IPod wont start and wont reset

Yesterday my 80 gig 5th generation iPod wouldnt play any songs and I reset it. Once I turned it on, the apple logo appeared then the iPod told me to hook it up to iTunes to restore the iPod. After I hooked it up a red X appeared. I tried what the site says, but nothing is working.
What should I do?

Looks like I might have found the solution on a youtube comment:
R.O:
"Plug into you laptop first, whichever set up you use that has iTunes, i know it won't read it, don't even open iTunes as of yet. Do the typical reboot "Menu +Center button at the same time" and hold it, DONT LET IT GO like we were told, when the apple pops up.. KEEP HOLDING IT it will make a new ding sound I've never heard before. and since its hooked to you laptop already an error message pops up and says apple will need to download something to repair your iPod. I when u see that that when i let reboot buttons go. hit ok on the laptop something downloads for like 20 seconds then the iTunes icon hops around when you open it it has a screen with an iPod classic on it and says "Software version blah blah, iTunes will check for an update on such n such date" AND FINALLY there's a "Restore" button. click that and you will be back to square one with your iPod. Renaming , adding all the music on it, but it will work again, finally. "
I had to do it twice, because my mac froze the first time, but its recognized it now and is downloading the software as we speak...
Now I've clicked the restore button and it's restoring... I'll post again if its a success, otherwise assume failure.

Similar Messages

Strange message on ipod - Wont reset????????

I got an message on the ipod with video. It says "accesorize test plug FW" and a bunch of letters.
Anyone know what this is? My ipod wont reset either???
cheers

It seems as if you have accidentally entered the iPod diagnostic mode. A reset is the usual way to exit that. It may take quite a few attempts and is best done connected to power. If not then you may have to restore it.
Restoring the iPod to factory settings.

HT1320 My ipod wont reset. I get an x with a circle around it, what does that mean?

My ipod wont reset. I get an x with a circle around it, what does that mean?

Hello Phoenixx56,
This article is for that exact situation.
iPod Displays a Red "X" Icon
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1463
Resolution
Restore iPod from Disk Mode
Disconnect iPod from your computer.
Manually put iPod into Disk Mode.
Open the latest version of iTunes and connect iPod.
Restore iPod.
Setup Service for iPod
If you cannot force your iPod into disk mode and restore it, then your iPod may need service. Click one of the links below to setup an iPod Service Request online or make a reservation at the Genius Bar before visiting your local Apple Retail Store.
All the very best,
Sterling

My ipod wont reset. The folder icon comes up.

my Ipod will connect to the computer and all I can use it for is a hard drive now. but when I try to turn it on, the apple logo comes up and the little folder icon comes up with the exclamation point.
I have tried to reset my ipod and restore my ipod but nothing will work.
My music wont show up on itunes, it will just be blank. BUT I know my music is on there because I search my ipod for *.mp3 and I have a ton of songs
Can anyone help me.. any way they can please?
thanks
-Q

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/
In case you need an old versions (window only)
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 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.“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.
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=666580&tstart=15
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”
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=2997880
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
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 Software update and Factory Resetting

Hey,
So my Ipod touch needs to be reset and I cannot load the backup of it back on. If I purchased the iPod touch 3.0 update the first time around, will I have to repurchase it again once it is reset, or will it install it again? Thanks

If you use the same account as when you bought the update, iTunes will remember your purchase and download the firmware during the restore process.

IPod wont reset, how to fix it?

I accidentally updated my iPod to 1.1, i took to Best Buy and they restored it, then updated and told me to restore it at home, after restoring, it is still at 1.1, another problem is that i have over 350 songs and 100 videos and the space still says "Total Capacity 55gb" and Avaible Space 55gb, but the songs are on the iPod and can listen to them

u dont have to reset it to downgrade follw these steps
1. Open "My Computer"
2. Double-click your iPod drive
3. Make sure your computer is set to view hidden files (if it is not, go to Tools > Folder Options and click on the view tab. Select "Show hidden files and folders, and click OK)
4. Double-click "iPod_Control"
5. Double-click "Device"
6. Open SysInfo in Notepad (usually you can double-click it and select Notepad from the list)
7. Look for "buildID: 0x06108000" and change it to "buildID: 0x05108000"
8. Save this over the old SysInfo
9. Open the old iPod Updater from Start > All Programs > iPod > Previous Updaters > iPod Updater 2005-10-12
10. Click "Update"
ps this does not void your warrantey

Ipod wont reset, turns off after pausing

My Ipod Mini will start playing songs when music is selected from the menu but if the song is paused, it pauses but when you try to play the song again, the song plays for 2 or 3 seconds then the ipod turns off. Also after the music is started then the hold is put on, the screen goes blank again and music stops. I tried to reset it to no avail. When I disconnect it from my computer I right click on the ipod button then eject so I dont think that is the problem. Please help if possible.

You may want to reveiw the iPod service web page at: http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/
You may also request service from that page as well.

My Ipod wont reset

My Ipod says that it needs to be reset so I go ahead and hit the reset button and the itunes says that the reset has been accomplished and that when the ipod restarts it will show up on the source list but it never does and the message come up that the ipods needs to be reset. when you disconect the ipod and turn it on it says that it need to be reset.
Can anyone help me on what to do next? I do have latest update from itunes.
My Ipod basicly locked up and nothing works

I assume you mean restore ?
See if this can help;
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304503
(notice at the bottom where it recommends changing the drive letter)
Cheers!
-Bryan

My ipod wont reset? what do i do?

help!!!

