology and business transformation aspirations.
I have just recently download Itunes onto my lap top(I have Windows 7) and I have purchased songs for my Ipod Touch and when I bought 4 songs at first only two would play all the way through and the other 2 would not and I have tried to re-sync my ipod numerous times but the songs did not get back onto my ipod nor would 2 of the songs play all the way through and I have no idea how to fix this problem.Please help me.
Against my better judgement I bought an iPod 80gb classic a
few years back, I thought it stopped syncing because my photos were
stored on an external drive and crApple being well just that..
crap, I naturally assumed that it was just too much for iTunes to
handle the fact that the photos were not in the default location..
in any case I have moved some photos to the default location *sigh
and I have an issue, it just refuses point blank to sync. I know I
should just take the advice I was given and blow away this crap os
and its crappy software and install Rockbox but I am just too lazy
to download my podcasts (the only redeeming thing about iTunes)..
anyway if anyone has actually managed to solve this issue I would
be most greatful to receive the solution.. Otherwise I guess its
Rockbox for me.
I had windows but we switched to Mac and I have 9 things:
3iPads,5 ipods,one iPhone. It’s annoying because I have to get my
one side of the computer and I have to get my own iTunes account
rather then just putting all of the familys stuff on his. You can
only have 5 things on one iTunes account. It’s pathetic. If you
have more than 5 thing that you are trying to sync on to the
computer than you have to get a new account like a second one. We
had to do it and it was hard and LNG.
Does someone know how to fix this??!! I have windows system.
My ipod will not sync, I don’t have the freezing problem, but when I add a file, this message appears “ipod will not sync. duplicate file”… it looks like the file was added, but it won’t play…
my iphone 4 cannot sync with itunes. currently my mac book pro is running on mac os x 10.5.8. but every time i plug in there is (the iphone cannot be used because it requires mac os x 10.5.8 0r later). Pls help!
Thanks Paul. Spot on. Seems to have done the trick. Apologies Apple if I swore at you for a bit…
(BTW – what is with having to click every single app when you want to sync? Third time I’ve lost my apps and had to reinstall on ipod from computer – they were still there fortunately… But had to click through each one to put them back on the ipod, then rearrange in all the folders again. It was quite a PITA.
I encountered the same problem when syncing my iPad with iTunes 9.2. I’ve tried lots of ways and finally tried a simple approach that solved the problem, so just thought of sharing it with you guys.
I suspected the syncing was hanging due to iTunes trying to compare the differences of current iPad data with the backed up version, before conducting incremental backups of new data. This comparison appears to take longer as more data is changed (i.e. when you made lots of new installations, or haven’t backed up for some time).
So what I did was went to iTunes’ preferences and deleted the iPad’s backup in the system. After that, I synced the iPad again and ran the back up. iTunes now did a complete new backup of my iPad, and although it progressed slowly (about 6Gb of data) but it nevertheless completed fine after 2 hours or so.
Thereafter, subsequent backups were fast and fine. But I try to back it up once every few days now to avoid having to do a full re-sync.
I encountered the same problem when syncing my iPad with iTunes 9.2. I’ve tried lots of ways and finally tried a simple approach that solved the problem, so just thought of sharing it with you guys.
I suspected the syncing was hanging due to iTunes trying to compare the differences of current iPad data with the backed up version, before conducting incremental backups of new data. This comparison appears to take longer as more data is changed (i.e. when you made lots of new installations, or haven’t backed up for some time).
So what I did was went to iTunes’ preferences and deleted the iPad’s backup in the system. After that, I synced the iPad again and ran the back up. iTunes now did a complete new backup of my iPad, and although it progressed slowly (about 6Gb of data) but it nevertheless completed fine after 2 hours or so.
Thereafter, subsequent backups were fast and fine. But I try to back it up once every few days now to avoid having to do a full re-sync.
I have 9.2.1 on macbook pro. my iphone 3g and ipod touch 2nd gen both do not sync. after i reinstall itunes, it works for the first sync but several times that i reconnect my devices, it stops working. i completly erased itunes using the completely uninstall itunes from the apple website and installed a previous 9.0 version but when i go to open app, it says that library was created by more recent version and does not allow me to open applicaion. i hope they fix this issue soon!
Awesome!!
I can synch again! thanks to Finnish apple forum.
After 4.0.2 update i was unable to sync, windows freezes after 2min sync try and 100% cpu usage.
I was told to go DFU-mode with iphone and RESTORE it as a NEW iphone. 100% success!!
Just got off the phone with an Apple software engineer. There is a known issue with running Itunes 9.2 on an clean installation. When doing a data sync is lost from both the iphone and the computer. In addition, you may lose your Outlook profile. The profile can be recovered by running “Outlook.exe /resetnavpane”. The data can be recovered by installing the Itunes backup file back onto the iPhone. If you have an old version of Itunes you should install it first and perform a sync. Once that has been done you can upgrade to Itunes 9.2 and you should no longer have the problem.
Anyone else have this issue of iTunes locking when trying to sync music, video, iBooks? It will sync my apps, photos and creates the backup. I guess I’ll just speak to Apple tommorrow
I bricked my iphone4 while updating to 4.02. Went to store and they restored like new phone. Came home and sync but it only synced my apps and did the backup, and copied over pic from my photos on my winxp intel core duo Lenovo. I then tried to sync again after adh setting to add all my music, video and iBooks. I have tried combos of unckecking, reinstalled iTunes but not full delete first. My iTunes just locks up as it starts sync of media and freezes. I can’t find that . Plist file you speak of. Trying to backup my library to DVD b4 j do anything else. I was lucky not to lose my purchased apps on phone. Now I don’t want to lose them from my pc
For you Windows users out there, there may be a quick, simple solution – for some.
