USB Device Not Recognized: iPod

[TrekCaptainUSA]

Every time I hook my iPod up to my computer, it says "USB Device Not Recognized: Malfunctioned"

But it still works with iTunes and everything else it syncs with. So, why is my computer doing this, and saying the device malfunctioned when it didn't?

[NooNoo]

Which Windows is this? Which service pack?

If "USB Device Not Recognized: Malfunctioned" is the exact error message, then you have a virus or somesuch because that is not the message that windows gives.

[TrekCaptainUSA]

Operating system: Windows XP Home, Service Pack 2

What usually happens is that a message bubble pops up saying "USB Device Not Recognized" in bold print at the top of the message bubble with the yellow triangle (with an exclamation point inside it)

[NooNoo]

OK, go into device manager, and expand the usb section(s) - do you see any unknown devices?
Do you have any other usb devices that do this?
Does this ipod do this on any other computers?
Is the usb cable between the ipod and the computer damaged in any way?

[TrekCaptainUSA]

OK, go into device manager, and expand the usb section(s) - do you see any unknown devices?
Do you have any other usb devices that do this?
Does this ipod do this on any other computers?
Is the usb cable between the ipod and the computer damaged in any way?

No unknown devices.
No other USB devices that do this.
The iPod is not used on other computers.
The USB cable is not damaged, and is brand new.

[NooNoo]

OK, but can you try the ipod on another computer please?

[slgrieb]

There may be a problem with the iPod not being recognized correctly because of corrupted Registry entries. Microsoft has a Knowledge Base article with an automatic fix tool here. The article also includes manual repair procedures. You should read it all the through, because there are some potential problems caused by the fix.

And another observation I'd make is that Apple writes pretty crappy Windows software. In particular, iTunes causes quite a few problems with burning CD's, and after some of the fixes to get other burning software working again, iTunes may still be unable to burn CD's even after it's reinstalled.

This is one of those times when I think the best advice might be to ignore the Windows error message as long as everything else is working OK. I realize that this kind of thing is annoying as Hell, but resolving the issue may not ultimately be worth the pain of getting there. Still the link in the first paragraph is the best help I can give you for now.