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NOTE: With disk use enabled, you need to Eject the iPod in iTunes before physically disconnecting iPod. After the Restore completes, the iPod is set to use the Manually manage music and videos setting by default, which also turns ON Enable disk use. You can turn OFF the Manually manage setting and set it to Sync Music (use automatic syncing) while keeping Enable disk use turned ON. If iTunes picks it up, it may prompt you to do a Restore, with a message about 'recovery.' If you're OK with erasing the iPod, do the Restore. Hopefully, that allows iTunes to recognize the iPod and allows the iPod's battery to charge.
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With disk use enabled, iTunes keeps the iPod's "disk" mounted continuously which keeps the USB port at full power. After the Restore completes, the iPod is set to use the Manually manage music setting by default, which also turns ON Enable disk use. If iTunes picks it up, it may prompt you to do a Restore, with a message about "recovery." If you're OK with erasing the iPod, do the Restore. Putting iPod into Disk Mode - Apple Support Here's my "theory." Some recent PCs have a "energy saver" feature that turns OFF full power to the USB port when the connected storage devices is not mounted by the system. It appears there is a good connection between iPod and computer, until iTunes opens.
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