iPod Reset
Ludwig has trouble getting his iPod to reset. It is actually quite complicated because resetting varies by type of iPod. Here's the official Apple document (which interestingly has a load google page rank
Resetting iPod if it appears frozen or doesn't respond. If your iPod is frozen or won't turn on, the steps to reset it vary by model. You can easily tell which iPod model you have if you're not sure.
To reset iPod video, iPod nano, iPod mini, iPod mini (Second Generation), iPod photo, and iPod (Click Wheel)
1. Toggle the Hold switch on and off. (Slide it to Hold, then turn it off again.)
2. Press and hold the Menu and Select buttons until the Apple logo appears, about 6 to 10 seconds. You may need to repeat this step.
3. If the above steps did not work, try connecting iPod to a power adapter and plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet, or connect iPod to your computer. Make sure the computer is turned on and isn't set to go to sleep.
4. If this doesn't work, then you need to leave the ipod on until its battery is completey drained. Plug it in and when it charges enough go to #1. Repeat as needed.
To reset older iPods including iPod (Scroll Wheel), and iPod (Touch Wheel)
1. Toggle the Hold switch on and off. (Slide it to Hold, then turn it off again.)
2. Press and hold the Play/Pause and Menu buttons until the Apple/iPod logo appears, about 6 to 10 seconds. You may need to repeat this step.
If the above steps did not work, try connecting iPod to a power adapter and plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet, or connect iPod to your computer. Make sure the computer is turned on and isn't set to go to sleep.
Tip: If you are having difficulty resetting your iPod, set it on a flat surface. Make sure the finger pressing the Select button is not touching any part of the click wheel. Also make sure that you are pressing the Menu button toward the outside of the click wheel, and not near the center.
If you are still unable to reset your iPod, use only one finger from one hand to press the Select button, and one finger from the other hand to press the Menu button.
Comments
my ipod video does not show anything. It's pretty much blank. I can't see what I'm playing, or watching. Total blank. what should I do? How do I fix it? and what is the reasons for these problems? Please, help me out.
Posted by: hakeem | September 17, 2006 1:44 AM
please help sync problems
l have a ipod 60g and the dam thing wont sync with any pc. resetting dont work all the dam thing saids when i try and connect it via usb is that it is an unrecognised device other than that the ipod works fine. any suggestions pls
Posted by: vicky | September 3, 2006 1:20 AM
I used all of your steps on my 3rd generation non-clickwheel iPod, but it stil wont unlock, after switching hold oon and off and then hoding pause and menu, the apple logo goes away and a line appears in the middle of the screen then goes away, wand the apple logo comes back, but stiff frozen.
Posted by: Sam | August 27, 2006 5:11 PM
hello i have a ipod mini and my menu button stopped working
Posted by: Tim | August 22, 2006 5:39 PM
i have a ipod mini and my menu button stopped working plz help
Posted by: Tim | August 22, 2006 5:33 PM
I note that many times the advice for a sick iPod is to run down the battery, My iPod is very sick but before I return it to Apple for service I'd like to do a full restore. At present all I get is the white screen telling me to Use iTunes to Restore ... but I have been in this situation for several days and it hasn't changed. Is there any way to speed up draining the battery?
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Should happen faster than that, there isn't anyway to get it go drain faster that I know. Sorry! Good luck!
Posted by: Pat | August 15, 2006 3:50 PM
My ipod isn't responding.
It appears to be in the hold/lock position when i plug it into my computer, and when i press the buttons all that happenes is this bright light comes on, and sometimes when i connect my headphones you can hear music, and switch the song, but nothing shows up on the screen. I was wondering if there is anything i can do, so i don't have to pay a few hundred dollars when i go back to canada...
helping me would make you my hero.
screamingphoto_op@hotmail.com
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Wow, it sounds pretty broken. You should try to do a reset as listed above and hope the firmware returns to normal. Sounds like a software problem, so hopefully that is all. Good luck!
Posted by: faith | August 14, 2006 1:32 AM
ive tried everything. my ipod wont turn on
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Well that could be any of lots of different things. Most obvious is to really fully charge it. When you charge it, does the Apple logo come on, that means the charge is really happening.
Posted by: ayesha | August 11, 2006 7:57 AM
explain to me about iram pass for the old touch wheel 20gb ipod.
that and does anyone know how many gigs are on this ipod if you erase absolutly everything on the 20 gb ipod and convert it as another hardrive...
ive seen (while messing around on iram pass) a number close to 83 gb... and ive seen it in two different places. but that seem very very high...
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IRAMPASS seems to be a low level diagnostic that ipodlounge" explains how to use it.
A 20gigabytes is really technically about 18GB (long story, but many years ago, Toshiba started counting disk drive space as exactly 1 million bytes rather than 1,024,000 bytes that a compute is, so it slightly smaller.
Posted by: dillon | August 10, 2006 11:53 PM
I tried reseting but my nano is stuck on the same screen, not doing anything for two days now. Letting the battery drain didnt work. I NEED HELP!
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If draining it doesn't work, then you have a real problem with it. It could be that you just need to take it to the Apple store and see what they say.
Posted by: Anonymous | August 10, 2006 2:04 PM
Hey, I have an ipod mini and I keep getting the battery symbol...all attemps to restart, reboot, etc. have failed. HELP!
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That's a problem. Sounds like you need to take it to the Apple store. The minis use a mini hard drive so they will fail if you impact them.
Posted by: Bobby | August 10, 2006 10:56 AM
my ipod nano shows folder with exclamotion mark on switch on.It is not detected by i-tunes or computer.On trying to reset, nothing happens.Anyone knows any remedy?
How to discharge it?
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You discharge it by leaving it on for as long as possible. It will drain for sure.
Posted by: mkshedha | August 7, 2006 7:32 AM
Ok i need help..my ipod needs to master reset..you know when it deletes everthing off of it. Well the only way i've found i can do that is through itunes but when i plug my ipod into the comp it dosnt even show up anymore.
So my question is how can't i do a master reset from my ipod itself?
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You can't master reset from the iPod itself. You can do a soft reset only from an iPod but a real delete everything requires you to get that connection working.
