Ipod won't eject?

I just got a new iPod Video. I installed the software and plugged the iPod into my computer. But it won't let me eject my iPod - when I right click the icon and tell it to eject, it says the iPod cannot be ejected because it is being used by another application. I can't figure out if/how it's being used by another application because it isn't. I also tried to eject it by using the "safely remove hardware" icon on the taskbar, but also to no avail.
I appreciate any help in the matter. Thank you!!!

Here are several ways to Manually Eject your iPod
And: How to Safely Disconnect
Other ways in addition to the above links are:
--- Eject the iPod using the System tray "Safely Remove Hardware" icon. This icon looks like a small gray rectangle with a green arrow floating above it. It is only there when a removable device (like the iPod in this case) is attached to the computer. Right-click & select 'Safely remove..', then click 'Stop' in the next window, OK in the next window, and then Close to complete the ejection.
--- Reset your iPod, then disconnect when you see the Apple logo.
--- Hold ‘Ctrl-Alt-Del’ to bring up the Windows Task Manager. Go to the Processes tab and look for iTunesHelper.exe and iPodService.exe. Select each of them and hit the End Process button. Close the Task Manager Window and try ejecting the iPod via the safely remove hardware method above.
--- If you are still having problems you can try one more thing. Right-Click on the My Computer icon and select ‘Manage’ from the list of actions. Go to the Services and Applications item and from there the services item. Double click on the services item to bring up the list of services currently installed on your computer. Look for the iPod Service and double click on it. From the new window select Stop. Now try again to eject using the safely remove hardware option above.
--- If all of the above does not work, power down the PC and then remove the iPod.
After ejecting the iPod, try Resetting Your iPod to clear the issue.

Similar Messages

ITunes (latest version) crashes...iPod won't eject

When I connect my iPod Classic 160GB, iTunes launches but crashes immediately. I force-quit it because it won't run anyway, but then Finder won't let me eject my iPod (the iPod icon is grayed out on my desktop). In short, iTunes is unusable. Another thread cited an issue with iBooks and recommended uninstalling it by "changing the rights" (I have no idea what that means) and deleting it to fix the iTunes problem. OSX won't let me delete iBooks because "it is required by OSX). Any help would be appreciated.

Ahh, it seems that resetting the ipod fixed the problem. Carry on.

ITunes won't open, IPod won't eject

My mother asked me to unplug her iPod when I got home from work today, so I came to the computer to do so, but iTunes wasn't open. Which was a little strange, because iTunes was open last night, and I always leave it on. She says she didn't do anything to the PC. But you never know.
I tried to open iTunes, but it wouldn't come up. iTunes, iTunes Helper, and iPod Service were all showing up in the task manager, but no program was coming up that could be used. I closed down all unnecessary programs, cleared my caches, prefetch, etc. Tried to open ITunes again. No luck.
Then I did something that, in hindsight, was probably really stupid. I unplugged the iPod. While it still said "do not disconnect." Nothing happened. I plugged it back in, and tried to open iTunes again. Nada.
Then I restarted my computer. And Windows (XP) never finished loading up. So I unplugged the iPod again, restarted, and Windows did come up. I plugged the iPod back in, and iTunes came up automatically. But the iPod was not being recognized.
I closed iTunes and tried to "safely remove hardware" (should have done that to start with,) but I just got an error that the device could not be stopped. Now I still can't open iTunes (even though it's showing in the task manager), and the iPod still says don't disconnect. (It's still plugged in now, though as I said, I unplugged it twice for a few seconds.) A device is showing up in my computer, but I can't access or do anything with/to it - attempting to do so freezes the 'my computer' window.
Have I ruined this thing? What can I do to resolve this issue? I'm using one of the newer 30 gig iPods, and the latest version of iTunes, with Windows XP.
Never had any problems before. I think the power may have flickered off today and restarted the computer, which may have caused some problem or other. Other than that, I don't know much of anything else.

Ahh, it seems that resetting the ipod fixed the problem. Carry on.

IPod stops syncing after a while, won't eject and then crashes iTunes

Whenever I try to update my iPod Classic 80GB, after 1000 songs or so the iPod stops syncing (gets stuck on a song). Then the iPod won't eject, even when dragged into trash.
Then, when trying to eject iPod or quit iTunes, iTunes crashes and has to be force quitted with iPod cable removed.
When I check my iPod it says there is no music/photos etc on it.
I have reinstalled the latest iTunes and restored my iPod with the latest version, my OS software is all up to date too.

Actually at 1200ish songs the iPod hard drive starts making some severe clicking/clanking noises. I'm guessing it means the hard drive is screwed since it's the same symptoms as my last iPod
Why does this happen? Both my iPods were about 2 years old when the hdd's started clicking, surely hdd's last for more than two years?

