iTunes has detected an iPod in recovery mode - Use iTunes to restore
Symptoms
Some customers may experience an issue where iTunes 7 or later displays the following message on a Windows PC:
"iTunes has detected an iPod in recovery mode - Use iTunes to restore"
Products Affected
iTunes 7 for Windows, iPod, iTunes 8 for Windows, Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and Vista
Resolution
In most cases, the connected iPod needs to be restored. Follow the steps in one of the following articles to restore your iPod:
Restoring iPod to factory settings
Restoring iPod shuffle to factory settings
If you've restored your iPod and the message described above re-appears, the iPod drive letter may need to be reassigned. To assign a different drive letter follow the steps for changing the Drive Letter
Note: If you're not able to restore your iPod, refer to iPod displays "Use iTunes to restore" message for additional troubleshooting steps.
Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple’s recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.