Restored IPOD but still seeing exclamation point folder icon -- Help!

Hi,
I'm trying to get my IPOD back up and running and am having difficulty. I've tried all the Rs and downloaded the iTunes 7.0 software. After restoring it twice, I was disappointed to see it didn't work. I'm still seeing the icon with the exclamation point and my computer is not recognizing it. Still says it's corrupted and needs to be restored. I go through the process but it always returns to the corrupted status. Any other suggestions? I'd like to repair it myself but don't know where else to look in terms of what part to replace.
Thank you for your help!
Kiersten
IPOD Click (no color screen) Windows XP

I'm still seeing the icon with the exclamation point and my computer is not recognizing it.
is it not showing up in My Computer at all, Kiersten?

Similar Messages

Can't restore iPod after seeing the "Exclamation point folder icon"

My iPod showed me the "Exclamation point folder icon" out of the blue... i tried resetting, restoring (upgraded to 7.1 in the process) but when i connect the ipod to my computer it still shows me the icon, then the Apple sign, then "Do not disconnect" (while charging) and then the ipod itself starts clicking...
any help would be GREATLY appreciated!! very furstrated over here...

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

Trying to synch music files to an ipod shuffle. Have restored ipod but still can't synch because some file is not found,

Trying to synch music files to an ipod shuffle. Have restored ipod but still get message that there is no file found. Help,please?

Recover media from iPod
See this post from forum regular Zevoneer for options on moving your iPod data back to your computer.
tt2

My computer will not let me click the box in iTunes where it says "sync only checked music and videos." So i cant unsync songs that i don't want on my iPod but still want in my iTunes. HELP?!

My computer will not let me click the box in iTunes where it says "sync only checked music and videos." So i cant unsync songs that i don't want on my iPod but still want in my iTunes. HELP?!

These are your options:
1. Restore the iPhoto library from the most recent backup that predates the issue.
          Advantages: Always works, if library damage is causing the problem and the backup is intact.
          Disadvantages: Impossible if you don't have a backup. All changes made since the backup are lost.
2. Repair or rebuild the library. Be sure to back it up first.
          Advantages: May solve the problem with no loss of data.
          Disadvantages: May fail. May take a long time if the library is large.
3. Scavenge the library with a third-party application called "iPhoto Library Manager," which you can find in a web search. From the application's menu bar (not the iPhoto menu bar), select Library ▹ Rebuild.
          Advantages: All images should be preserved.
          Disadvantages: All books, calendars, and slideshows will be lost.

Help! Ipod nano with exclamation point folder icon.

My ipod nano (1st gen) showed a folder icon with exclamation point after an unsuccessful sycronization. Then the ipod didn't work anymore. I tried several times to use the reset method mentioned here http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61003 without any success. Basically, after I force it into disk mode, my computer still did not recognize it and asked me to insert the disk (when click with right button).
Since I bought it more than one year ago, the warranty has expired. So return it to apple is probably not a viable option. I am wondering whether there is anything else I can to to fix the problem? Does anybody know what kind of problem it might be, hardware problem or just the software screwed.
Thanks in advance.

In my opinion, iPod with exclmation mark folder icon means a corrupted OS with an iPod.
. 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
or if you cant find a Mac
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

Exclamation Point Folder Icon

Ok... I am having serious iPod issues. Its an iPod mini 2nd gen, 6 GB. I dropped it while working out, and now all it shows is an icon of a folder and an exclamation point. I have tried everything except a restore, but I can't even get it to show up in iTunes or in Windows Explorer when I connect it to my computer, so I can't force it into disk mode or do a restore. It never had this problem before I dropped it. Is it forever dead? Is there any way to get my music off it even if it won't function anymore? I don't have the songs backed up on my computer. Help!
I have toggled the hold button.
I have held down the menu button and the select button simultaneously for 6-10 secs as instructed...several times.
I've updated my iTunes.
I have tried forcing the iPod into disk mode by resetting it and then holding the select button and play/pause button. It doesn't work.
I still have the "Exclamation point and Folder" icon displayed on my iPod mini.