I, too, have been tearing my hair in the last couple of days. Happens every time with this software. However, on another Apple Toolbox site, https://appletoolbox.com/tag/itunes-9-2/, they suggest that for Windows “Oddly, some users have found that turning off Wi-Fi in the Windows Control Panel allows iOS devices to be recognized”
I tried, and it worked a dream. Itunes 9.2.5.1 synched beautifully and rapidly to my Iphone 3G – which I’m not updating in a hurry, incidentally, after this frantic search for the last solution. Lost nothing, and was able to log on to Wifi after the Iphone had been recognised.
Good luck, guys. Hope this helps at least one of you.
I had the same issue. I read some posts about being patient. So I waited and waited. After about 1.5 hours the darn thing finally verified and the sync started.
I spent 2 days trying to figure this out. Since it looked like the sync was hanging I kept trying different things.
My advice, is to connect the ipad to the computer and leave it alone.
my music I PURCHASED on my iPhone, synced to my computer, and now I can’t sync it back. I want the music I paid for… the iPod portion of my iPhone is empty !!!
Final chapter:
Hurrah !!! I think I may have found the answer.
After installing the previous version of itunes and still having no joy. I hunted the internet high an low (not too low though!). Eventually I came across a web site that was discussing error 48 and proposing a solution – not an error I’d seen but I was willing to try any solution where the discussion vaguely mentioned synching errors…
… and it appears to have worked !! I can synch my ipod. Whooppeee !!
Oh.. you want to know the solution…first I “reset” my shuffle (as per the Itunes Help/Ipodinstructions) and then this worked for me…
1. Run “c:WINDOWSsystem32devmgmt.msc” (this is the Device Manager), this will need to be used later, but you’ll need it quickly when you do.
2. Start iTunes
3. Connect iPod
4. Go to your iPod Settings and select “Enable disk use”
5. A dialog box will pop up reminding you that you’ll need to manually eject. Hit OK
6. Hit Apply to save changes to the iPod
7. Quickly switch to Device Manager window and right-click on any item there and select “Scan for hardware changes”
8. Switch back to iTunes, where you should have a nice, working iPod!
I had the same deal happen to me: I got stuck in “verifying iPod” mode. After restarting and resetting my sync history, I decided to leave my iTunes alone after I began syncing and having the same thing happen (I was thinking of the “a watched pot never boils” scenario). 20 minutes later, I went back to my computer and found that my sync was complete. I don’t know how long it took my iTunes to “verify” my iPod, but once I decided to leave it alone, it worked.
I un-installed itunes and replaced my library file with one from my previous library folder. Then I installed itunes9.1 and it seems to be working. I am keeping my fingers crossed. I will definitely wait to upgrade next time there is a new version. I may try Anapop Explorer too.
I have a PC running vista. Upgraded to itunes 9.2.0.61and now my 160gb ipod clasic wont sync. I tried downgrading to 9.1 but it said my library was created by a newer version of itunes and wouldn’t open. How do I use an older version of my library? I saw them listed in my itunes folder.
My I-Pod 80GB isn’t syncing anymore either thanks to i-tunes 9.2. Everytime I connect my i-pod to the computer the message that displays is “This I-Pod cannot be synchronised. Duplicate file name specified”. This is really bugging me now, I put an album on my i-pod, it appears on the i-pod but it’s not playing. And I re-ordered one of my playlists, but it hasn’t re-ordered on the i-pod!!
Does anyone out there know how to solve this frustrating issue. I’m running Windows XP, so I don’t have any of that iToner stuff
I am having the same problems. I upgraded to 9.2 (wish I hadn’t) and synced today. It did the sync fine (I think) but it didn’t tell me it had completed the sync it just hung. So i had to do the non responding Task Manager close and remove hardware safely. I can’t deal with this everytime I sync it’s annoying. There must be a proper legit fix out there. I dare not restore my iPod or uninstall and add back iTunes 9.2 (or 9.xx if I can find one) because I don’t want to lose 4 years of playlists and counts. is there anyway I can use an older version of iTunes and keep my current counts and playlists?
I think the moral of the story is.. if it’s working, don’t try and fix it….
Just to complete my story from above… I uninstalled fully and reinstalled 8.x – still wouldn’t synch and I had a very old version of my playlists – so wasn’t happy. (Current playlist files are *.itl and are stored by itunes wherever you store your music (e.g. my music). Within that music folder you should see a folder called Previous Itunes Libraries from which you can pull the old Library file you had if you need to downgrade)
I downloaded and ran the Apple iPod Reset Utility (and this worked fine) – I just lost all the music and books from the Ipod 🙁 – Still no synch
I tried unplugging all my USB devices (incl mouse), and just having the shuffle in a single USB – no joy.
Completely uninstalled again and installed 9.1 (which was previous version before all this began) – at last I get all my previous playlists back (hurrah).. but no Ipod shuffle synch.. well it started one but took 3 hours and was getting nowhere so I killed the service.
Finally I downloaded Anapod (Google it) and now I can treat my 2G shuffle as a mass storage device and drag and drop content to it from Windows – no synch problems – HURRAH !!
is anyone having problems “adding folders” or “adding files”?
I have a new PC laptop with WinXP. Like an idiot I upgraded to 9.2 (don’t know what version I was on before, my old laptop is dead). Now I can no longer add folders or files to my library. I am scared to death to try to synch my ipod after all your conversations!
If I uninstall 9.2 and then install 9.1, would that delete my library? That seems like a quick fix but I wanted to check with those who know more about macs than I do. I have a black macbook, running leopard, trying to sync my ipod 160g classic.
Another potential fix that helped many iPhone users is changing the timezone on their iTunes computer. You should change it to another timezone with the same offset as yours (for example from Amsterdam to Brussels). It is somehow connected to the calendar timezone on your iPhone.
– bought iPad
– upgraded to itunes 9.2
– sync froze @ same mp3 song, itunes closed due to unknown problem
– but ipod touch (iOS 3.x) sync w. itunes 9.2 worked!
– installed itunes 9.1.X – iPad Sync works, too! (Yes!!!)
– upgraded iPod touch to iOS 4……
– iOS 4 is asking for itunes 9.2…. (dammit!)
This, plus 2 hours on Apple Helpdesk line makes me wonder: they just don’t support Win Users, do they?
