[solved] Fake iPod Nano, works but wont connect on XP - 'unknown device'

[trebor_69]

Hi,
I have a fake iPod Nano III.
It turns on, charges, and works fine - I just cannot get my PC (Windows XP) to recognise it, 'Unkown Device' in Device manager is all I get, and I also get 'One of the USB Devices Malfunctioned ....etc'

I can read on the screen of the device that the Firmware Version is:

2007/06/06
9.1.52
RADIO_AK1025
2007/05/15

and Memory is: 3906m

I have followed instructions to install the adfuupdate.inf file (including the bit about driver signing - from My Computer/Properties/Driver Signing) - but I simply get 'The Specified location does not contain information about your hardware'.
I have also noted the thread about changing the VID and PID values within the adfuupdate.inf file, but when connected the details tab simply reads: USB\VID_0000&PID_0000\.................etc.

I've not followed the 'Recovering a dead MP3 player' (ie shorting out a chip) as its not dead, simply not recognised by my PC.

Hope someone can help.
Trebor.

[Binh@MyMPx]

Have you tried a different USB cable instead?
Sounds like either a faulty USB cable or one of the pins on the player's USB connection is faulty so while it charges the player, if ONE pin is faulty/damaged, you will get that "Unknow Device" message.

[trebor_69]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply - its solved !

Yep, after two days reading this website, identifying my device, finding out about 'dead' players, and whats the correct firmware ... it was a broken cable ... you get what you pay for, I used a friends genuine iPod cable to check - and it worked fine ... the cheap cable that came with the device was faulty, upon opening the casing of the cable the - end that plugs into the fake iPod (ie the wide end) was found to have large blob of solder touching the metal casing of the plug, a piece of sellotape placed on the metal casing solved the problem.

The cable soldering was very primitive indeed !

[Binh@MyMPx]

Glad it was a faulty USB cable and your problem is now solved.
Usually the easiest solution is the best one to try first (me, I'm just lazy so I would prefer to try the quickest solution!).

You can pick up a USB cable pretty cheap anyway as well.

[trebor_69]

Its never worked since I had it out the box, until yesterday, didn't think it could be something as simple as a cable - I can listen to my Pod Casts at last !!

Thanks