Got a shiny new iPod Nano? Got the horror that is iTunes? Got Windows XP Home or Pro? Then you've probably got some issues with your iPod/iTunes, too.

UPDATE: From LifeHacker comes a few straightforward tips on copying files directly to your iPod instead of using iTunes. Thank you LifeHacker and your reader for your tip!

So far, the most common issues I've encountered have been:

1. iPod Nano not recognized by XP,
   
2. iTunes install does not run,
   
3. iTunes installs but only runs once,
   
4. iTunes takes over your system.
   

WinXP does not see the iPod Nano:
If XP fails to recognize the device after plugging it in, there are a couple of obvious things to check. First, iPods require USB2.0, so you need to verify you've got USB 2.0 ports on the system.

• Right-click on "My Computer" and choose "Manage".
  
• Open the Device Manager, and scan the "Universal Serial Bus Controller" (it's located at the bottom). If you don't see USB 2.0 listed, you're probably going to need to buy a newer PC or add USB 2.0 ports manually.
  
• Update your PC's BIOS and system-board drivers. Like most users, you've probably never given a second thought to these items. In most cases, tracking down the BIOS type is as simple as rebooting and taking note of the BIOS manufacturer (most likely Award or AMI) and version number, then checking the manufacturers website for updates. Be careful: Updating your computer's BIOS is a task best performed by your local computer guru.
  
• Updating your PC's system-board drivers may be a bit more difficult. Most mobo (motherboard) manufacturers have utilities you can install that will monitor for updates to your PC's mobo. Barring that, you may need to ask your resident geek to ID the chipset and download appropriate updates for you.

Apple also has the iPod Updater software. This handy utility will help check the connectivity and allow you to do a factory restore of your iPod. If the iPod Updater cannot see your iPod, you're down to an issue of physical connectivity. Change USB cables, iPods, or computers.

iTunes install does not run.
In the event your iTunes installer fails, here are a couple things to check out:

• Re-download iTunes from Apple's website.
  
• Check your firewall settings, or turn it off for the duration of iTunes install.
  
• RUN A VIRUS SCANNER ON YOUR COMPUTER!! I can't stress this one enough: viruses cause all kinds of havoc in Windows. A free online virus scan is available from Trend Micro.
  
• Run Windows Updater. Click Start/Programs/Windows Update.

If none of that works, you're looking at an XP reinstall. Is your iPod worth it??

iTunes installs but only runs once.
This is a nasty little behavioral anomaly, and its workaround is just as insidious. You'll run iTunes once, and on each subsequent launch, you'll see the hourglass appear momentarily, but the application won't come up.

The workaround: Right-click on iTunes, select "Run As...". In the dialog box, pick "another user" and choose your login from the dropdown. You'll need to enter your Windows login password (if you use one.) Unfortunately, you'll have to do this every time you run iTunes.

iTunes takes over my system:
If you're not careful during the iTunes install menus, you'll inadvertently allow it to assume control of all the media types on your system. This means iTunes will launch when you watch movies, listen to net radio, etc. This can be a bit disconcerting, as iTunes is not exactly the most nimble piece of software to find its way to your PC.

The easiest way to reclaim your media files is to open your favorite player (in Windows Media Player, click on "Tools") and reset it's file and media associations so that it launches for mp3/mpg....whatever filetypes you want.

Tags: ipod nano windowsxp

Photos by H20 and RubyJi. Thank you!