Any idea, anyone?
I have updated my iPod touch to the OS4 with the iTunes 9.2 and now all of my albums are ordered alphabetically. Not only that, every time a song ends the next track is picked out seemingly at random (from the same album). If I try to use the skip song function a random song is picked from any album. I listen to a lot of live Grateful Dead shows and having the concert play back at random kinda sucks. Anyone else experiencing this problem?
I recently got a new iMac so I thought it may be the new computer causing the issues.
Here are ALL the things I have tried:
-Restarting the computer
-restarting the iPod
-resetting the iPod to default settings
-using a different USB cord
-reinstalling itunes
-reinstalling (and deleting the apple mobile file) iTunes
-resetting PRAM on iMac
I used it just fine on my old macbook pro, so at this point it’s bloody obvious that it’s an iTunes issue 100%
REINSTALLING iTUNES WILL ALLOW THE iPOD TO SYNC. However (for me) then the next time the computer is on and I connect it I get absolutely nothing.
I think it may be best to just revert to the previous version of iTunes, as I’m getting sick of reinstalling iTunes every time I want to add a new song to my iPod.
I have exact same issue. 2 Ipod shuffles 2nd gen synching fine with 9.0. Upgraded to 9.2 – failed to synch with error (-50).
Tried the regsrv fix, but no joy.
Completely uninstalled and resinstalled all Apple apps. No joy
Rang helpdesk – they said revert back to a previous version… so I’ve done that and now I have lost all my playlists and have that horrible “libary was created by a later version”. I’ve tried copying the .itl file and asking i-tunes to rebuild my playlist – which it has finally done.. but how to I get my playlists back – there were loads and they’ve all gone !!
I’m bloody annoyed … 🙁
I’m now buying all my mp3s from another source and will not be buying any more apple products.
SUPER SLOW Backup !!!!
10+ hours and still no backup
Windows Vista, iTunes 9.2, iPhone 3g
I can’t upgrade to OS4 until I backup iPhone
I have tried EVERYTHING that i have read on the Apple forums, uninstalled iTunes, reinstalled iTunes, uninstalled Anti Virus, turned off WiFi, unenabled AutoPlay, Hard reset iPhone, …….
iTunes 9.2 SUCKS !!!!!!
Any other ideas, besides go and buy another brand of phone so that I don’t have to use this mickey Mouse POS Apple Software called iTunes ??????
My problem on my laptop was that I had a few network shares that were not accessible on the network I was connected to when I did the sync. Disconnecting them fixed the problem!
If anyone knows how to go revert your .plist file to the 9.1.1.whatever from 9.2 please let me know, that seems the be the only problem with reverting back to the previous update of itunes in Windows.
I’ve looked at and tried everything listed here. So to all of you who are still having the same problem, stop attempting different fixes and just reinstall itunes 9.1.1. The only problem here is 9.2., not your hardware, not your ipod. Follow the guides above on how to remove 9.2 and reinstall 9.1.1. Trust me, you will be able to sync, backup, and restore in 5 minutes.
Yeah so, 80GB Ipod classic older generation not sure like 3rd or 4th. Since the most recent update as of 7/1/2010 my ipod will begin to sync and even show me it’s copying the first few songs. Then BAM! “Itunes.exe has encountered an error and must close…would you like to send an error report to microsoft…” The specific error info it gives me is …. D:DOCUME~1JAMESS~1LOCALS~1TempWER61b5.dir00iTunes.exe.mdmp
D:DOCUME~1JAMESS~1LOCALS~1TempWER61b5.dir00appcompat.txt
I think if you un-install and re-install you don’t lose your playlist. Haven’t tried re-installing yet because apparently the un-install option is cleverly hidden by apple… this is just my input if anyone else knows how to fix it say something for the love of god.
I have an ipod touch 3rd generation, & i was having problems synching it to the itunes 9.2. I went to devices and printers and right clicked on my device. then selected properties, then the hardware tab, and properties again..finally clicked on “update driver” and that seemed to work just fine because the ipod touch was recognized & began synching just fine again.
After searching for clues across the inter-verse, I found a few references to this being a network issue. Some suggested that if you unplug your network cable while it’s trying to sync, it’ll work.
So, I rebooted my system, started iTunes and waited for it to come up. Then I plugged my iTouch into the USB. Things hung, like usual. I unplugged my network cable from the system. Within a few seconds I got an error from iTunes about not being able to verify registration or some such thing. But at this point (with the network unplugged), the backup/sync started. It ran through OK. I plugged the network back in while running, and everything completed OK. I’ve synced several times since with no problems.
I unplugged the iTouch and exited iTunes, waited a minute, then restarted iTunes. When I plugged in the iTouch this time (with the network connected), it all worked as expected. We’ll see if things break again in the future, but for now, its working.
Well, it’s been 4 1/2 hours, and nothing. iTunes is ignoring my iTouch (after hanging occasionally about once an hour). No sync. No recognition that I’ve attached the iTouch.
The fix for the iPhone 4 sync/freeze issue for me (after 3 uninstalls/installs) after countless Force Quits and uninstalls/installs was simply to wait.
I decided to just leave the application running and the phone plugged in. It took about an hour for it to register, but it began to sync eventually.
Same issue. Win XP pro. Updated to 9.2.0.61 and updated iTouch to 4.0 last week. This morning, sync is broken. Hangs iTunes. Tried cycling power on iTouch, and also re-installing the 9.2 software (after a fresh download). No good. After reading this, am going to let it sit connected and hung for the rest of the work day and hope for the best.
Let me (us all) know if anyone has a better solution.
i have a brand new iphone 4 and a old 3g. i went and bought the iphone 4, brought it home and tried to sync it. my itunes came up and said “a new OS is required for iphone 4″(i was running 10.4.11 os) so i went an bought the new 10.6.3 brought it home and now my computer doesnt see either iphone! i was on itunes 9.2 before and it synced but now it wont?? leave it to apple to make the simplest task impossible
Initially had the same problem trying to synch up a new 160 Gb Classic with my iTunes 9.2 within an iMac. After a couple of restores of the iPod I just let it run once the beach ball from hell appeared and it started to synch after a few minutes with no seeming loss of transfer speed. Once all the items are on I hope to see no ill effects.