Charge the battery.
If the battery is charged, try restoring.
iTunes: Backing up, updating, and restoring your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch software

Ipod wont reset no matter what

I've had my fifth gen ipod for about a year now, with no problems before this. Basically I was listening to music and then the screen froze for a few seconds, a few minutes later it appeared on screen that I had to restore my ipod to factory settings. So i went to my computer to restore and it just keeps on restoring, it seems to be on a loop. Apart from the time when it said that the ipod was corrupted. I have tried to restore the ipod about 10 times now to no avail. Can anyone help? When the ipod is not connected to the computer a sign comes up to say it needs to be connected and restored although i know that the ipod is empty now as the gb are free. What can I do? I was thinking to let the battery die down, but it keeps charging up as i connect it on my USB.
Please can anyone help!
Thanks

There are two things that I can think of that may help. Digital equipment has to have the approperiate amount of power in order to work the way it is supposed to work. My ipod is having battery problems, but I do not yet want to send it back for a battery replacement. I have some old items for a 3rd generation ipod that do work with the 5th generation ipods (I have a 30 and a 30 gig ipod). These item are: Apple ipod FireWire Power Adaptor, and a Apple ipod Dock Connector to FireWire and USB 2.0 cable. By using these products, it allows me to connect to an external power source and to the ipod (to keep the battery changed to I can do what I need to do-and to allow it to work the way it is supposed to work). It, at the same time, allows me to connect the USB cable to the computer, so I can connect to the itues library, or to do a restore. Normally once this is done, then you will not have to do a restore, and as long as you have an external power supply the ipod will continue to work normally (example I have an external power supply in my car to play the ipod thru my radio). But if I do not have the external power supply connected, then the USB cable alone will not charge the ipod, power goes down, and the ipod will not allow me to do anything that I normally can do. It is not a issue that the USB cable is not connected to a power USB outlet, the USB will not charge the ipod for some reason, but the external power will. I have tried different computer and different USB connections, and the problem remains the same. The last option is to sign up for the Battery Replacement Program, and send in your ipod to be replaced, as the battery does not work. It costs a little, but it is better than having an ipod that does not work. Hope this helps.

HT1338 my ipod wont reset it what do I need to do

What can I do If my Ipod won't reset

You could try posting in the ipod forum.
https://discussions.apple.com/community/ipod

After updating firefox to 6.0.1 and again after 6.0.2, Firefox checks compatibility of add-ons on EVERY start, and also resets the homepage back to default. How can I fix this?

The problem persists with Firefox in Safe Mode

See:
*https://support.mozilla.com/kb/Preferences+are+not+saved
*http://kb.mozillazine.org/Preferences_not_saved
* https://support.mozilla.com/kb/Firefox+has+just+updated+tab+shows+each+time+you+start+Firefox

Ipod doesnt start and work..

got probs wid my ipod.. wen turning it on, wat appears on screen is a "sad ipod wid a danger sign" .. how can i solve dz one. please help me.. tnx

Most likely hardisk is dying.
Try this Apple solution
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1373
Have a nice day!

Hard drive starts and stops a few times

I went to my parents for the Christmas holidays today and tried to use their older computer to put music on to my iPod. Since it's so old I couldn't use iTunes, so instead I used Ephpod. After it was done copying the files to the iPod I saved the changes and disconnected, but immediately afterwards instead of going straight to the menu, the hard drive started and stopped about 10-15 times with the Apple logo being displayed. Now I can't reach the menu, the hard drive will start and stop spinning until it gives up, and when I reconnect it to the computer it won't even recognize it as an external drive. Any ideas?
eMac Mac OS X (10.4.3)

I have the same issue and the iPod wont reset.

My ipod is displying apple logo and wont start up, hard reset leaves it the same, disc mode works but iTunes doesnt "see" it even if the computer does.

"My ipod is displaying apple logo and wont start up, hard reset leaves it the same, disc mode works but iTunes doesn't "see" it even if the computer does."
It worked two days ago fine, for two years, until I installed this newest iTunes update, then for one day it kept on freezing and going to apple logo screen mode, then today it only goes to that screen and wont start up at all.
I've tried the hold down two buttons hard reset, that doesn't help. I've tried disc mode... but iTunes doesn't "see" it even if the computer does.
This is a pristine ipod, never exposed to adverse conditions, never dropped, never wet, and it worked perfectly two days ago.
Can I factory reset it somehow? (considering itunes can't "see" it)
[Ipod classic 160gb less than two years old.]

Looks like I might have found the solution on a youtube comment:
R.O:
"Plug into you laptop first, whichever set up you use that has iTunes, i know it won't read it, don't even open iTunes as of yet. Do the typical reboot "Menu +Center button at the same time" and hold it, DONT LET IT GO like we were told, when the apple pops up.. KEEP HOLDING IT it will make a new ding sound I've never heard before. and since its hooked to you laptop already an error message pops up and says apple will need to download something to repair your iPod. I when u see that that when i let reboot buttons go. hit ok on the laptop something downloads for like 20 seconds then the iTunes icon hops around when you open it it has a screen with an iPod classic on it and says "Software version blah blah, iTunes will check for an update on such n such date" AND FINALLY there's a "Restore" button. click that and you will be back to square one with your iPod. Renaming , adding all the music on it, but it will work again, finally. "
I had to do it twice, because my mac froze the first time, but its recognized it now and is downloading the software as we speak...
Now I've clicked the restore button and it's restoring... I'll post again if its a success, otherwise assume failure.

IPod wont start and wont reset

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