Ejecting iPod won't work

(trying again here as 1st time I got no answer):
Is there a setting I can change on my iPod or PC that will allow me to click the little "eject iPod" button and have it actually eject? The computer says my iPod "cannot be ejected because it contains files that are in use by another application."
I'm automatically updating podcasts but manually controlling music. And I've checked the box that says "enable disk use" as when I uncheck it iTunes wants to totally redo all the music that's on the iPod.
Thanks in advance.

"I'm automatically updating podcasts but manually controlling music."
How are you doing this?
For the eject issue, try these.
Easy way. Reset the iPod, then disconnect when you see the Apple logo.
Another way. Hold ctr-alt-del to bring up the Windows Task Manager. Go to the Processes tab and look for iTunesHelper.exe and iPodService.exe. Select them and hit the End Process button. Close the Windows Task Manager Window and try ejecting the iPod via the safely remove hardware method.
If you are still having problems you can try one more thing. Right click on the My Computer icon and select Manage from the list of actions. Go to the Services and Applications item and from there the services item. Double click on the services item to bring up the list of services currently installed on your computer. Look for the iPod Service and double click on it. From the new window select Stop. Now try again to eject using the safely remove hardware option.
McAfee ActiveScan security software also can cause a problem, and if you have this you might want to try turning it off and see if the iPod then ejects correctly.
If all else fails shut down the computer and disconnect the iPod.

Won't Eject iPod/Won't update iPod

Every time I try to eject my iPod, an error message pops up saying, "The iPod cannot be ejected because it contains files that are in use by another application". I've tried stopping all of my startup programs from starting, but I keep getting the same error.
Also everytime I try to update the iPod, and iTunes says it upgrades fine, but everytime I restart iTunes, it wants to upgrade to the same version it just updated to! (v1.3)
Please stop the annoyances!

Whoops - forgot to mention - iTunes will not quit, and there is no Force Quit option available... any more ideas?

HT1339 My ipod won't restore. It keeps coming up with an error message.

My ipod won't restore. It keeps coming up with an error message. that says "The iPod '_____' cannot be restored because it contains files that are in use by another application." How do I fix this?
The only thing that's open is my itunes, so i don't see how anything on my iPod can be in use by another application.
It also does this when I try to eject it, so I end up having to just unplug it instead of ejecting it, which I know is not good.
And if it matters, sometimes I plug in my iPod and it doesn't register on either the iPod or in iTunes that my iPod is plugged in, so sometimes I have to re-plug it in. And my iPod these days will continue to say that it's syncing even though iTunes will say it's finished.
Please help me!

Go to your computer's System Tray and try ejecting. If you can't eject, there is an application that is trying to access your iPod.
Go to http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx and download ProcessExplorer.
Go to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555665 and follow the instructions under Resolution.
Note that this is a good, general process any time you can't access any file.
In my case an update to RealPlayer installed a program called RecordingManager that was accessing my iPod.

Ipod won't connect? can't register it either

I just got an ipod nano 3rd gen. today. I downloaded the latest version of itunes, just like the directions said. The songs went to itunes without any problems. The problem is: the ipod screen says connected, eject before disconnecting. The little battery at the top doesn't look like it's charging. It's just white/light gray with a little black plug thing in the center of it.
When I plug the ipod in, it automatically opens itunes. But when you try to find a song on the ipod, it says no songs, no music, no files blah, blah, blah. When I click on the little ipod icon in the list on the left side of itunes, it gives me an option to register the ipod later. It looks like my monitor cuts off the right side of the screen, so I don't know if there's a register now option. I even hooked up another monitor, which is about 19 or 20 inches, I guess. It does the same thing. The right side of the screen is cut off. I can click on the ipod icon again, and see the license agreement. I clicked the box at the bottom and hit save. The thing is, part of that sentence saying that you agree to the terms, is cut off.
All I see is:
"I have read and agree to the iPod Software License Agr"
I don't know what the rest of it says. And there is NO scroll bar at the bottom. I've tried shrinking the window and stretching it to the right, but it won't stretch. I don't know if the ipod won't work bc I can't register it or what. I even uninstalled itunes and re-installed it. Still does the same thing. I'm totally confused. ANY help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Randi
I'm also on yahoo messenger:
randi127

Resize the screen resolution to 1024 or larger (right click on desktop and pick Properties then go to the tab for screen resolution).
Patrick

Disc won't eject....ext. harddrive and cf reader

hi, im having an issue with periphs on my ibook. i got a mac compatible ext. drive and it works great. problem is it won't eject. no other apps running and it still won't eject. i figured out that i had a jpg in the trash that wouldn't delete and renamed and then deleted and it started working again. that lasted a few days. now its back to the same thing of not ejecting anything i plug in. ipod, ext. harddrive, cf cardreader. any advice? thanks.

have you tried a pmu reset of the ibook? http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=14449 have you tried booting to the install disk and running disk utility? http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214 yet another thing to try is to remove any added ram if there is some. best of luck. Sherry

20g ipod won't show on computer

my ipod won't show up on my computer anywhere, it is making wierd hard drive noise, can someone please help me.

