Summary
iTunes 7 or later for Windows includes an iPod Diagnostics feature that can assist you in troubleshooting an issue when trying to use your iPod with iTunes. It is important to understand that this feature tests iPod connectivity on a Windows PC running iTunes. iPod Diagnostics in iTunes does not test the hardware or software on the iPod itself.
Using iPod Diagnostics in iTunes
To begin using iPod Diagnostics in iTunes follow these steps:
- Install iTunes 7.0 or later
- Open iTunes and choose Run Diagnostics from the Help menu
- Select iPod Diagnostics and click Next
The resulting information (sample shown below) can help you troubleshoot iPod connectivity issues on a Windows PC.
iPod Diagnostics consists of the following four tests:
- iTunes Service Status (also known as iPod Service)
- iTunes Helper Status
- USB/1394 Controllers Status (1394 is also known as FireWire)
- iPod Connection Status
When the iPod Diagnostics results are displayed, a status light appears next to each test. A green light next to a particular test indicates that no problem was found. When iTunes detects a problem with a test, a red or yellow light is displayed and a Help button appears below the test name. The Help button will display troubleshooting information on the Apple support site that may resolve the issue.
In addition to the status lights and support content, iTunes displays a report detailing the software configuration for iTunes and related software in addition to information about USB and FireWire ports and the last connected iPod. This information can be useful in determining the source of the problem. This report can be copied or saved as a text file and shared with others who might be assisting you in resolving this issue. General troubleshooting information on the iPod support site can be accessed by clicking the Help button in the lower right corner of the iPod Diagnostics results window.