I have the same problem, XP SP3 with iPhone 3Gs. Since upgrading to 9.2 I cant sync nor backup my phone. This prevents an upgrade to iOS 4 and it is really frustrating…
Sorry but nothing helped till now.
I fixed it; good ol’ patience seemed to be the answer for me. I have Mac OS X 10.6.4 and an 80Gb iPod Classic, and iTunes 9.2 froze as described above during the sync process. So I did nothing, let the beach ball roll, went to see a football match, and when I came back it was all fine and synced (so I don’t know how long it took iTunes to react). Since then, syncing does not cause any problems, and in fact it is a lot faster.
I have installed 9.2 and yes my iphone 3GS no longer syncs spent two hours on phone to Apple helpline they have tried many solutions but no joy. I did not even have itoner on my machine so whats going on? Anybody out there found a solution yet. I will try to sync my 80G classic and see what happens with that!!!
I find it very disturbing of Apple. My iPod Classic 160GB is only a few weeks old, worked well on the XP Pro PC with Itunes 9.1
Now I regret that I made that update to 9.2, as it simly freezes after a short while and continues after about 8 – 10 minutes with the sync. It seems I have to add “swear against Apple” time for every playlist change, unless Apple is going to do something about this problem. I mean, if Apple would formally tell us that the computer is doing something “productive” during the freeze time (e.g. optimizing the transfer etc) it would be better then having the feeling we are just the victim of a software error that makes the computer hang for a while.
Everytime I sync my iPhone 3GS on iTunes 9.2 I get this error “SyncServer has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience”.
I have reinstalled iTunes but the error is still there.
Don’t count on a fix. Apple is rumored to be moving on from the great 9.2 debacle. Next release will not address syncing issues between iPhones/Pads/Pods and iTunes 9.2. Apple doesn’t care. They want you to upgrade to latest MacBooks and Pros.
I tried db’s workaround (#4 comment on this thread) but wasn’t able to figure out how to open an itunes backup. I deleted the plist file from the preferences folder as he recommends. I tried to sync, and the plist file was simple recreated by my Mac automatically. I trashed it again and tried t sync, and once again the plist magically reappeared. I ended up reinstalling 9.2 just to get iTunes to play on my computer and all the playlists I had created were there. OK, I still can’t sync to my old iPod, but iTunes and its playlists are all intact. Waiting for Apple to release a fix!
I repaired the iTunes, restored my iPod (wiped it clean), and tried syncing the two again. iTunes froze yet again. This time, I just left the frozen iPod alone with the frozen iTunes for several hours. When I returned much later, the iPod synced and everything transferred over. No idea why.
Also, if I delete the .plist file, will that completely wipe out all my playlists in iTunes? Has anyone who has been reading these comments tried deleting their .plist file? If so, please let me know if it wiped out your iTunes playlists.
I went through the list, and none of it worked. I read on another forum that just allowing the beach ball to spin for 5-7 minutes results in the iPod eventually syncing. I’ll see if just chilling and being patient will work.
I had the same problem (OS X, 160gb ipod, iTunes 9.2). I unplugged the ipod then started iTunes. I let it sit for a bit…it seemed to do some processing. Then I plugged my iPod in. It sat there, then came the beach ball. I walked away and when I returned the beach ball was gone and it was syncing.
.. an update.. I have updated the Apple Mobile Device Service and now Version 9.1.1 is working with my nano 5th generation. I will resist the temptation to upgrade to 9.2
If I delete this .plist file, will this completely wipe out all my iTunes playlists? I’ve spent a good amount of time building those up, and it would hurt my pride a great deal if I lost those.
The sadder but wiser voice of experience confirms that this is all too true. Updated to iTunes 9.2 (Mac), and my 80G Classic would no longer sync – hung on “verifying iPod”, then froze, necessitating a force quit. This may be just my paranoid sensibility, but it feels like yet another chapter in what I perceive to be Apple’s increasingly antagonistic stance toward owners of Classics – I really do believe they’ve adopted a policy of “forced obsolescence” with the Classic. That said…
I tried the fixes listed here, to no avail. This was what finally worked for me:
1. Go to https://support.apple.com/kb/dl1036 and download the dmg for iTunes 9.1.1.
2. Delete iTunes 9.2 from your computer (this could prove challenging as your Mac may not want to empty it from the trash. Try holding down the option key when you empty the trash.)
3. Install iTunes 9.1.1.
4. Just to be on the safe side, delete iTunes .plist.
5. Open your most recent (non-9.2) iTunes backup (you are backing up religiously, right?)
6. You should be back in business. And if I were you (Classic owners), I’d stop updating iTunes. Stick with 9.1.1.
I have just recently download Itunes onto my lap top(I have Windows 7) and I have purchased songs for my Ipod Touch and when I bought 4 songs at first only two would play all the way through and the other 2 would not and I have tried to re-sync my ipod numerous times but the songs did not get back onto my ipod nor would 2 of the songs play all the way through and I have no idea how to fix this problem.Please help me.
Against my better judgement I bought an iPod 80gb classic a
few years back, I thought it stopped syncing because my photos were
stored on an external drive and crApple being well just that..
crap, I naturally assumed that it was just too much for iTunes to
handle the fact that the photos were not in the default location..
in any case I have moved some photos to the default location *sigh
and I have an issue, it just refuses point blank to sync. I know I
should just take the advice I was given and blow away this crap os
and its crappy software and install Rockbox but I am just too lazy
to download my podcasts (the only redeeming thing about iTunes)..
anyway if anyone has actually managed to solve this issue I would
be most greatful to receive the solution.. Otherwise I guess its
Rockbox for me.