Hello,
If a sad iPod icon or an exclamation point and folder icon appears on your iPod’s screen, or with sounds of clicking or HD whirring, it is usually the sign of a hard drive problem and you have the power to do something about it now. Your silver bullet of resolving your iPod issue – is to restore your iPod to factory settings.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60983
If you're having trouble, try these steps at different levels one at a time until the issue is resolved. These steps will often whip your iPod back into shape.
Make sure you do all the following “TRYs”
A. Try to wait 30 minutes while iPod is charging.
B. Try another FireWire or USB through Dock Connector cable.
C. Try another FireWire or USB port on your computer .
D. Try to disconnect all devices from your computer's FireWire and USB ports.
E. Try to download and install the latest version of iPod software and iTunes
http://www.apple.com/ipod/download/
http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/
F. Try these five steps (known as the five Rs) and it would conquer most iPod issues.
http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/five_rs/
G. Try to put the iPod into Disk Mode if it fails to appear on the desktop
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93651
If none of these steps address the issue, you may need to go to Intermediate level listed below in logical order. Check from the top of the lists to see if that is what keeping iPod from appearing on your computer in order for doing the Restore.
Intermediate Level
A. Try to connect your iPod with another computer with the iPod updater pre-installed.
B. Still can’t see your iPod, put it in Disk Mode and connect with a computer, instead of doing a Restore on iPod Updater. Go and format the iPod instead.
For Mac computer
1. Open the disk utility, hope your iPod appears there (left hand side), highlight it
2. Go to Tab “Partition”, click either “Delete” or “Partition”, if fails, skip this step and go to 3
3. Go to Tab “Erase” , choose Volume Format as “MAC OS Extended (Journaled), and click Erase, again if fails, skip it and go to 4
4. Same as step 3, but open the “Security Options....” and choose “Zero Out Data” before click Erase. It will take 1 to 2 hours to complete.
5. Eject your iPod and do a Reset
6. Open the iPod Updater and click “Restore”
For Window computer
Go to folder “My Computer”
Hope you can see your iPod there and right click on the iPod
Choose “Format”. Ensure the settings are at “Default” and that “Quick Format” is not checked
Now select “Format”
Eject your iPod and do a Reset
Open the iPod Updater and click “Restore”
In case you do not manage to do a “Format” on a window computer, try to use some 3rd party disk utility software, e.g.“Partition Magic”.
C. Windows users having trouble with their iPods should locate a Mac user. In many cases when an iPod won't show up on a PC that it will show up on the Mac. Then it can be restored. When the PC user returns to his computer the iPod will be recognized by the PC, reformatted for the PC, and usable again. By the way, it works in reverse too. A Mac user often can get his iPod back by connecting it to a PC and restoring it.
Tips
a. It does not matter whether the format is completed or not, the key is to erase (or partly) the corrupted firmware files on the Hard Drive of the iPod. After that, when the iPod re-connected with a computer, it will be recognized as an fresh external hard drive, it will show up on the iPod updater.
b. It is not a difficult issue for a Mac user to find a window base computer, for a PC user, if they can’t find any Mac user, they can go to a nearest Apple Shop for a favor.
c. You may need to switch around the PC and Mac, try to do several attempts between “Format” and “Restore”
Advance Level
A. Diagnostic mode solution
If you have tried trouble shooting your iPod to no avail after all the steps above, chances are your iPod has a hardware problem. The iPod's built-in Diagnostic Mode is a quick and easy way to determine if you have a "bad" iPod.
You need to restart your iPod before putting it into Diagnostic Mode. Check that your hold switch is off by sliding the switch away from the headphone jack. Toggle it on and off to be safe.
Press and hold the following combination of buttons simultaneously for approximately 10 seconds to reset the iPod.
iPod 1G to 3G: "Menu" and "Play/Pause"
iPod 4G+ (includes Photo, Nano, Video, and Mini): "Menu" and "Select"
The Apple logo will appear and you should feel the hard drive spinning up. Press and hold the following sequence of buttons:
iPod 1G to 3G: "REW", "FFW" and "Select"
iPod 4G+ (includes Photo, Nano, Video, and Mini): "Back" and "Select"