Posted by: caylah | August 5, 2006 1:10 PM
i am having some trouble with my ipod video, its stuck in some type of a reset loop. It jus keeps on resting itself and i tryed to let the battery run out and charge it but it didn't work. what should i do??
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Sounds like it is really sick. If the run out doesn't work, then off to the Apple store you go to see if they can fix it. Good luck!
Posted by: john | August 3, 2006 7:37 PM
My ipod (photo ipod) freezes on the do not disconnect symbol when i plug it into the computer and i can't open my computer or itunes, i just want to add some songs!! any help
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This could be any number of things. What is happening is that the low level driver is hanging so you can't add it. What I normally do is to unplug it and reset the iPod and then plug it in again.
Posted by: Lucy | August 3, 2006 8:52 AM
MY 30 g VIDEO SCROLLS THRU SONGS ON SOME ALBUMS AND WON'T STOP TILL THE END.
wHATS UP. i TRIED A RESET AND DRAINED THE BATTERY
Posted by: ART HUTCHINSON | August 2, 2006 5:19 PM
hi, i own a u2 ipod 20 gig, and i have a problem with the clickwheel, about 1 time out 50 tries, it does the desired function, ie. i press play, but it goes to change rating, i press menu, and it pauses the song, and there is no pattern, jsut random, but when i eventually get onto the menu, it works fine, can you please help me. thanks
Posted by: tom | August 2, 2006 2:40 AM
I found this site to be the best for ipod repairs.
iPod Repair
Posted by: ipod repair | July 31, 2006 3:46 PM
Hi,
My ipod nano is stuck.It shows a folder with an exclamation and nothing else.The computer does not detect it.The same floder blinks when connected to the computer.Everything given on the apple support site is useless since the ipod is not detected.Any solutions
Posted by: MKS | July 31, 2006 9:51 AM
when I turn on/reset my ipod a file looking icon appears with an exclaimation point, and then a battery icon with an exclaimation point appears.
i just noticed this is the same post as the one before....what's wrong??
Posted by: justine | July 29, 2006 1:52 PM
hey guys. i'm having a really annoying problem. whenever I plug my ipod into my itunes, this message appears:
"iTunes cannot read the contents of the iPod "SARA'S IPOD". Use the iPod Software Updater Aplication to restore the iPod to its factory settings. "
andd I have no clue what to do. all of the music on my ipod have been completely flushed away. but in itunes, i still have my library and everything. can any of you help? i appreciate it. :]
Posted by: sara | July 28, 2006 9:56 AM
i have a 30gb ipod video and it was working 8 hours ago and then when i went to go and look at a video all what turned on was a blank white screen, i cannot turn it off, and when i try to reset it it turns off and then turns back on with no apple sign, i am soo frustrated, pls help me!!
Posted by: travis | July 24, 2006 10:16 PM
I have a 4th Generation Click-Wheel iPod. I got it December 2004 and it's worked fine until recently when it started acting up. Eventually, it "died". I'm not sure what the problem is, but I believe my battery is worn out because it's remained unresponsive. Is there any way I can restore it or should I just get a battery replacement? And also, if I choose to purchase a new iPod instead (I'd really like the 5G), what do I do with my old iPod?
Posted by: Veronica | July 24, 2006 9:27 AM
Last night my Ipod mini accidently fell on the floor and everything was fine except that the music would come on (song band etc.) except that no music is coming through and after a few seconds it goes to the next song. Also, if I press a button fast, then the ipod freezes. What can I do to fix this?
Posted by: Cindy | July 24, 2006 6:01 AM
I tried to turn on my ipod nano and it doesnt work. I tried resetting it and it still doesn't work. Everytime i slide the hold button the screen lights up and i still can't use the wheel.
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Wow, this doesn't sound good, it sounds like a hardward problem I'm afraid Lilly. The only thing left to try is to let the battery run completely down, then charge it up and try a reset, sometimes the software is so corrupted it really needs a fresh, fresh sart. Good luck!
Posted by: Lilly Le | July 19, 2006 1:35 PM
Just wanted to post a little bit of info I ran across today. My friend had an iPod nano who's touchwheel had stopped responding. Soft reset did nothing, firmware update did nothing, firmware restore did nothing. Eventually I decided to try plugging in a set of headphones (he uses a car adapter almost exclusively) and the touchwheel came back to life!
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Wow, that's interesting, just plugging in the headphones caused it to come back. I've heard about more and more touchwheel crashes and have had some myself with out iPod 3G 40GB, so I don't know what's going on. Good tip though. I'll add it.
Posted by: Bryan | July 18, 2006 12:57 PM
Hey my fucking 60gig iPOD got busted when someone hit it! I've tried the resetting tips but, they didn't work.
I need help!
Posted by: whats my face | July 15, 2006 9:09 PM
I know it's not frozen because:
- I can hook it up to my pc and access it through itunes
- the lock switch still appears to function
- it charges
- the screen animates while hooked up to my pc or while charging
I have not been able to 'reset' the device (since hold/select are unresponsive).
I have tried running the power down, and I have tried opening the device and disconnecting/reconnecting the battery.
What else can be done? I'm going to be SO pissed if it's perma-broken. $400+ DEVICES SHOULD NOT BE DISPOSABLE!
Posted by: Laurence | July 12, 2006 7:30 AM
my ipod nano's screen has white lines going across it. there isn't any physical damage, and it's only when i turn it on. it started out as only a couple lines, now it's getting worst. the lines aren't affecting the playing, it's just really annoying and & don't always know what song i'm on. is there anything i can do?
Posted by: j.nessa | July 8, 2006 2:18 PM
hi, i have an ipod 2GB, but the problem is i can only save only 15 musics and it advice that the disk is full, what should I do? pls help, thanks....
Posted by: garry butaya | July 5, 2006 7:52 AM
My ipods Library doesnt match all the songs on my Ipod. I have about 300 songs in my ipod , but only about half of them are saved to my library . How do I get all the songs on it into my library so I can hear them without having my ipod plugged in ?
Posted by: Frances | June 28, 2006 9:07 PM
this website saved my ass! thank you thank you thank you!!!!
