Troubleshooting Songs That Skip
Follow these steps to troubleshoot songs that skip on iPod.
Install the latest iPod software
You should always install the latest version of the iPod software before troubleshooting.
Reduce the song’s file size
iPod’s skip protection works best with audio files that have a small file size, which allows multiple songs to fit into iPod’s 32 MB memory cache. If your audio files are large, or uncompressed (such as songs in AIFF format), you may want to compress them, or use a different compression method when importing songs into iTunes such as MP3. Consider breaking large files into smaller files.
Make sure song files are not damaged
If just one song is skipping it maybe damaged.
1. Delete the song from the iTunes library and synchronize iPod. (If you are using Manual mode with iPod select the song and delete it from the iPod song list in iTunes.)
2. Import the song from the source CD using iTunes to encode the song in a format that is compatible with iPod. If the CD is scratched or dirty, iTunes may not be able to correctly import the song. Try cleaning the CD or use a different CD.
3. Synchronize iPod with iTunes. (If you are using Manual mode then drag the song from the iTunes library to the iPod in the Source list within iTunes.)
Reset iPod
1. Using the FireWire cable that came with iPod, connect iPod to the Apple iPod Power Adapter, or to the built-in FireWire port of a Macintosh computer that is turned on and not sleeping.
2. Press and hold the Menu and Play/Pause buttons simultaneously until the Apple/iPod logo appears to reset iPod. When iPod is reset the iPod name and the Apple logo will appear. Resetting the iPod does not affect music, data files, or customized preferences.
Restore iPod
If iPod skips on all songs, and the file size of the songs you are playing are small, then you may need to Restore iPod. For more information see Knowledgebase document How to restore the iPod
Warning: The restore process cannot be undone and all of your data and music will be deleted. You should always keep a backup of all of your important data.
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