I had windows but we switched to Mac and I have 9 things:
3iPads,5 ipods,one iPhone. It’s annoying because I have to get my
one side of the computer and I have to get my own iTunes account
rather then just putting all of the familys stuff on his. You can
only have 5 things on one iTunes account. It’s pathetic. If you
have more than 5 thing that you are trying to sync on to the
computer than you have to get a new account like a second one. We
had to do it and it was hard and LNG.
Does someone know how to fix this??!! I have windows system.
My ipod will not sync, I don’t have the freezing problem, but when I add a file, this message appears “ipod will not sync. duplicate file”… it looks like the file was added, but it won’t play…
my iphone 4 cannot sync with itunes. currently my mac book pro is running on mac os x 10.5.8. but every time i plug in there is (the iphone cannot be used because it requires mac os x 10.5.8 0r later). Pls help!
Paul F said at 7:56 AM on June 29th, 2010:
Thanks Paul. Spot on. Seems to have done the trick. Apologies Apple if I swore at you for a bit…
(BTW – what is with having to click every single app when you want to sync? Third time I’ve lost my apps and had to reinstall on ipod from computer – they were still there fortunately… But had to click through each one to put them back on the ipod, then rearrange in all the folders again. It was quite a PITA.
I encountered the same problem when syncing my iPad with iTunes 9.2. I’ve tried lots of ways and finally tried a simple approach that solved the problem, so just thought of sharing it with you guys.
I suspected the syncing was hanging due to iTunes trying to compare the differences of current iPad data with the backed up version, before conducting incremental backups of new data. This comparison appears to take longer as more data is changed (i.e. when you made lots of new installations, or haven’t backed up for some time).
So what I did was went to iTunes’ preferences and deleted the iPad’s backup in the system. After that, I synced the iPad again and ran the back up. iTunes now did a complete new backup of my iPad, and although it progressed slowly (about 6Gb of data) but it nevertheless completed fine after 2 hours or so.
Thereafter, subsequent backups were fast and fine. But I try to back it up once every few days now to avoid having to do a full re-sync.
Hope this helps others with the same problem.
I encountered the same problem when syncing my iPad with iTunes 9.2. I’ve tried lots of ways and finally tried a simple approach that solved the problem, so just thought of sharing it with you guys.
I suspected the syncing was hanging due to iTunes trying to compare the differences of current iPad data with the backed up version, before conducting incremental backups of new data. This comparison appears to take longer as more data is changed (i.e. when you made lots of new installations, or haven’t backed up for some time).
So what I did was went to iTunes’ preferences and deleted the iPad’s backup in the system. After that, I synced the iPad again and ran the back up. iTunes now did a complete new backup of my iPad, and although it progressed slowly (about 6Gb of data) but it nevertheless completed fine after 2 hours or so.
Thereafter, subsequent backups were fast and fine. But I try to back it up once every few days now to avoid having to do a full re-sync.
Hope this helps others with the same problem.
I have 9.2.1 on macbook pro. my iphone 3g and ipod touch 2nd gen both do not sync. after i reinstall itunes, it works for the first sync but several times that i reconnect my devices, it stops working. i completly erased itunes using the completely uninstall itunes from the apple website and installed a previous 9.0 version but when i go to open app, it says that library was created by more recent version and does not allow me to open applicaion. i hope they fix this issue soon!
Edit to above:
Cannot sync mail, calendar. causes 100% freeze.
I can sync music only and wait for new update from Apple…
Awesome!!
I can synch again! thanks to Finnish apple forum.
After 4.0.2 update i was unable to sync, windows freezes after 2min sync try and 100% cpu usage.
I was told to go DFU-mode with iphone and RESTORE it as a NEW iphone. 100% success!!
Damn im happy!!
Iphone not syncing no matter what I try. Boy that new blackberry is starting to look good.
Just got off the phone with an Apple software engineer. There is a known issue with running Itunes 9.2 on an clean installation. When doing a data sync is lost from both the iphone and the computer. In addition, you may lose your Outlook profile. The profile can be recovered by running “Outlook.exe /resetnavpane”. The data can be recovered by installing the Itunes backup file back onto the iPhone. If you have an old version of Itunes you should install it first and perform a sync. Once that has been done you can upgrade to Itunes 9.2 and you should no longer have the problem.
Anyone else have this issue of iTunes locking when trying to sync music, video, iBooks? It will sync my apps, photos and creates the backup. I guess I’ll just speak to Apple tommorrow
I bricked my iphone4 while updating to 4.02. Went to store and they restored like new phone. Came home and sync but it only synced my apps and did the backup, and copied over pic from my photos on my winxp intel core duo Lenovo. I then tried to sync again after adh setting to add all my music, video and iBooks. I have tried combos of unckecking, reinstalled iTunes but not full delete first. My iTunes just locks up as it starts sync of media and freezes. I can’t find that . Plist file you speak of. Trying to backup my library to DVD b4 j do anything else. I was lucky not to lose my purchased apps on phone. Now I don’t want to lose them from my pc
For you Windows users out there, there may be a quick, simple solution – for some.
I, too, have been tearing my hair in the last couple of days. Happens every time with this software. However, on another Apple Toolbox site, https://appletoolbox.com/tag/itunes-9-2/, they suggest that for Windows “Oddly, some users have found that turning off Wi-Fi in the Windows Control Panel allows iOS devices to be recognized”
I tried, and it worked a dream. Itunes 9.2.5.1 synched beautifully and rapidly to my Iphone 3G – which I’m not updating in a hurry, incidentally, after this frantic search for the last solution. Lost nothing, and was able to log on to Wifi after the Iphone had been recognised.
Good luck, guys. Hope this helps at least one of you.
I had the same issue. I read some posts about being patient. So I waited and waited. After about 1.5 hours the darn thing finally verified and the sync started.
I spent 2 days trying to figure this out. Since it looked like the sync was hanging I kept trying different things.
My advice, is to connect the ipad to the computer and leave it alone.
my music I PURCHASED on my iPhone, synced to my computer, and now I can’t sync it back. I want the music I paid for… the iPod portion of my iPhone is empty !!!