Posted by: Sarah Bearry | June 28, 2006 6:58 PM
i have a ipod video, and i don't know what is worng but everytime i connect my ipod to the computer, the computer freezes and nothing happens i have been dealing with this for 2 months and have not been able to do anything to solve the problem, what should i do.
Posted by: jean carlos | June 28, 2006 4:42 PM
I have a 2GB ipod nano im trying to reset it but when i toggle the hold switch the ipod turns on?? Plz help me!!
RYAN
Posted by: Ryan Patrick | June 28, 2006 4:24 PM
Thank you for helping reset my i-pod. I was playing it and it was on the charger and it just froze up. I was really freaked out and it wasn't running out of battery after hours and hours (it is a video 60gb). Either way, thank you. Also have you ever heard of the video having problems up in the air on a plane? The main reason I got it was for plane use but lately it hasn't been working the whole flight. It works at the beginning and end but not the main part and only gives me the sad apple icon. It always works when I'm on the ground though. Any advice?
Thank you once again!
Posted by: melci | June 24, 2006 2:01 PM
I just put RockBox on my Ipod 4 hours ago. IT was working fine until I tried to plug it into my pc. It shows a "do not disconnect" then it goes to "ok to disconnect", without even being recognized by Windows. I tried resetting it, and I tried to put it in disk mode, but nothings working! HELP
Posted by: Kevin P | June 22, 2006 10:43 PM
I don't know how to take off songs of my ipod nano because i put them in my ipod on an other computer. I want to take off all songs of my ipod nano ... how ?
Posted by: cath | June 20, 2006 7:33 AM
when my nano turns on tthe light comes on and you can hear the click but the screen is blank
but the music stil plays
Posted by: Michael bates | June 18, 2006 9:20 AM
just bought a 60gb ipod video. and the hold switch isnt working. tried many times but the function of the hold switch simply doesnt work. the touchpad isn't disabled despite the hold switch is on. help...?
Posted by: sad girl | June 17, 2006 9:15 AM
I have an ipod 10 gig. The battery is just about completly gone and when I hook up the power, the screen flashes really fast and randomly inbetween the apple and a blank or brightly colored screen. I tried reseting it.hmm. It also shows a file with an excamation mark.
Posted by: Kristin | June 11, 2006 12:30 PM
Hi,
I had recharged my ipod today morning. While doing so, i had selected the pause button and had put the ipod on hold. After a few hrs, when i chkd, even when i unlocked the ipod, it is still showing the locked symbol and pause symbol. The background light is still on. When i tried connecting to the computer it says unknown device. The ipod is not responding at all. Some one had adviced to let the battery drain and then restart again. but how will it drain, when it shows pause. Please give in ur suggestions, this is driving me crazy.
Thanks
Posted by: Ramya | June 6, 2006 10:31 PM
My sister accidentily put her iPod Nano into disk mode and now it is frozen on the 'OK to disconnect' screen. How can I fix it?
Posted by: Mordecai | June 5, 2006 12:04 PM
i have a 4g 20gig ipod. when i connect to my computer, this comes up "unknown error occured (-69)" please help me.
Posted by: Jay Dy | June 3, 2006 8:17 AM
My ipod nano got slightly wet yesterday. It was in my bag, and only the screen got wet, I thought. But when i got home, it wouldn't turn on, so i left if to try. After about an hour, it turned on, but the screen was really blotchy, and when it was off, it still displayed the battery charged symbol. It worked, it played music and everything. Then i left it to keep drying, i was hoping the screen would fix, but after a couple of hours it wouldn't turn on again. When i plugged it into the computer, it did the loop thing someone described before - the apple symbol came on, then kind of divided into parts and blinked, and then on again. I couldn't get anywhere from there. So this morning I looked at it, and it wouldn't turn on still, but when it was plugged into the computer it blinked alternating apple symbol and a battery with an exclamation point. Is there anything i can do? On the web there are a lot of stories about nanos that survived washing machines and things, but mine hardly got wet!
Posted by: Kate | June 3, 2006 7:06 AM
My friend just gave me a 4th gen 20GB. Last night I was using the update software to do a restore to get a fresh start with my ipod. I let the restore do its thing overnight, and I had a BSOD when I woke up. Now my ipod just cycles through the apple icon and the sad ipod icon... please help. I've tried to to reset and disk mode, but cannot get either of those to work.
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Wow that is really sad. The sad ipod means that even the startup routine doesn't work. I would try to run the battery completely down and try again. Sometimes, completely running the battery down really does the trick. Other times, it just means you have a hardware problem.
Posted by: marc | June 1, 2006 9:16 AM
hi there
i got a second hand ipod mini (yes i know i am daft) and i cant get it to play, i can get to the track i am looking for and then it shows the play symbol but the track doesn't play! i can fast forward the track etc but no music! is it stuck on pause? i've tried the whole resetting thing and it makes no difference.
not sure what to do.(well apart from go buy a new one)
hope you can help!
Nic
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I've had cases where the track didn't play becaue the file system on the iPod was corrupt. I'm betting the mini came with music, so if you want to do it, I would get ipod updater from the apple site and reset then plug it in and do a "restore" this wipes the entire hard drive and you should have a new iPod. Then if it still doesn't work, well... chalk it up to experience :_0
Posted by: nicole | May 31, 2006 1:26 AM
how do you completely delete my ipod and start all over even renaming it, is it possible?
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Go to http://www.apple.com/ipod/download/ and find the ipod updater, this utlity will let you "restore" your ipod. Contrary to what it sounds like, this completely wipes out everything and you start all over. Just run the iPod updater, plug in your iPod into your computer and press restore. Good luck!
Posted by: Christina | May 30, 2006 1:59 PM
I have a black iPod 30GB the wheel is frozen but the remote still working. Can someone please help me?
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Have you tried doing a reset as listed above. The frozen wheel is hopefully a software problem, so a reset should restore it. Otherwise, you have a hardware problem and you have to go to the Apple Store and hope that they can fix it for less than the cost of a new iPod. Good luck!
Posted by: Michelle | May 25, 2006 3:36 PM
I have a 30GB IPOD and it's not working. It wont reset nor respond. Donno what happened. What should i do? Please help.
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Wow that is really sad. I would try to let the battery completely run down and then recharge it. Hopefully, it will show a happy Apple and you will be good to go. There have been times when my iPod just dies and really needs a complete rundown.
