Following some advice in another place, I deleted MM software and the Ipod software and tried copying some directories of files to the Ipod.

I think this revealed an underlying problem. After several files copying OK I got a message indicating a data error (CRC).

Now I'm not sure if this is a disk problem or a firewire problem or a windows XP / driver problem. Probably not an issue for music match software though so time to change to another forum!.

If someone can help please let me know!

I'm finding it rather difficult to follow / find information in this system .. . for example where is the discussion on firewire adapters?