You will hear an audible chirp sound (3G models and higher) and the Apple logo should appear backwards. You are now in Diagnostic Mode. Navigate the list of tests using "REW" and "FFW". The scroll wheel will not function while in diagnostic mode. For further details on Diagnostic mode can be found at http://www.methodshop.com/mp3/ipodsupport/diagnosticmode/
Try to do the 5in1, HDD R/W and HDD scan tests. Some successful cases have been reported after the running the few tests under the Diagnostic mode. In case it does not work in your case, and the scan tests reports show some errors then it proves your iPod has a hardware problem and it needs a repairing service.
B. Format your iPod with a start disk
I have not tried this solution myself, I heard that there were few successful cases that the users managed to get their iPod (you must put your iPod in disk mode before connecting with a computer) mounted by the computer, which was booted by a system startup disk. For Mac, you can use the Disk Utility (on the Tiger OS system disk), for PC user, you can use the window OS system disk. Try to find a way to reformat your iPod, again it does not matter which format (FAT32, NTFS or HFS+) you choose, the key is to erase the corrupted system files on the iPod. Then eject your iPod and do a Reset to switch out from Disk Mode. Reboot your computer at the normal way, connect your iPod back with it, open the iPod updater, and hopefully your iPod will appear there for the Restore.
If none of these steps address the issue, your iPod may need to be repaired.
Consider setting up a mail-in repair for your iPod http://depot.info.apple.com/ipod/
Or visit your local Apple Retail Store http://www.apple.com/retail/
In case your iPod is no longer covered by the warranty and you want to find a second repairing company, you can try iPodResQ at your own risk
http://www.ipodresq.com/index.php
Just in case that you are at the following situation
Your iPod warranty is expired
You don’t want to pay any service charges
You are prepared to buy a new one
You can’t accept the re-sell value of your broken iPod
Rather than leave your iPod as paper-weight or throw it away.
You can try the following, but again, only do it as your last resort and at your own risk.
Warning ! – It may or may not manage to solve your problem, and with a risk that you may further damage your iPod, which end up as an expensive paper weight or you need to pay more higher repairing cost. Therefore, please re-consider again whether you want to try the next level
Last Resort Level
1. . Disconnecting the Hard Drive and battery inside the iPod – Warning !! Your iPod warranty will be waived once you open the iPod.
In Hong Kong there are some electronic shops offering an iPod service for Sad iPod, the first thing they do is to open up the iPod’s case and disconnecting the battery and the Hard Drive from the main board of the iPod. Wait for 5-10 minutes and reconnecting them back. The reason behind which I can think of is to do a fully reset of a processor of the iPod. In case you want do it itself and you believe that you are good on fixing the electronics devices and have experience to deal with small bits of electronic parts, then you can read the following of how to open the iPod case for battery replacement (with pictures)
http://www.kokopellimusic.us/KM_instructions.htm
Have I tried this myself? No, I am afraid to do it myself as I am squeamish about tinkering inside electronic devices, I have few experiences that either I broke the parts (which are normally tiny or fragile) or failed to put the parts back to the main case. Therefore, I agree with suggestion to have it fixed by a Pro.
2. Do a search on Google and some topics on this discussion forum about “Sad iPod”
What should I do with my iPod? Send it or keep it?
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=469080&tstart=0
Strange error on iPod (probably death)
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=435160&start=0&tstart=0
Sad Face on iPod for no apparent reason
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=336342&start=0&tstart=0
Meeting the Sad iPod icon
http://askpang.typepad.com/relevanthistory/2004/11/meeting_thesad.html#comment-10519524
Sad faced iPod, but my computer won’t recognize it?
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2236095#2236095
iPod Photo: unhappy icon + warranty question
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2233746#2233746
4th Gen iPod Users - are we all having the same problem?
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=2235623#2235623
Low Battery, and clicking sounds
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2237714#2237714
Sad faced iPod, but my computer won’t recognize it
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2242018#2242018
Sad iPod solution
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=412033&tstart=0
I am not suggesting that you should follow as well, but just read them as your reference. You are the person to make the call.