Posted by: Raghu | May 24, 2006 10:26 PM
my ipod mini wont go on and i tried reseting it and nothing shows up. my ipod mini wont turn on and sometimes when i connect it to my usb port it shows the battery symbol then it just turns off. my ipod mini worked again and it only stayed on for 2mins then it wouldn't respond again and i charged it for like 4hours can you plz help me thank you
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Wow, I'm having a hard time understanding what is going on. I tried to correct of few of your typos, but as I gather, sometimes it won't go on, somtimes it will but when you connect it to the USB port, it just turns off. Then if sounds like it went on for a while and died. Whew...you have one sick iPod I must say. If you are really resetting it and it isn't stable, I would take it to the Apple Store. Minis are getting old now and yours may be just dying which is certainly possible as they are hard disk based so drop it too many times and it will be unreliable. Sorry! Good luck with it.
Posted by: Brad | May 23, 2006 9:02 AM
Hi,
My ipod 30g video hasn't worked for 3 weeks. Every time i connected it to my computer via a 1.1 usb it doesn't detect anymore, although it did before for 5 months. SOoo i took it back hoping for it to be a faulty ipod and the same is happening to this brand new one. Ive re-set it too many times to remember and Ive uninstalled ITunes and the IPod programme millions of times. Can someone please get back to me on here asap or email me.
A very sad Lauren
x
Posted by: Lauren | May 20, 2006 4:03 PM
mY 2GB NANO IPOD WILL NOT TURN ON AND I HATE THE STEPS YALL ARE SHOWING TO DO WONT WORK help I HAD IT BEFORE AND THEY SAID PRESS HOLD ON THEN OFF THEN PLAY MIDDLE BUTTON THEN MENU BUTTON BUT I FORGOT IT NOW YALL TELL ME TO DO THIS AND THAT DOESNT FUCKING WORK
Posted by: jOSH SIMON | May 20, 2006 11:29 AM
I've had this Ipod for about 2 years and although I have dropped it before, there was never a problem. Today, I was listening to a song on my Ipod Mini and some guy ran past and knocked onto the ground. I picked it up and the song was still playing and it looked ok. About 2 minutes later, it wouldn't respond. Then the apple symbol came on followed by a folder icon with an exclamation mark. It doesn't work when connected to an outside power source. HELP ME.PLEASE!
Posted by: Nick | May 18, 2006 5:34 AM
i got an oldschool iPod i found on da floor. It works great, its a red n black U2 Special Editon wun, but after i upadted it on iTunes it keeps showing this sad iPod face then it tell tells me to go to apple.com/support/ipod so i go there but it says have to reformat it or reset it return to factory settings, wuteva...but i plug it in it goes from the apple logo to the sad ipod ico then loops again...aplle logo n sad ipod face...wtf!! help
Posted by: Felipe | May 17, 2006 5:25 PM
thanks for e tips it worked!!!!!!!!!
e only thing im worried about is whether my ipod video will be corrupted????
Posted by: martin | May 17, 2006 7:37 AM
I have a 30GB Ipod, I have it hooked up to a BOSE IPOD Speaker. Power went out due to power outage, when it came back on the screen is blank. The IPOD works, songs play, connects to the computer, just can't see anything on the screen except a grey screen. Reset it, and it reboots, but no text,no apple logo, just a grey lit screen.
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Wow, that doesn't sound good. I'm guessing that the power outage caused a spike and blew your screen. Very big bummer. To be really safe, you need to put a line conditioner or power supply. We have one at our house. When the power goes off, it often spikes up to 300-400 volts and that destroys electronices. Off to the Apple store you go I'm afraid.
Posted by: Eric | May 15, 2006 4:48 AM
hey...my ipod nano was stuck on the disk mode and the 'ready to disconnect' mesage was stuck on the screen. nothing seemed to work and i tried the reset a thousand times. i almost gave up hope, but then i held the menu and select buttons down firmly for a really long time and it worked! so the trick is to try the reset thing many times and with pressure and for a loong time. thanks!
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Yup, that's right, it takes an amazingly long time to do get the reset to happen mainly because of finger pressure etc. Apple does advise you put it on a flat surface and press evenly
Posted by: sara | May 10, 2006 7:00 PM
hi, my 60 gig ipod video got stuck on a blue screen after playing a video, the reset worked fine, but got scared when it showed lines across the screen! glad you helped me, the ipod came from HK and im only 12!
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Glad it worked for you. Enjoy the Video. You are lucky to be 12 and have an Ipod video!
Posted by: MattZani | May 10, 2006 1:10 PM
My Ipod mini is frozen. Won't play or reset. It says that there is a song in play mode but nothing is happening, the backlight is on and nothing seems to work. Any ideas?
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You have to reset it. Let it run down until it is dead, then recharge and it should boot up with a happy Apple.
Posted by: Bruce K | May 10, 2006 5:50 AM
I need help my ipod nano will turn on and light up but nothing appears on the screen. I tried reseting it and when i plugged it into my computer it wasn't recognized? Is there a way it will work?
thanks
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Doesn't sound like it is really reset. Let the battery run down, recharge it and the happy Apple should come up.
Posted by: Gaz | May 9, 2006 7:52 AM
i downloaded ipod updater from mac and reseted my ipod mini then it showed the apple logo then showed an ipod usb adapter connecting to a wall outlet i did that and nothing happens i did the whole menu select button thing what do i do
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That means that it expects to charge. When your iPod is in this state, I normally let it run completely down and start again and pray for a happy Apple when you start. Good luck!
Posted by: Isaac Salazar | May 8, 2006 6:08 PM
I'm on my fourth iPod. Had it a year. Its gone wrong.
They always go wrong after a year.
Like clockwork.
This is by design. It is a scam.
---message ends---
It is sad, but I've had lots of failures with my iPod as well. The 4G is very flaky and I had to completely reformat it and start again. I suspect the firmware really does corrupt after a while. I get very bizarre problems with the 4G and also the Video, a complete Restore seems to help. Also I've had corruptions with iTunes itself, so it ain't perfect.
