This is the error message:
“…ipod cannot be updated because the required file could not be found”

In my case I had an older iPod (2nd generation) that I hadn’t synced since I had upgraded to iTunes 7. When I connected the iPod (via firewire) I got the above error message, then iTunes would eject the iPod from my system. I figured I just needed to restore the iPod, but seeing as that software is now built into iTunes, and iTunes keeps ejecting the iPod, I was stuck.

Here’s how to fix it.

• Download this 2006 version of Ipod Updater
• Install on a computer without iTunes 7 (or if you want, back up your current iTunes data, and uninstall iTunes).
• Restart your computer.
• Run the updater.
• Choose the restore option
• You’ll need to plug your iPod intall a charger to reset the firmware – hooking it up to a computer won’t work.
• Once completed, hook back up to your iTunes 7 enbabled computer
• It should recognize your iPod now, and you can sync.