Help my IPOD won't start PLEASE HELP

It gives me the apple screen and then switches into the foloer with an exclamation point and i don't know how to get it out. I have tried restarting, and plugging it into the computer doesn't do anything. It is charged, please help.

Hello,
If a sad iPod icon or an exclamation point and folder icon appears on your iPod’s screen, or with sounds of clicking or HD whirring, it is usually the sign of a hard drive problem and you have the power to do something about it now. Your silver bullet of resolving your iPod issue – is to restore your iPod to factory settings.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60983
If you're having trouble, try these steps at different levels one at a time until the issue is resolved. These steps will often whip your iPod back into shape.
Make sure you do all the following “TRYs”
A. Try to wait 30 minutes while iPod is charging.
B. Try another FireWire or USB through Dock Connector cable.
C. Try another FireWire or USB port on your computer .
D. Try to disconnect all devices from your computer's FireWire and USB ports.
E. Try to download and install the latest version of iPod software and iTunes
http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/
For old and other versions of iPod updater for window you can get here
http://www.ipodwizard.net/showthread.php?t=7369
F. Try these five steps (known as the five Rs) and it would conquer most iPod issues.
http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/five_rs/
G. Try to put the iPod into Disk Mode if it fails to appear on the desktop
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93651
If none of these steps address the issue, you may need to go to Intermediate level listed below in logical order. Check from the top of the lists to see if that is what keeping iPod from appearing on your computer in order for doing the Restore.
Intermediate Level
A. Try to connect your iPod with another computer with the iPod updater pre-installed.
B. Still can’t see your iPod, put it in Disk Mode and connect with a computer, instead of doing a Restore on iPod Updater. Go and format the iPod instead.
For Mac computer
1. Open the disk utility, hope your iPod appears there (left hand side), highlight it
2. Go to Tab “Partition”, click either “Delete” or “Partition”, if fails, skip this step and go to 3
3. Go to Tab “Erase” , choose Volume Format as “MAC OS Extended (Journaled), and click Erase, again if fails, skip it and go to 4
4. Same as step 3, but open the “Security Options....” and choose “Zero Out Data” before click Erase. It will take 1 to 2 hours to complete.
5. Eject your iPod and do a Reset
6. Open the iTunes 7 and click “Restore”
For Window computer
Go to folder “My Computer”
Hope you can see your iPod there and right click on the iPod
Choose “Format”. Ensure the settings are at “Default” and that “Quick Format” is not checked
Now select “Format”
Eject your iPod and do a Reset
Open the iTunes 7 and click “Restore”
In case you do not manage to do a “Format” on a window computer, try to use some 3rd party disk utility software, e.g.“HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool”.
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=501330&tstart=0
C. Windows users having trouble with their iPods should locate a Mac user. In many cases when an iPod won't show up on a PC that it will show up on the Mac. Then it can be restored. When the PC user returns to his computer the iPod will be recognized by the PC, reformatted for the PC, and usable again. By the way, it works in reverse too. A Mac user often can get his iPod back by connecting it to a PC and restoring it.
Tips
a. It does not matter whether the format is completed or not, the key is to erase (or partly) the corrupted firmware files on the Hard Drive of the iPod. After that, when the iPod re-connected with a computer, it will be recognized as an fresh external hard drive, it will show up on the iTunes 7.
b. It is not a difficult issue for a Mac user to find a window base computer, for a PC user, if they can’t find any Mac user, they can go to a nearest Apple Shop for a favor.
c. You may need to switch around the PC and Mac, try to do several attempts between “Format” and “Restore”
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2364921&#2364921
Advance Level
A. Diagnostic mode solution
If you have tried trouble shooting your iPod to no avail after all the steps above, chances are your iPod has a hardware problem. The iPod's built-in Diagnostic Mode is a quick and easy way to determine if you have a "bad" iPod.
You need to restart your iPod before putting it into Diagnostic Mode. Check that your hold switch is off by sliding the switch away from the headphone jack. Toggle it on and off to be safe.
Press and hold the following combination of buttons simultaneously for approximately 10 seconds to reset the iPod.
iPod 1G to 3G: "Menu" and "Play/Pause"
iPod 4G+ (includes Photo, Nano, Video, and Mini): "Menu" and "Select"
The Apple logo will appear and you should feel the hard drive spinning up. Press and hold the following sequence of buttons:
iPod 1G to 3G: "REW", "FFW" and "Select"
iPod 4G+ (includes Photo, Nano, Video, and Mini): "Back" and "Select"
You will hear an audible chirp sound (3G models and higher) and the Apple logo should appear backwards. You are now in Diagnostic Mode. Navigate the list of tests using "REW" and "FFW". The scroll wheel will not function while in diagnostic mode. For further details on Diagnostic mode can be found at http://www.methodshop.com/mp3/ipodsupport/diagnosticmode/
Try to do the 5in1, HDD R/W and HDD scan tests. Some successful cases have been reported after the running the few tests under the Diagnostic mode. In case it does not work in your case, and the scan tests reports show some errors then it proves your iPod has a hardware problem and it needs a repairing service.
B. Format your iPod with a start disk