Posted by: dave | May 6, 2006 8:58 AM
My iPod nano occasionally won't turn off...I know to reset it to fix the problem, but do you know why this is happening?
Thanks,
Sarah
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It is because the software isn't perfect in the nano or any other iPod. I've had similar wierd problems. Doing a complete Restore where you wipe the thing has helped me, but if it is occassional, I wouldn't worry about it. I do a reset on my Video iPod for instance about once a week or so.
Posted by: sarah | May 6, 2006 4:42 AM
My iPod mini keeps on displaying don't disconnect, what should i do?
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The thing is hung trying to connect to your computer. This happens to me quite a bit. Often happens when you try to disconnect and the iPod is not quite done doing its thing. I've also had my iPod just hang on this forever. The fix is to do the reset described above.
Posted by: Danielle | May 5, 2006 7:59 PM
everytime i turn my ipod on, theres and exclamation mark and a file. Please tell me how to get my ipod back to normal soon plaz
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That means the file system on your iPod is corrupt. I'm so sorry about this. Try to do a reset and if that doesn't work. Backup your music files on your PC (copy them somewhere safe) and load iPod updater and do a full restore. Hopefully that fixes it. Otherwise, you might have a destroyed hard disk and it is off to the Apple store you go. I hope then it is in warranty. Good luck!
Posted by: linda | May 4, 2006 3:27 AM
Quandry. I have the Apple 30 GB iPod with Video Playback (it came out around christmas... not sure what model or version it is). I recently installed itunes onto my other computer, and then tried to transfer the files from the ipod to my other computer... it must have triggered some file share protection program, because the ipod has been acting wonky every since i tried (and i couldn't transfer the files to the computer by the way). Did i accidentally tell itunes to "update" by erasing my files partially?
Here's what it does:
-The ipod shows all the music's previous song content in the album, artist and song lists
-When it does play a random song, i can't really change or fast forward songs because it crashes or freezes.
-when i hook the ipod back up to the computer that has all the files in itunes (the computer i set it up with originally), it won't update the damaged(?) files. It doesn't seem to recognize that, although the songs are listed, the files aren't on the ipod anymore.
- the amount of free space has increased (when i look in settings). It originally had about 6 gigs on it, now it says it has about 1.5
-Some songs play, and i've noticed that the one's that do are the one's i've put on the ipod most recently.
Sorry this is so lengthy. I can't seem to find a way to delete, or wipe the ipod and start from scratch... any ideas? any help is appreciated.
-ky
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Yikes, I don't know how exactly you got your songs from your iPod to your new computer. iTunes doesn't allow that because it is consider illegal copying, so I'm betting that you actually copied from your old to your new computer. If you do this, you have to make sure that iTunes knows that the new music is there. There is an Add new folder button that lets the new computer's itunes "see" all the new files you copied.
Now, the key issue is which computer is your iPod connected to. iPods can only connect to one computer. If you plug it into your new computer, you'll get a very obscure message that essentially deletes all the files on your iPod and replaces them with what is on the new computer.
From what you are saying, it sounds like the iPod is still connected to the old computer. So what you have to do is copy all the songs over (hope you have ethernet!) from old to new, then dock the iPod into the new and say YES when it asks you to delete everything. The ipod actually deletes everything and then copies everything over again which is an amazing pain.
I think the reason you have so much more free is that the new Itunes doesn't see all your files, so they are in fact gone from the iPod but hopefully still on your ocmputer.
In any case, good luck!
Posted by: Ky | April 29, 2006 12:45 PM
help!!! My 30 GB ipod is not responding to itunes. when i plug in it says do not disconnect. it was working yesterday, uploading songs, but today it is not... What could be wrong
Posted by: rob niles | April 28, 2006 6:54 PM
Hello there. I have a 20gb ipod which I purchased almost two years ago. I've been adding songs to my itunes library which indicates that I now have over 2500 songs, taking up 14.5 gb of space. When I connect the ipod to my computer I have confirmed that any new music I've added is being downloaded to the ipod as expected. Here's the strange part: When I goto my ipod and pull up the "settings" menu, then goto the "about" sub-menu it always says I have only 1663 songs, taking up less than 10 gb of space. So why does my ipod indicate a different amount of music than my library? I'm trying to get all 2500 songs loaded into my ipod. Your kind advices would be much appreciated.
Thanks and have a good day.
Posted by: EMO | April 25, 2006 10:08 PM
I dropeed my ipod, not from too high, and then it froze. I reset it, the resetting worked. But then it was stcuk toggleing between a picture of the apple logo and a "sad" ipod. I plugged it into my computer and now its just an inanimate charging sign. Plz help me!!!
Posted by: danno | April 25, 2006 1:00 PM
I have win98, and you cant use itunes with this operating system, so i downloaded ephpod and anapod explorer. So i connected my ipod mini and deleted some songs I didnt want.When i tried to add songs, it worked, but when i took my ipod out, the apple logo came on for about 5 seconds, then flashed off and came on again and when i tried to plug it into my computer the battery charger came on, but it didn't move, it just stayed in one spot. Then i formatted my ipod and it came on fine, but when i tried to add songs again, the same thing happened. Please help me.
Posted by: mike | April 25, 2006 6:51 AM
Well see i have a 20gb 4th gen ipod..click wheel...and my problem was ..while i was listening it just got frozen i restarted it and then it went to "OK TO DISCONNECT" screen, and i was confused because i didn't do anything so that happens. Therefore i restarted again and it went to a sad ipod. Can anyone please help me with this?
email me please and if you want re type a post here thank you. alot
Posted by: Ahmed | April 24, 2006 4:23 PM
My iPod nano was being charge all night long & when I had to go to work, I was in a hurry & just unplug & left. When I got to work & was trying to work it. I did what I usually do, kept holding down the Play/Pause button. The screen was still black, so I kept trying. Then the next thing I knew, a screen comes up and say "Disk Mode" & "OK to disconnect". I tried to reset, but it isn't working. Please help:(
Posted by: Kate | April 23, 2006 7:53 PM
My 30gb iPod (which i bought today) is stuck at a screen with a battery like 1/6 of the way filled witha lightning bolt at teh end, been like that for about 2 hrs...any idea?