Hi There,
I'm having the same problems with mine, a 30G iPhoto. I plugged it into my computer and it didn't get recognized at all. I unplugged it and that's when the folder and exclamation point showed up. I have tried just about everything on these forums: reset, hold switch toggle, disc mode and several scans, even the smack on the hard surface (which worked last time I ran into a problem, which that time was the frown face.) The document linked above talks about restoring the iPod, but I can't get it to show up on iTunes, so that doesn't seem to be an option. I can force it into disc mode, but so far no luck with any of the options there.
Any other options? Is it worth taking in to Apple? Thanks for any and all help!

Itunes recognises my Ipod but cannot see the files! need help

Hi, when I open Itunes while my Ipod is attached to the pc, Itunes recognises my Ipod but cannot open it! The only recommendation I get is to totally reset the Ipod to the configuration of the factory but then I will lose all of my files! Can someone advise me what to do? Is there another option? hope someone can help me with this! thanks
ps I tried copypod, but unfortunately it does not work. I have two files on my ipod that are damaged but I am not able to remove them! I think these two files are the problem.

When I want to do something like you're describing, I open itunes, then select Edit-Preferences.
I leave that window open and then connect the ipod. I can then use it as a disk in windows explorer.

Need to restore ipod, but cannot see ipod in Itunes:

Can I use Disk Utility on my Mac to restore my ipod. My ipod shows up on my harddrive but doesn't appear in Itunes. I cannot access any commands to set it back to factory defaults.
Maybe Disk Utility or a terminal command will work?
The disk is formated at a Fat32, but I don't have access to a PC anymore.

You can use Disk Utility to either repair the disk on the iPod or erase it and format it. Then restore it in iTunes.

Ipod restore successful but still folder icon

Hi, I have a fourth gen 20 gig iPod click wheel. recieved this the other day and folder icon showed up so I tried to reset (no go) so I restored it with iPod Updater and was successful, but folder icon still there. I was playing around with it for a while last night and sometimes when I plugged into pc I would get a message saying that "iPod needs to be formatted for your pc" I have restored this several times but stil unable to access any menu on iPod. The updater software says that software is up to date 3.1.1, I was thinking since I am able to restore it that the harddrive is not completely pouched. iTunes does not recognize the iPod, tried reinstalling both iPod updater and iTunes same reults, able to restore iPod but thats about it. Any help or suggestions would be appriaciated.
Regards Axall

You could try to format the iPod in Windows. It does the same thing as restoring and you would need to restore the iPod as normal (using the iPod updater) afterward. This can work when the iPod is recognized by the computer, but not by the updater.
First, put the iPod into forced disk mode.
See: How to put the iPod into disk mode.
On your PC, go "my computer" and right click on the iPod, then choose "format". Ensure the settings are at "default" and that "quick format" is not checked. Now select "format". When that's finished, restore the iPod using the updater.

My ipod and itunes both are skipping to another song about in the middle of the song. It doesn't happen on all songs...only some songs. I have reset the ipod, I have done a restore, I have reloaded itunes, I have updated the ipod but still am unable fix

My ipod and itunes both are skipping to another song about in the middle of the song. It doesn't happen on all songs...only some songs. I have reset the ipod, I have done a restore, I have reloaded itunes, I have updated the ipod but still am unable to figure out why. It did not used to do this. I can't figure out any pattern to the songs it does it on versus that it doesn't do it on. Some of the songs are purchased, some are imported, etc. We are running Windows 7.

how long have you had your ipod? mine did the same but after a while you need to get a new one because of the battery...

IPod with exclamation mark & folder icon on screen?

Hi a friends iPod mini has come up with an exclamation mark & folder icon on it's screen and is not working. It seems fine when it is plugged into their Mac and in iTunes and updates playlists ok but as soon as they eject it the exclamation mark & folder icon appears on the iPod screen and it doesn't work. I've had a look at it but not sure what to do. Thanks.