Final chapter:
Hurrah !!! I think I may have found the answer.
After installing the previous version of itunes and still having no joy. I hunted the internet high an low (not too low though!). Eventually I came across a web site that was discussing error 48 and proposing a solution – not an error I’d seen but I was willing to try any solution where the discussion vaguely mentioned synching errors…
… and it appears to have worked !! I can synch my ipod. Whooppeee !!
Oh.. you want to know the solution…first I “reset” my shuffle (as per the Itunes Help/Ipodinstructions) and then this worked for me…
1. Run “c:WINDOWSsystem32devmgmt.msc” (this is the Device Manager), this will need to be used later, but you’ll need it quickly when you do.
2. Start iTunes
3. Connect iPod
4. Go to your iPod Settings and select “Enable disk use”
5. A dialog box will pop up reminding you that you’ll need to manually eject. Hit OK
6. Hit Apply to save changes to the iPod
7. Quickly switch to Device Manager window and right-click on any item there and select “Scan for hardware changes”
8. Switch back to iTunes, where you should have a nice, working iPod!
Let’s hope it lasts longer than 1 reboot… 🙂
I should also add that I have the FIRST video iPod, 60 GB, that came out over 4 years ago.
I had the same deal happen to me: I got stuck in “verifying iPod” mode. After restarting and resetting my sync history, I decided to leave my iTunes alone after I began syncing and having the same thing happen (I was thinking of the “a watched pot never boils” scenario). 20 minutes later, I went back to my computer and found that my sync was complete. I don’t know how long it took my iTunes to “verify” my iPod, but once I decided to leave it alone, it worked.
Mark, are you running that in a mac by chance?
I un-installed itunes and replaced my library file with one from my previous library folder. Then I installed itunes9.1 and it seems to be working. I am keeping my fingers crossed. I will definitely wait to upgrade next time there is a new version. I may try Anapop Explorer too.
I have a PC running vista. Upgraded to itunes 9.2.0.61and now my 160gb ipod clasic wont sync. I tried downgrading to 9.1 but it said my library was created by a newer version of itunes and wouldn’t open. How do I use an older version of my library? I saw them listed in my itunes folder.
also, just to add to my previous comment.
Is this just a bug apple’s end or is it something to do with my i-pod (80GB I-Pod classic, 2007 model)
My I-Pod 80GB isn’t syncing anymore either thanks to i-tunes 9.2. Everytime I connect my i-pod to the computer the message that displays is “This I-Pod cannot be synchronised. Duplicate file name specified”. This is really bugging me now, I put an album on my i-pod, it appears on the i-pod but it’s not playing. And I re-ordered one of my playlists, but it hasn’t re-ordered on the i-pod!!
Does anyone out there know how to solve this frustrating issue. I’m running Windows XP, so I don’t have any of that iToner stuff
I am having the same problems. I upgraded to 9.2 (wish I hadn’t) and synced today. It did the sync fine (I think) but it didn’t tell me it had completed the sync it just hung. So i had to do the non responding Task Manager close and remove hardware safely. I can’t deal with this everytime I sync it’s annoying. There must be a proper legit fix out there. I dare not restore my iPod or uninstall and add back iTunes 9.2 (or 9.xx if I can find one) because I don’t want to lose 4 years of playlists and counts. is there anyway I can use an older version of iTunes and keep my current counts and playlists?
I think the moral of the story is.. if it’s working, don’t try and fix it….
Just to complete my story from above… I uninstalled fully and reinstalled 8.x – still wouldn’t synch and I had a very old version of my playlists – so wasn’t happy. (Current playlist files are *.itl and are stored by itunes wherever you store your music (e.g. my music). Within that music folder you should see a folder called Previous Itunes Libraries from which you can pull the old Library file you had if you need to downgrade)
I downloaded and ran the Apple iPod Reset Utility (and this worked fine) – I just lost all the music and books from the Ipod 🙁 – Still no synch
I tried unplugging all my USB devices (incl mouse), and just having the shuffle in a single USB – no joy.
Completely uninstalled again and installed 9.1 (which was previous version before all this began) – at last I get all my previous playlists back (hurrah).. but no Ipod shuffle synch.. well it started one but took 3 hours and was getting nowhere so I killed the service.
Finally I downloaded Anapod (Google it) and now I can treat my 2G shuffle as a mass storage device and drag and drop content to it from Windows – no synch problems – HURRAH !!
Dell, XP SP3, Itunes 9.2 ?
is anyone having problems “adding folders” or “adding files”?
I have a new PC laptop with WinXP. Like an idiot I upgraded to 9.2 (don’t know what version I was on before, my old laptop is dead). Now I can no longer add folders or files to my library. I am scared to death to try to synch my ipod after all your conversations!
If I uninstall 9.2 and then install 9.1, would that delete my library? That seems like a quick fix but I wanted to check with those who know more about macs than I do. I have a black macbook, running leopard, trying to sync my ipod 160g classic.
Another potential fix that helped many iPhone users is changing the timezone on their iTunes computer. You should change it to another timezone with the same offset as yours (for example from Amsterdam to Brussels). It is somehow connected to the calendar timezone on your iPhone.
Win XP Prof.
– bought iPad
– upgraded to itunes 9.2
– sync froze @ same mp3 song, itunes closed due to unknown problem
– but ipod touch (iOS 3.x) sync w. itunes 9.2 worked!
– installed itunes 9.1.X – iPad Sync works, too! (Yes!!!)
– upgraded iPod touch to iOS 4……
– iOS 4 is asking for itunes 9.2…. (dammit!)
This, plus 2 hours on Apple Helpdesk line makes me wonder: they just don’t support Win Users, do they?
Any idea, anyone?
I have updated my iPod touch to the OS4 with the iTunes 9.2 and now all of my albums are ordered alphabetically. Not only that, every time a song ends the next track is picked out seemingly at random (from the same album). If I try to use the skip song function a random song is picked from any album. I listen to a lot of live Grateful Dead shows and having the concert play back at random kinda sucks. Anyone else experiencing this problem?