Posted by: Byron | April 22, 2006 10:46 PM
my ipod always needs to be reseted but somtimes that doesnt work and wen it does work i try to choose a song but i wnot let me and chooses the next song along please help
Posted by: chloe | April 22, 2006 9:46 AM
iv got the same problem as this dude/dudette
Please help!!! My iPod is stuck in a loop on the apple reset screen! The backlight flashes on, than off, but the logo either stays the same or turns off and then turns right back on! I was using the ephPod util, maybe that had something to do with it???
Please Help!
just wonderin if u now know any more about this situation. if not i cud try and describe in more detail...
my battery ran out so, as u do i put it on charge on a comp and the backlight keeps comin on and the apple logo then the logo fades and the loop starts again. its not the comp i usually use but i wud appreciate a bit of advice
cheers
Posted by: tom0\/\/I\I5 | April 21, 2006 12:49 PM
the only solution which worked for me was formatting the nano.
Start > Run...> cmd
Then enter format X: (where X: is the nano device)
Posted by: Maass | April 20, 2006 3:52 PM
it comes up with a ipod with a frown and a !!!! mark. then when i plug it into the computor it freezes on the charging screen!!!!!!!!!!!!help its a 20gb. its not color
Posted by: ricky | April 20, 2006 1:44 PM
Hello!
I dropped my Ipod and it seems that the scroll wheel doesn't work any more. The bottons works fine but when I try to scroll down nothing happened. I reseted it but it's still the same. Can you please help me? Thank you
Posted by: Aeris | April 19, 2006 1:45 AM
Please help!!! My iPod is stuck in a loop on the apple reset screen! The backlight flashes on, than off, but the logo either stays the same or turns off and then turns right back on! I was using the ephPod util, maybe that had something to do with it???
Please Help!
-------------------------------------------------
Wow, that sounds serious. I have not heard of this kind of looping. Best I can say is let the battery run out and then try a reset. Hopefully it comes back. Otherwise do a reset and put it in disk mode and hope you can get it to connect to your PC.
I don't think ephpod would hurt it (I use it), but it does sound like the operating system is corrupted.
Posted by: Verdict | April 18, 2006 6:20 PM
My 5th Gen Ipod Isnt locked up it seems, I can update, restore, and all of the normal stuff via computer. But the click wheel and nothing works at all, I cant restart it without it plugged into the computer nor can i listen to music.
How do i fix this?
----------------
Heard to understand exactly the problem, but I'm guessing that you the click wheel isn't working. I don't understand that part about not being able to restart without it being plugged into the computer. Are you sure you are really restarting it? Are you getting a happy Apple when you start?
Posted by: Bob | April 17, 2006 2:30 AM
My iPOD is Gen 1, just a lttle 10 gigger. Worked great for quite some time then I reformatted it, reinstalled the iPOD software, rebooted my PC and all the sudden, the thing died. It only sits at the screen with the apple on it, won't budge ffrom there. I tried about 50 times (litterally) to reset it using the Menu/Play-Pause button procedure in hopes that the battery would finally die so I could try to totally charge it but so far it's a no go. I can't it to be recognized in Windows and it won't even display a charge status. Any ideas?? Please email me with suggestions.
-------------
For 1st generation ipod, the button proedure is a little different. Remember that you have to push the hold button on and off. And then you hold Menu and Play-Pause together.
BTW if you don't even get a charge icon, that is a bad thing. The thing should discharge (wait a day or so) and then you should be back to square one. If that doesn't work, I'm afraid its time for a new iPod :-(
Posted by: Avenger | April 16, 2006 11:02 AM
i fell asleep with my ipod nano on and when i woke up it was reset so i turned it on and it was in disk mode and i have tried to get out of it but nothing will work.Can u please give me suggestions on what to do
----------------------
You can get out of disk mode by resetting it again. That is: a) hold button on and off, b) press menu and select at the same time. You should now see the happy Apple. See http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93651 for details
Posted by: dan E | April 14, 2006 5:38 AM
Thank you sooo much, I was really worried when my nano wouldn't work.
Thanks!!!
Catherine
----------------
No problem. Glad to help Catherine!
Posted by: catherine | April 13, 2006 2:55 PM
hey
i have a 4th generation 20GB Click Wheel ipod. Now the problem i have with it is i dowloaded the ipod updater from apple and then i used it and clicked on RESTORE!! after i did that it told me to plug it into the AC adaptor to let the firmware flash build so i did that and nothing happened now all i have is a folder with a exclamination point on it.... i tired putting it into DISC MODE but again nothing happens I also have tried hooking it up to my computer but nothing happens.... SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!
-----------------------
Well, first of all, I hope you know restore will wipe all your data and return your iPod to its original factory condition. Looks like the install didn't take. When you start up, do you get a happy Apple, or just an exclamation point. if it is an exclamation then first do a RESET and if you don't see a happy Apple, you are in pretty deep trouble. I would let the battery run down and then see if you can charge it up and do a reset.
Otherwise off to the Apple store you go :-( Good luck!
Posted by: D. Pizzel | April 12, 2006 2:15 PM
hey
i have a 4th generation 20GB Click Wheel ipod. Now the problem i have with it is i dowloaded the ipod updater from apple and then i used it and clicked on RESTORE!! after i did that it told me to plug it into the AC adaptor to let the firmware flash build so i did that and nothing happened now all i have is a folder with a exclamination point on it.... i tired putting it into DISC MODE but again nothing happens.... SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!
-------------------------------
That means the file system is corrupted on your iPod. I have had this happen so don't worry. What you need to do is to do a reset (see above for how to do that), then you should see a happy Apple and it is good. If you could get it into Disk Mode, then you should be able to connect to your PC and then load the iPod updater and then ask it to upgrade your firmware again.
Good luck!
Posted by: D. Pizzel | April 12, 2006 2:13 PM
I bought my 40gb 4th generation ipod from the internet. The hard drive didnt work so i replaced it with a 30gb. It works fine on my roommates mac. But when i try to restore it to factory settings on my pc it tells me that it has a "firmwire error. diskwrite error" or along those lines. Yet if i restore it to factory settings on my roommates mac it works fine again. What do I do?