I have not tried this solution myself, I heard that there were few successful cases that the users managed to get their iPod (you must put your iPod in disk mode before connecting with a computer) mounted by the computer, which was booted by a system startup disk. For Mac, you can use the Disk Utility (on the Tiger OS system disk), for PC user, you can use the window OS system disk. Try to find a way to reformat your iPod, again it does not matter which format (FAT32, NTFS or HFS+) you choose, the key is to erase the corrupted system files on the iPod. Then eject your iPod and do a Reset to switch out from Disk Mode. Reboot your computer at the normal way, connect your iPod back with it, open the iPod updater, and hopefully your iPod will appear there for the Restore.
If none of these steps address the issue, your iPod may need to be repaired.
Consider setting up a mail-in repair for your iPod http://depot.info.apple.com/ipod/
Or visit your local Apple Retail Store http://www.apple.com/retail/
In case your iPod is no longer covered by the warranty and you want to find a second repairing company, you can try iPodResQ at your own risk
http://www.ipodresq.com/index.php
Just in case that you are at the following situation
Your iPod warranty is expired
You don’t want to pay any service charges
You are prepared to buy a new one
You can’t accept the re-sell value of your broken iPod
Rather than leave your iPod as paper-weight or throw it away.
You can try the following, but again, only do it as your last resort and at your own risk.
Warning !!!! – It may or may not manage to solve your problem, and with a risk that you may further damage your iPod, which end up as an expensive paper weight or you need to pay more higher repairing cost. Therefore, please re-consider again whether you want to try the next level
Last Resort Level
1. . Disconnecting the Hard Drive and battery inside the iPod – Warning !! Your iPod warranty will be waived once you open the iPod.
In Hong Kong there are some electronic shops offering an iPod service for Sad iPod, the first thing they do is to open up the iPod’s case and disconnecting the battery and the Hard Drive from the main board of the iPod. Wait for 5-10 minutes and reconnecting them back. The reason behind which I can think of is to do a fully reset of a processor of the iPod. In case you want do it itself and you believe that you are good on fixing the electronics devices and have experience to deal with small bits of electronic parts, then you can read the following of how to open the iPod case for battery and HDD replacement (with Quicktimes)
http://eshop.macsales.com/tech_center/index.cfm?page=Video/directory.html
2.Press the reset button on the Hard Drive inside the iPod – Suggestion from Kill8joy
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2438774#2438774
Have I tried these myself? No, I am afraid to do it myself as I am squeamish about tinkering inside electronic devices, I have few experiences that either I broke the parts (which are normally tiny or fragile) or failed to put the parts back to the main case. Therefore, I agree with suggestion to have it fixed by a Pro.
2. Do a search on Google and some topics on this discussion forum about “Sad iPod”
Exclamation point and folder and nothing else
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=3597173#3597173
Exclamation point and folder and nothing else
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2831962#2831962
What should I do with my iPod? Send it or keep it?
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=469080&tstart=0
Strange error on iPod (probably death)
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=435160&start=0&tstart=0
Sad Face on iPod for no apparent reason
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=336342&start=0&tstart=0
Meeting the Sad iPod icon
http://askpang.typepad.com/relevanthistory/2004/11/meeting_thesad.html#comment-10519524
Sad faced iPod, but my computer won’t recognize it?
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2236095#2236095
iPod Photo: unhappy icon + warranty question
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2233746#2233746
4th Gen iPod Users - are we all having the same problem?
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=2235623#2235623
Low Battery, and clicking sounds
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2237714#2237714
Sad faced iPod, but my computer won’t recognize it
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2242018#2242018
Sad iPod solution
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=412033&tstart=0
Re: try to restore ipod and it says "can't mount ipod"
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=443659&tstart=30
iPod making clicking noise and is frozen
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2420150#2420150
Cant put it into disk mode
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=3786084#3786084
I think my iPod just died its final death
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=3813051
Apple logo & monochrome battery stay
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=3827167#3827167
I am not suggesting that you should follow as well, but just read them as your reference. You are the person to make the call.
Finally, I read a fair comments from dwb, regarding of slapping the back of the iPod multiple times
Quote “This has been discussed numerous times as a 'fix'. It does work, at least for a while. In fact I remember using the same basic trick to revive Seagate and Quantam drives back in the mid to late 1980's. Why these tiny hard drives go bad I don't know - could be the actuator gets stuck in place or misaligned. Could be the platter gets stuck or the motor gets stuck. 'Stiction' was a problem for drives back in the 80's. Unfortunately the fix can cause damage to the platter so we temporarily fix one problem by creating another. But I know of two instances where a little slap onto the table revived the iPods and they are still worked a year or more later.”UnQuote