I recently got a new iMac so I thought it may be the new computer causing the issues.
Here are ALL the things I have tried:
-Restarting the computer
-restarting the iPod
-resetting the iPod to default settings
-using a different USB cord
-reinstalling itunes
-reinstalling (and deleting the apple mobile file) iTunes
-resetting PRAM on iMac
I used it just fine on my old macbook pro, so at this point it’s bloody obvious that it’s an iTunes issue 100%
REINSTALLING iTUNES WILL ALLOW THE iPOD TO SYNC. However (for me) then the next time the computer is on and I connect it I get absolutely nothing.
I think it may be best to just revert to the previous version of iTunes, as I’m getting sick of reinstalling iTunes every time I want to add a new song to my iPod.
I have exact same issue. 2 Ipod shuffles 2nd gen synching fine with 9.0. Upgraded to 9.2 – failed to synch with error (-50).
Tried the regsrv fix, but no joy.
Completely uninstalled and resinstalled all Apple apps. No joy
Rang helpdesk – they said revert back to a previous version… so I’ve done that and now I have lost all my playlists and have that horrible “libary was created by a later version”. I’ve tried copying the .itl file and asking i-tunes to rebuild my playlist – which it has finally done.. but how to I get my playlists back – there were loads and they’ve all gone !!
I’m bloody annoyed … 🙁
I’m now buying all my mp3s from another source and will not be buying any more apple products.
SUPER SLOW Backup !!!!
10+ hours and still no backup
Windows Vista, iTunes 9.2, iPhone 3g
I can’t upgrade to OS4 until I backup iPhone
I have tried EVERYTHING that i have read on the Apple forums, uninstalled iTunes, reinstalled iTunes, uninstalled Anti Virus, turned off WiFi, unenabled AutoPlay, Hard reset iPhone, …….
iTunes 9.2 SUCKS !!!!!!
Any other ideas, besides go and buy another brand of phone so that I don’t have to use this mickey Mouse POS Apple Software called iTunes ??????
…sorry…THEN find ur library genius.xml file an delete ( while itunes is closed ) then restart itunes.
My problem on my laptop was that I had a few network shares that were not accessible on the network I was connected to when I did the sync. Disconnecting them fixed the problem!
If anyone knows how to go revert your .plist file to the 9.1.1.whatever from 9.2 please let me know, that seems the be the only problem with reverting back to the previous update of itunes in Windows.
I’ve looked at and tried everything listed here. So to all of you who are still having the same problem, stop attempting different fixes and just
reinstall itunes 9.1.1. The only problem here is 9.2., not your hardware, not your ipod. Follow the guides above on how to remove 9.2 and reinstall 9.1.1. Trust me, you will be able to sync, backup, and restore in 5 minutes.
Just ran a diagnostic check passed the first three tests perfectly, but the fourth gave me “No ipod touch, ipad, or iphone found”.
Yeah so, 80GB Ipod classic older generation not sure like 3rd or 4th. Since the most recent update as of 7/1/2010 my ipod will begin to sync and even show me it’s copying the first few songs. Then BAM! “Itunes.exe has encountered an error and must close…would you like to send an error report to microsoft…” The specific error info it gives me is …. D:DOCUME~1JAMESS~1LOCALS~1TempWER61b5.dir00iTunes.exe.mdmp
D:DOCUME~1JAMESS~1LOCALS~1TempWER61b5.dir00appcompat.txt
I think if you un-install and re-install you don’t lose your playlist. Haven’t tried re-installing yet because apparently the un-install option is cleverly hidden by apple… this is just my input if anyone else knows how to fix it say something for the love of god.
I have an ipod touch 3rd generation, & i was having problems synching it to the itunes 9.2. I went to devices and printers and right clicked on my device. then selected properties, then the hardware tab, and properties again..finally clicked on “update driver” and that seemed to work just fine because the ipod touch was recognized & began synching just fine again.
After over a week of trying to sync my 3GS with 9.2 using Vista (uninstall after uninstall) I have finally got it to work.
When I plugged in the iPhone iTunes was not recognising it. Instead it would through up the AutoPlay box.
I accessed Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > AutoPlay and changes the option from ‘Ask me everytime’ to ‘Take no action’.
Oddly, it worked. Have since synced several times successfully.
Had the same problem. Thanks for posting. I took the advice to be patient and let it sit. It started to sync after looking like it was frozen. Thanks.
After searching for clues across the inter-verse, I found a few references to this being a network issue. Some suggested that if you unplug your network cable while it’s trying to sync, it’ll work.
So, I rebooted my system, started iTunes and waited for it to come up. Then I plugged my iTouch into the USB. Things hung, like usual. I unplugged my network cable from the system. Within a few seconds I got an error from iTunes about not being able to verify registration or some such thing. But at this point (with the network unplugged), the backup/sync started. It ran through OK. I plugged the network back in while running, and everything completed OK. I’ve synced several times since with no problems.
I unplugged the iTouch and exited iTunes, waited a minute, then restarted iTunes. When I plugged in the iTouch this time (with the network connected), it all worked as expected. We’ll see if things break again in the future, but for now, its working.
Well, it’s been 4 1/2 hours, and nothing. iTunes is ignoring my iTouch (after hanging occasionally about once an hour). No sync. No recognition that I’ve attached the iTouch.
Ouch.
The fix for the iPhone 4 sync/freeze issue for me (after 3 uninstalls/installs) after countless Force Quits and uninstalls/installs was simply to wait.
I decided to just leave the application running and the phone plugged in. It took about an hour for it to register, but it began to sync eventually.
Same issue. Win XP pro. Updated to 9.2.0.61 and updated iTouch to 4.0 last week. This morning, sync is broken. Hangs iTunes. Tried cycling power on iTouch, and also re-installing the 9.2 software (after a fresh download). No good. After reading this, am going to let it sit connected and hung for the rest of the work day and hope for the best.