-----------------------
Wow I'm not sure. That sure sound serious. Normally, when you connect it to a PC, it should say, this disk is formatted for the Mac (it actually uses a different file system) and asks to reformat to PC format and you are off and to the races.
So I would take it to the Mac, run ipod updater to do a restore and get to the latest firmware and then plug it into PC and see what happens.
Posted by: oliver | April 11, 2006 6:11 PM
My ipod video often gets stuck, and currently is stuck, on the "okay to disconnect" screen... does anyone know i way to fix this other then letting it run out of battery and plugging it in?
Posted by: Liz | April 11, 2006 1:26 PM
my ipod only pop ups autoplay it goes away and nothing else happens
i cant download any songs
can you please help
Posted by: shikura | April 10, 2006 5:33 PM
I got home from work and my iPod was totally messed up, I was going to listen to some songs while cleaning, and I look and It's frozen at the main menu, and it was frozen at 2:41 cause now its a different time, I cant reset it, I cant plug it in, and I cant wait till battery is drained, I tried all of that, please help me
Posted by: J J | April 10, 2006 2:11 PM
My 4th Gen B&W ipod click wheel won't work. All other buttons work fine, but without the click wheel it's a bit of a situation. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.
Posted by: charles | April 10, 2006 8:53 AM
The hold on my ipod nano is stuck, I can toggle the switch but nothing happens. I tried restoring it which didn't work. i'm very disappointed in this product What do I do?
Thanks
Posted by: gabriel Sylla | April 9, 2006 8:53 PM
My 30gb Photo froze one day, which it'd done a couple times in the past, but this time it won't reset. When I reset, it shows the apple icon, and then sometimes goes to the "sick ipod" screen. I've tried letting it fully discharge, and connected it to the computer. Computer won't recognize it (I've tried on 2 different comps). and I'm outa ideas. To make things stranger, my serial number isn't recognized by the support on apple.com any help? much appreciated
-----------------
If you've got the sick ipod screen, then you have a pretty serious fault. When you start it up and you see the Apple Icon, press and hold the select and the play, this will put the ipod into "disk mode"
This is a low level mode that is the last ditch effort to let you connect to your computer. Anyway, try to connect and see if it does. run iPod updater and restore it all.
If you still get sad apple, then off to the apple store you go, its probably hardware :-(
Posted by: Carl | April 7, 2006 10:37 PM
Thanks, nano was acting up with Do Not DC message, you guys saved it.
Much appreciated. !!
------------
YOu are welcome!!!
Posted by: Mike | April 6, 2006 11:46 AM
I've had my iPod Mini for a little over a year and have had no problems. But a few days ago I it just stopped working while I was listening to something. When I tried resetting it, the apple logo appeared on the screen but the problem is that it won't go away. The apple logo is frozen onto my screen and I can't turn it off or anything. Should I go to the Apple store? Thank you for any help. :(
Posted by: Morgan | April 4, 2006 9:16 PM
Thanks! You rule. My nano was non-funtional for no apparent reason. A little menu/select hold-down action did the trick.
Mike.
Posted by: Mike Jones | April 4, 2006 4:49 PM
Hi, I havn't dropped my ipod recently but I just turned it on and it was frozen, it had the picture of the lock which normally means that the ipod is on hold but it is not, I have tried the steps but have not waited for the battery to drain but what if that doesn't work? Thanks
Posted by: Natalie | April 3, 2006 9:56 AM
i have an ipod video 60gb and it got jamed and i hold menu and select botons and it works now
Posted by: leo | April 2, 2006 7:52 AM
I have a 4th generation iPod that I had to put a new battery in myself. After doing so the wheel no longer does anything when I touch it, and it says it is in disk mode most of the time. Won't respond to a restart and only the play button works. Any suggestions?(I bought it off a friend can't take it to iPod store)
Posted by: Seth | March 31, 2006 4:01 AM
Hey, I have a iPod Mini, 4gb. I just updated it... then it showed this USB Power Adapter plug in the wall icon. I waited for 1 night after plugging it in with my USB Power Adapter, but still, the same thing happens. It shows the Apple Logo, then the USB Power Adapter Plug in the outlet icon. Somehow I don't think it's charging. When I reseted, it shows the Apple Logo, then the Battery Warning icon, this only occurs when I plug it in the USB Power Adapter. Reseting didn't help me.
i have this exact problem, did you get a solution for it?
Posted by: gavin | March 29, 2006 9:28 PM
The hold on my ipod nano is stuck, I can toggle the switch but nothing happens. I tried restoring it which didn't work. I can't drain the battery because the only way it can turn on is if it's plugged up to a charger. What do I do?
Thanks
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Hmm. That sounds bad. I think take it to the Apple store if it isn't holding a charge on the battery that's a real problem that sounds like hardware.
I think you misread my post. The problem isn't my battery holding a charge,which it does, it is the hold function on my ipod that is stuck on. I can toggle the hold switch but the hold symbol remains on. I obviously can't reset it or anything because I can't push any buttons. I was wondering if there is any thing that I could do short of sending it in for repair.
Thanks
Posted by: ryck james | March 29, 2006 5:30 PM
The hold on my ipod nano is stuck, I can toggle the switch but nothing happens. I tried restoring it which didn't work. I can't drain the battery because the only way it can turn on is if it's plugged up to a charger. What do I do?
Thanks
-----
Hmm. That sounds bad. I think take it to the Apple store if it isn't holding a charge on the battery that's a real problem that sounds like hardware.
Posted by: Ryck James | March 28, 2006 9:47 PM
thanks i've had my mini for almost a year and i thought it was broken but then i googled it and found you thanks a lot i almost thru it away thank you
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Glad it worked for you! Enjoy the mini!
Posted by: draco | March 27, 2006 3:40 PM
hi
i put my ipod nano on hold and i must of droped it or something, now it wont get off of hold can you help me please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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If you mean the switch doesn't work. Then best thing is to pray it is not a mechanical problem. Let the battery drain down and then charge it again. Hope that it then gets into the right state. Otherwise off to the Apple store you go :( Good luck!
Posted by: nathan | March 27, 2006 1:27 PM
thanks my problem solved
Posted by: Binil | March 26, 2006 9:43 PM
Anyone figure out how to fix the problem of ipod nano being stuck on disk mode yet??????