Ipod won't get past 'do not disconnect'

hi everyone,
PLEASE help - I've connected my ipod to my computer. I have Windows XP and the latest version of itunes. My computer recognized the ipod, pulled up itunes, asked me to name it an all that, and now I'm in the itunes menu for my ipod. However, the actual ipod won't get out of the flashing 'do not disconnect' screen. When I eject the ipod from itunes, it will go to the normal itunes menu screen, but any time it's connected to itunes, all I get is 'do not disconnect'. I can't get into it at all. PLEASE HELP
Thanks,
Windows XP

Your iPod is probably enabled for disk use. If this option is switched on then the Do Not Disconnect will stay there until you manually eject your iPod.
Connect your iPod and in iTunes 6.x go to Preferences>iPod. Under the Music tab see if your iPod set to automatically sync (automatically update songs and playlists) with iTunes and also has a tick in the box marked “enable disk use". Remove this tick and your iPod should automatically disconnect after it’s finished updating.
If you are using iTunes 7, connect your iPod and in when it appears in the source list click on it to see the preferences pane. In the "Summary" tab see if there is a tick in the box “enable disk use". Then under the Music tab see if your iPod set to automatically sync all songs and playlists. In Summary remove the tick from "enable disk use" and your iPod should automatically disconnect after it’s finished updating.
If you have your iPod set to manual update, the box will be greyed out and ticked by default, in that case check this link: Safely Disconnect iPod

It won't eject

Good PM to all, I sync my Ipod tonight and after charging it, it won't let me eject Ipod.
this is the message I get:
" The Ipod cannot be ejected because it contains files that are in use by another application"
Pleas help, thanks in advance.

Fair enough. Another thought along similar lines ... even though you're getting a slightly different set of messages, the sorts of applications discussed in the following document are also worth checking on:
Windows Vista "No Disk" or "Exception Processing Message" alert occurs when ejecting iPod after enabling disk use
... and also the application discussed in the following thread:
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=6828218#6828218
(Thinking about the latter one, because if it's a background process that is checking the iPod, then that might cause grief even though your Task Manager is not showing that any other applications are running.)

Foreign language audio CD is stuck. Won't read. Won't eject.

I thought I'd brush up on my Russian and convert my Russian audio CDs to mp3 and store them on my iPod. My MBP won't recognize the CD. The eject button won't eject it. Restarting with the mouse button down does nothing. When I open Disk Utility and click the MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-898 it says, "This disc drive is busy. Please choose another one." I can't find a pin hole eject on this thing. How do I eject this CD, but more importantly, why can't it be read? I used to listen to these things on my TiBook and G4 Powerbook!

Problem resolved. I have Windows running on Virtual Box and the virtual PC was mounting the CD before Mac OS X could. Once it was unmounted from the virtual PC, then iTunes opened and imported it.

IPod won't boot

So... I think I broke the bootloader on my iPod. I should have known better, I suppose. Anyone know how to fix this particular issue? I've been restoring it all evening, to no avail. I really need the .bin file for the original Apple bootloader.