Check these out:
iPod Folder with Exclamation Point After Disconnected From Computer
iPod Folder with Exclamation Point After Turned On
Good Thread About iPod Sad icon/Folder with Exclamation Point
I hope this helps!

My ipad has completley frozen, I restored it, but still nothing, any idea what the problem could be ?

My ipad has completley frozen, I've restored it, but still nothing, any ideas ?

I think that maybe Gail is thinking about using a computer since there is no mouse to use with an iPad
What you describe is pretty typical of system sounds being muted, with the exception of the fact that you still have sound in FB videos, but take a look at this anyway. System sounds and screen lock use the same pair of settings. When one uses the side switch, the other is controlled with a software switch.
Settings>General>Use Side Switch to: Mute System sounds. If this option is selected, the switch on the side of the iPad above the volume rocker will mute system sounds.
If you choose Lock Screen Rotation, then the switch locks the screen. If the screen is locked, you will see a lock icon in the upper right corner next to the battery indicator gauge.
If you have the side switch set to lock screen rotation then the system sound control is in the control center if you are running iOS 7. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to get to control center . Tap on the bell icon and system sounds will return.
If you are running iOS 5 or iOS 6, the system sound control is in the task bar at the bottom. Double tap the home button and swipe all the way to the right in the task bar to get to the speaker icon on the left side. Tap on that and the sounds will return.
If you have the side switch set to mute system sounds, then the screen lock can be accessed in the same manner as described above.
This support article from Apple explains how the side switch works.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4085

Trying to restore ipod but itunes says no internet connection.

Trying to restore ipod but itunes says no internet connection. Uninstalled and re-installed itunes but still have same problem. Trying to restore because I uploaded songs from Yahoo music jukebox to ipod but they won't play. They are listed as "other" and I can not access them to delete or play. Tried to delete through music jukebox but now it say " error reading content" so I figure restoring ipod is the only way to fix problem.

Does this help?
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304468

I hate the exclamation point folder......

I had my ipod since march 2005 and it worked fine for a while. its a mini, and for some weird reason i cant fix it, the exclamation pointed folder has been irritating me. my warranty has expired and i read every single forum... it was no help... my computer wont allow me to do certain things because i am not an admin. so if anyone can tell me a straight and simple way to do it without any crap i would really appreciate it...

http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=1675672#1675672

My daughter has an iPod touch using my apple ID, I just purchased an iPhone with the same ID. Is there a way to keep my stuff seperate from her ipod but still share the iTunes account?

My daughter has an iPod touch using my apple ID, I just purchased an iPhone with the same ID. Is there a way to keep my stuff seperate from her ipod but still share the iTunes account? I was looking through the photo section on my iPhone and found pics my daughter has taken from her iPod. I do not want my pics, emails, etc to show up on her iPod. Is there a way to stop this from happening or do I have to create a different Apple ID for her to use instead?

If you have iOS 8 on all devices then:
If under 13 years create a new ID for her by:
Family Sharing and Apple IDs for kids - Apple Support
The use family sharing to share apps
http://www.apple.com/ios/ios8/family-sharing/
Family purchases and payments - Apple Support
If underage and not i)S on all devices then you have to create an ID for here under your name and supervise it use:
Create a NEW account using these instructions so yo do not have to use a credit card.
Make sure you follow the instructions. Many do not and if you do not you will not get the None option. You must use an email address that you have not used with Apple before. Make sure you specify a birthdate that results in being at least 13 years old
Creating an iTunes Store, App Store, iBookstore, and Mac App Store account without a credit card
More details of how:
http://ipadhelp.com/ipad-help-tips-tricks/how-to-get-free-apps-from-the-app-stor e-without-a-credit-card/
Use the new ID on her iPod but only for:
Settings>Messages>Send and Receive
Settings>FaceTime
Settings>GameCenter
and Settings>iCloud if you want her to have separate Contacts Calendar and some other things.
Continue to use the same/common Apple ID for Settings>iTunes and App stores so you can share purchases.

Restored IPOD but still seeing exclamation point folder icon -- Help!

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