------------------
Good question. Normally you just do the reset again and it should boot up fine
Posted by: Fay | March 26, 2006 7:09 PM
I have an 30gb IPod video which was givin alot of trouble so I restored. After I restored and disconnected it from my comp it no longer comes on. It doesn't respond to any button combinations the screen is completely blank. I'm thinkin about about lettin the battery drain but how long should that take.
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Agreed let the battery drain and try again. If the Apple logo doesn't come up, you are really in trouble, but try to reset when recharged.
Posted by: Johnny Ca$h | March 26, 2006 3:55 PM
I tried updating my ipod nano yesterday and it didn't respond so I disconnected it. Now, the do no disconnect screen is stuck on my screen. How do I get it off? I tried to reset, but it didn't work. What do I need to do?
---------------------
Reset should work but you have to be patient and hold for a long time. If it doesn't, then drain the iPod battery and then charge it again and it should come up fine. Good luck!
Posted by: Jill | March 26, 2006 7:17 AM
i have an ipod mini 4gb, and i dropped it from 2 feet, with the rubber casing around it, now all of a sudden i cant hear anything. I know its now the headphones because i tested my headphones on other things and they worked, its the ipod. The ipod works completely fine, and it says that its playing the song, i just cant hear anything... PLEASE HELP!!!!
---------------------------------
Wow, that's depressing, if it isn't the headphones, then I'm afraid it a software reset won't help. That being said, try the reset listed above, otherwise, it is a new iPod for you. I'm so sorry!
Posted by: indoboi | March 23, 2006 2:26 PM
after i restarted mine i keep getting this ipod with a frown and an exclimation mark. i really dont want a new ipd because i love this one its a blue mini. what should i do
--------------------
That's a bad sign, it means that the firmware doesn't start. Try this, do a reset again then try to get into disk mode. When you see the happy Apple after a reset press and hold the Select and Play button, you should get into disk mode. Now connect to your PC/Mac and run the iPod Updater which is a utility you get from apple.com. Try to run an update your firmware and hopefully you'll be good to go. Good luck!
Posted by: meagan | March 22, 2006 6:51 PM
I have the exact same problem as Danny, I have had this now for over a month. Have tried everything any reset combination going and nothing stops it from the plug in socket icon from appearing. Its as if the device was put in Disc mode but now will not respond what so ever.
Windows will not Detect the Ipod any more and the update will not detect the Ipod plugged in.
Posted by: Ben | March 21, 2006 1:35 PM
Hey, I have a iPod Mini, 4gb. I just updated it... then it showed this USB Power Adapter plug in the wall icon. I waited for 1 night after plugging it in with my USB Power Adapter, but still, the same thing happens. It shows the Apple Logo, then the USB Power Adapter Plug in the outlet icon. Somehow I don't think it's charging. When I reseted, it shows the Apple Logo, then the Battery Warning icon, this only occurs when I plug it in the USB Power Adapter. Reseting didn't help me.
Posted by: Danny | March 17, 2006 6:54 PM
I hate my ipod right now. its frozen on disc mode and i don't no how to get it off! i've tried everything, also my cousin works at future shop and she told me that ipod nanos were the most returnig objects of 2005 and 2006! Maybe i will return mine. If you no how to help me, PLZ DO!!
Posted by: Amy | March 17, 2006 11:35 AM
I just have to say: Thank you for the tips. My iPod video just went blank with nothing but a white screen and I was freaking out, because my mom said that she won't get me another one if it broke(i'm only 15,16 in a month). So I googled on how to fix it and I came upon this website, I was so relieved that it started to respond again. Thank you again, Anna. :)
Posted by: Anna "Lizz" P. | March 13, 2006 9:33 PM
my ipod nano, 4gb is stuck in disk mode, any ideas?
Posted by: bongo | March 11, 2006 5:58 AM
my 5th generation ipod frozze it got disconected during update i used the reset that brought me 2 the screen with the apple i reconnected to pc it wasnt doing anything so disconnected it and now its frozen and wont work
can any1 help please?
-------------------------------
You just need try to do the reset again. If that doesn't work, then you wait for the battery to discharge. Recharge it again and then do the reset
----------------------------
Posted by: graham | March 8, 2006 1:40 PM
thank you
Posted by: graham | March 2, 2006 5:00 PM
my ipod nano froze well i was using the stopwath now it want do any thing i tried reseting it but it didnt work i dont know what elso to do....
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If you really can't get it to reset, let the battery run down charge it up and it should restart and you can try a reset. If that doesn't work, then off to the Apple store you need to go. Good luck!
Posted by: matt langkau | February 28, 2006 8:44 PM
i'v tried reseting my i-pod a million times and it still wont come on . Please Help. I've tried every thing. Is it broke
Posted by: tenisha | February 28, 2006 7:26 PM
ok my ipod mini wont turn on i will plug it into the usb port and the charger and it wont even respond to that. the last time i used it, it didnt say it was running out of battery although i knew the battery was almost gone, it just faded and turned off. it hasnt done anything since.
Posted by: john12345 | February 28, 2006 1:04 PM
I have a 30gig iPod Video (5G) that has been working fine for several weeks. I tried to turn it on this morning after letting it charge overnight and it won't turn on now. I have tried resetting it, toggling the hold switch on/off and resetting it, plugging it into USB again and repeating the reset steps.... nothing works, the screen stays blank and my PC doesn't acknowledge that there is a device connected. My iPod software is up-to-date, and this is the first time I have had a problem with my iPod since I got it. Someone please help!
Posted by: Tony | February 27, 2006 7:49 AM
Oh my gosh, like i have a nano and a video ipod aint everytime that i go to connect them to my computer, the computer just freezes. i tried resetting the ipods it worked but the computer was still frozen, the only way i can get my computer to work is if i turn off my computer and diconnect the ipod. now i cant update any of my songs, how annoying. if anyone can help please do it would be greatly appriciated!!!
Posted by: Aamar | February 25, 2006 1:52 AM
hi,
i have an ipod nano (2GB) and it is stuck on disc mode, how do i get it off disc mode and start working again
Posted by: emily | February 24, 2006 1:05 PM