Let me (us all) know if anyone has a better solution.
i have a brand new iphone 4 and a old 3g. i went and bought the iphone 4, brought it home and tried to sync it. my itunes came up and said “a new OS is required for iphone 4″(i was running 10.4.11 os) so i went an bought the new 10.6.3 brought it home and now my computer doesnt see either iphone! i was on itunes 9.2 before and it synced but now it wont?? leave it to apple to make the simplest task impossible
My Iphone 3GS and Ipod Touch will simply not sync with my Itunes.
There is no sync option on my Itunes 9.2.
Spend several hours now on this and I can safely say, it is driving my insane.
Apple = bad service this – please sort it out.
Initially had the same problem trying to synch up a new 160 Gb Classic with my iTunes 9.2 within an iMac. After a couple of restores of the iPod I just let it run once the beach ball from hell appeared and it started to synch after a few minutes with no seeming loss of transfer speed. Once all the items are on I hope to see no ill effects.
Hey Nadav, I have the same problem. What finally worked for you?
I have the same problem, XP SP3 with iPhone 3Gs. Since upgrading to 9.2 I cant sync nor backup my phone. This prevents an upgrade to iOS 4 and it is really frustrating…
Sorry but nothing helped till now.
I fixed it; good ol’ patience seemed to be the answer for me. I have Mac OS X 10.6.4 and an 80Gb iPod Classic, and iTunes 9.2 froze as described above during the sync process. So I did nothing, let the beach ball roll, went to see a football match, and when I came back it was all fine and synced (so I don’t know how long it took iTunes to react). Since then, syncing does not cause any problems, and in fact it is a lot faster.
I have installed 9.2 and yes my iphone 3GS no longer syncs spent two hours on phone to Apple helpline they have tried many solutions but no joy. I did not even have itoner on my machine so whats going on? Anybody out there found a solution yet. I will try to sync my 80G classic and see what happens with that!!!
APPLE YOU NEED TO RESOLVE THIS ASAP
I find it very disturbing of Apple. My iPod Classic 160GB is only a few weeks old, worked well on the XP Pro PC with Itunes 9.1
Now I regret that I made that update to 9.2, as it simly freezes after a short while and continues after about 8 – 10 minutes with the sync. It seems I have to add “swear against Apple” time for every playlist change, unless Apple is going to do something about this problem. I mean, if Apple would formally tell us that the computer is doing something “productive” during the freeze time (e.g. optimizing the transfer etc) it would be better then having the feeling we are just the victim of a software error that makes the computer hang for a while.
Everytime I sync my iPhone 3GS on iTunes 9.2 I get this error “SyncServer has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience”.
I have reinstalled iTunes but the error is still there.
Any one knows the fix for it?
Don’t count on a fix. Apple is rumored to be moving on from the great 9.2 debacle. Next release will not address syncing issues between iPhones/Pads/Pods and iTunes 9.2. Apple doesn’t care. They want you to upgrade to latest MacBooks and Pros.
I tried db’s workaround (#4 comment on this thread) but wasn’t able to figure out how to open an itunes backup. I deleted the plist file from the preferences folder as he recommends. I tried to sync, and the plist file was simple recreated by my Mac automatically. I trashed it again and tried t sync, and once again the plist magically reappeared. I ended up reinstalling 9.2 just to get iTunes to play on my computer and all the playlists I had created were there. OK, I still can’t sync to my old iPod, but iTunes and its playlists are all intact. Waiting for Apple to release a fix!
Screw Apple. iTunes 9.2 doesn’t even work with my iPhone 3GS. Screw them.
I repaired the iTunes, restored my iPod (wiped it clean), and tried syncing the two again. iTunes froze yet again. This time, I just left the frozen iPod alone with the frozen iTunes for several hours. When I returned much later, the iPod synced and everything transferred over. No idea why.
Also, if I delete the .plist file, will that completely wipe out all my playlists in iTunes? Has anyone who has been reading these comments tried deleting their .plist file? If so, please let me know if it wiped out your iTunes playlists.
I went through the list, and none of it worked. I read on another forum that just allowing the beach ball to spin for 5-7 minutes results in the iPod eventually syncing. I’ll see if just chilling and being patient will work.
Meanwhile, Apple, FFS fix it! 🙂
I had the same problem (OS X, 160gb ipod, iTunes 9.2). I unplugged the ipod then started iTunes. I let it sit for a bit…it seemed to do some processing. Then I plugged my iPod in. It sat there, then came the beach ball. I walked away and when I returned the beach ball was gone and it was syncing.
Sync seems a little faster now.
.. an update.. I have updated the Apple Mobile Device Service and now Version 9.1.1 is working with my nano 5th generation. I will resist the temptation to upgrade to 9.2
How do I open the most recent backup of Itunes? from Time machine (per db’s work around?
.
Uninstalling then re-installing worked for me! Thank you!!!
If I delete this .plist file, will this completely wipe out all my iTunes playlists? I’ve spent a good amount of time building those up, and it would hurt my pride a great deal if I lost those.
The sadder but wiser voice of experience confirms that this is all too true. Updated to iTunes 9.2 (Mac), and my 80G Classic would no longer sync – hung on “verifying iPod”, then froze, necessitating a force quit. This may be just my paranoid sensibility, but it feels like yet another chapter in what I perceive to be Apple’s increasingly antagonistic stance toward owners of Classics – I really do believe they’ve adopted a policy of “forced obsolescence” with the Classic. That said…
I tried the fixes listed here, to no avail. This was what finally worked for me:
1. Go to https://support.apple.com/kb/dl1036 and download the dmg for iTunes 9.1.1.
2. Delete iTunes 9.2 from your computer (this could prove challenging as your Mac may not want to empty it from the trash. Try holding down the option key when you empty the trash.)
3. Install iTunes 9.1.1.
4. Just to be on the safe side, delete iTunes .plist.
5. Open your most recent (non-9.2) iTunes backup (you are backing up religiously, right?)
6. You should be back in business. And if I were you (Classic owners), I’d stop updating iTunes. Stick with 9.1.1.
Does anyone have solutions for windows?