f none of these steps address the issue, you may need to go to Intermediate level listed below in logical order. Check from the top of the lists to see if that is what keeping iPod from appearing on your computer in order for doing the Restore.
Intermediate Level
A. Try to connect your iPod with another computer with the iPod updater pre-installed.
B. Still can’t see your iPod, put it in Disk Mode and connect with a computer, instead of doing a Restore on iPod Updater. Go and format the iPod instead.
For Mac computer
1. Open the disk utility, hope your iPod appears there (left hand side), highlight it
2. Go to Tab “Partition”, click either “Delete” or “Partition”, if fails, skip this step and go to 3
3. Go to Tab “Erase” , choose Volume Format as “MAC OS Extended (Journaled), and click Erase, again if fails, skip it and go to 4
4. Same as step 3, but open the “Security Options....” and choose “Zero Out Data” before click Erase. It will take 1 to 2 hours to complete.
5. Eject your iPod and do a Reset
6. Open the iPod Updater and click “Restore”
For Window computer
Go to folder “My Computer”
Hope you can see your iPod there and right click on the iPod
Choose “Format”. Ensure the settings are at “Default” and that “Quick Format” is not checked
Now select “Format”
Eject your iPod and do a Reset
Open the iPod Updater and click “Restore”
In case you do not manage to do a “Format” on a window computer, try to use some 3rd party disk utility software, e.g.“Partition Magic”.
C. Windows users having trouble with their iPods should locate a Mac user. In many cases when an iPod won't show up on a PC that it will show up on the Mac. Then it can be restored. When the PC user returns to his computer the iPod will be recognized by the PC, reformatted for the PC, and usable again. By the way, it works in reverse too. A Mac user often can get his iPod back by connecting it to a PC and restoring it.
Tips
a. It does not matter whether the format is completed or not, the key is to erase (or partly) the corrupted firmware files on the Hard Drive of the iPod. After that, when the iPod re-connected with a computer, it will be recognized as an fresh external hard drive, it will show up on the iPod updater.
b. It is not a difficult issue for a Mac user to find a window base computer, for a PC user, if they can’t find any Mac user, they can go to a nearest Apple Shop for a favor.
c. You may need to switch around the PC and Mac, try to do several attempts between “Format” and “Restore”
Advance Level
A. Diagnostic mode solution
If you have tried trouble shooting your iPod to no avail after all the steps above, chances are your iPod has a hardware problem. The iPod's built-in Diagnostic Mode is a quick and easy way to determine if you have a "bad" iPod.
You need to restart your iPod before putting it into Diagnostic Mode. Check that your hold switch is off by sliding the switch away from the headphone jack. Toggle it on and off to be safe.
Press and hold the following combination of buttons simultaneously for approximately 10 seconds to reset the iPod.
iPod 1G to 3G: "Menu" and "Play/Pause"
iPod 4G+ (includes Photo, Nano, Video, and Mini): "Menu" and "Select"
The Apple logo will appear and you should feel the hard drive spinning up. Press and hold the following sequence of buttons:
iPod 1G to 3G: "REW", "FFW" and "Select"
iPod 4G+ (includes Photo, Nano, Video, and Mini): "Back" and "Select"
You will hear an audible chirp sound (3G models and higher) and the Apple logo should appear backwards. You are now in Diagnostic Mode. Navigate the list of tests using "REW" and "FFW". The scroll wheel will not function while in diagnostic mode. For further details on Diagnostic mode can be found at http://www.methodshop.com/mp3/ipodsupport/diagnosticmode/
Try to do the 5in1, HDD R/W and HDD scan tests. Some successful cases have been reported after the running the few tests under the Diagnostic mode. In case it does not work in your case, and the scan tests reports show some errors then it proves your iPod has a hardware problem and it needs a repairing service.
B. Format your iPod with a start disk
I have not tried this solution myself, I heard that there were few successful cases that the users managed to get their iPod (you must put your iPod in disk mode before connecting with a computer) mounted by the computer, which was booted by a system startup disk. For Mac, you can use the Disk Utility (on the Tiger OS system disk), for PC user, you can use the window OS system disk. Try to find a way to reformat your iPod, again it does not matter which format (FAT32, NTFS or HFS+) you choose, the key is to erase the corrupted system files on the iPod. Then eject your iPod and do a Reset to switch out from Disk Mode. Reboot your computer at the normal way, connect your iPod back with it, open the iPod updater, and hopefully your iPod will appear there for the Restore.
If none of these steps address the issue, your iPod may need to be repaired.
Consider setting up a mail-in repair for your iPod http://depot.info.apple.com/ipod/
Or visit your local Apple Retail Store http://www.apple.com/retail/
In case your iPod is no longer covered by the warranty and you want to find a second repairing company, you can try iPodResQ at your own risk
http://www.ipodresq.com/index.php
Just in case that you are at the following situation
Your iPod warranty is expired
You don’t want to pay any service charges
You are prepared to buy a new one
You can’t accept the re-sell value of your broken iPod
Rather than leave your iPod as paper-weight or throw it away.
You can try the following, but again, only do it as your last resort and at your own risk.
Warning ! – It may or may not manage to solve your problem, and with a risk that you may further damage your iPod, which end up as an expensive paper weight or you need to pay more higher repairing cost. Therefore, please re-consider again whether you want to try the next level
Last Resort Level
1. . Disconnecting the Hard Drive and battery inside the iPod – Warning !! Your iPod warranty will be waived once you open the iPod.
In Hong Kong there are some electronic shops offering an iPod service for Sad iPod, the first thing they do is to open up the iPod’s case and disconnecting the battery and the Hard Drive from the main board of the iPod. Wait for 5-10 minutes and reconnecting them back. The reason behind which I can think of is to do a fully reset of a processor of the iPod. In case you want do it itself and you believe that you are good on fixing the electronics devices and have experience to deal with small bits of electronic parts, then you can read the following of how to open the iPod case for battery replacement (with pictures)
http://www.kokopellimusic.us/KM_instructions.htm
Have I tried this myself? No, I am afraid to do it myself as I am squeamish about tinkering inside electronic devices, I have few experiences that either I broke the parts (which are normally tiny or fragile) or failed to put the parts back to the main case. Therefore, I agree with suggestion to have it fixed by a Pro.
2. Do a search on Google and some topics on this discussion forum about “Sad iPod”
Strange error on iPod (probably death)
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=435160&start=0&tstart=0
Sad Face on iPod for no apparent reason
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=336342&start=0&tstart=0
Meeting the Sad iPod icon
http://askpang.typepad.com/relevanthistory/2004/11/meeting_thesad.html#comment-10519524
Sad faced iPod, but my computer won’t recognize it?
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2236095#2236095
iPod Photo: unhappy icon + warranty question
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2233746#2233746
4th Gen iPod Users - are we all having the same problem?
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=2235623#2235623
Low Battery, and clicking sounds
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2237714#2237714
Sad faced iPod, but my computer won’t recognize it
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2242018#2242018
I am not suggesting that you should follow as well, but just read them as your reference. You are the person to make the call.

Ipod won't eject?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for