Sad face :(

ok about 3 days ago i got the dreaded sad ipod out of no where, with that funny clicking sound comming from the harddrive.
when i try to put it in disk mode, i can get it in disk mode, but after i put it in my computer before the computer can recognize it, it resets itself and goes back to the sad face, so i cant seem to try to format it.
it seems it will only stay in disk mode if i dont plug it into the computer.
i also tried tapping the right upper corner like people suggest that seemed to fix some peoples ipod's, but that didnt work at all for me.
the warranty is past due, so is there anything i can do to try and fix it, without having to send it back and pay to get it fixed or to just buy a new one?
any help would be appreciated, thanks.

You might want to take a look at the suggestions by Mitch in this thread:
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=2369954#2369954
If that doesn't work you can always get it diagnosed at a 3rd party site like http://www.iresq.com or Google for others.

Similar Messages

Serviced ipod comes back with a sad-face icon

I recently had my 4th generation clickwheel ipod serviced, because it had a harddrive issue. iTunes had randomly failed to write a song to the ipod, whereupon the ipod decided it would no longer start correctly, or be recognized by the PC correctly. In the periods of time that the iPod would try to start back up, and while it is connected to the computer, the iPod just whirrs, then clicks and stops, whirrs, clicks and stops, over and over and over again. It was basically overheating while doing this, and thus it was rendered useless. This was the second iPod that I had, as the first one's touch scrollwheel randomly quit.
So after 20 days of this second iPod, i sent it back after a phone call to tech support that made them waive the fee.
So... now I get the iPod back, looks brand new, but I don't think they did anything to it... other than maybe swap out the case. The hard drive keeps clicking and whirring, only NOW... it won't respond at all to being plugged in with it's power adapter or the PC. At all. It just starts up with it's click and whir noises, and then shows me the sad-face icon.
please, nobody tell me to use the ipod updater to restore the ipod, and nobody tell me to try resetting the ipod via the hold switch and then the menu and select buttons. You can trust me that I've tried all the typical ways of making the iPod do what I paid $360.51 to make it do. But no.
What I am curious of, is...
Is there any way to have the iPod get back on it's feet, without sending it back in? I've literally had it for 2 days, waiting to bring it back home so that I could begin putting my music back on it, but when I start it up for the first time, it does this to me, and I can't connect it to the PC. I know that the iPod starts off being mac-formatted, but last time, it would at least TELL me that, and ask me if I wanted to format it for the PC environment.
Is there any self-help hope? Or should I just call tech support (AGAIN coughcough) and become another disgruntled customer?
I'm a patient guy, and I understand that tech gadgets have issues sometimes... but dang. If I in fact service this iPod, I'll be getting my 4th one in hopes that it will work. I'm willing to try some random crap in order to make it work?
Any idea for random crap that I could try?

hehe, yeah, i meant to come back and update the topic with what i'm doing
I called apple tech support line again and went through a normal process to figure out the issue.
well..
they tell me that i can only use this line once in order to have it serviced, so he's not sure he can do anything since i've already "used" my one service request.
well, i'm all over that. i told him my issue anyway, giving him the dumbed-down version, which is "hey, you sent me a broken ipod" or something like that. so, he's setting up the box the be shipped to me and was going to charge me the $31.50 or whatever, but i threw a dignified fit over that, since, well, it's THEIR problem that they sent me a busted piece of sillyness. anyway, he puts me on hold after waiving the charge, but another guy (a "product specialist") picks up my line and reviews the problem with me.
okay, here's the climax of the story
he tells me that since i've been having so many fatal issues with the ipod that renders the hardware useless, they are going to upgrade me to an updated model.
I was happy, but i was thinking that they were going to send me on my way with a 40gb or something.
nope.
(it's better than that)
he told me that since they don't make the model that i currently have, they're going to send me a 20gb photo ipod as the replacement product.
had he been standing in front of me i would have tried to hug him or something!
so, my efforts have been muchly worth it, though, there's a bit more of a process you have to go through. the tech asks for your info, like address, email, yada yada, and he gives you a case number. then, 2 or 3 days later i got an email containing a link for an online shipping label that i had to print and slap onto an old service box. i had to send the ipod to them, but then call back the rep and give him my case number and tracking number. i'm currently awaiting some sort of confirmation over the issue, but he's told me earlier that once they confirm that the ipod is contained in the package and that it is in fact on it's way, they'll have the apple store ship me a brand new packaged 20gb photo ipod.
if at first you don't succeed, try try again. and again. and again. and one more time for good measure.

30 GB video sad face/"freezing" it's getting annoying ~HELP~!

Hi all,
I've been having this problem for about 2 weeks now. My iPod, which decided to kindly go corrupt the day after the warranty ran out, has been greeting me with the dreaded sad face. It only appears whenever it hasn't been turned on for a while ~ a day or so. If I turn it off, then on again in a few hours, it starts up just fine. Additionally, it occasionally freezes between songs, sometimes even in the middle of songs. The duration of the time it is frozen varies, but is usually between 10 - 30 sec. When I say freeze, I mean the music does not play. I can still adjust the volume, backlight, and alternate between date & time and 'now playing'. There is no clicking when frozen but there is when the song actually starts to play. I have noticed that it works much better whenever I let it flow between songs, rather than skip ahead. This occurs not very frequently at all and then sometimes all of the time. Very annoying when working out, doing homework, etc.
I tried the 5R's, ran diagonistic mode (I don't really have a clue what I'm looking at when I run it though), and (I think) un-synced all of my recently added songs... I can enter disk mode and it is still totally recognized by my computer. I feel like it is a corrupt file issue, not my hard drive. I have done nothing to damage my ipod, i baby it like it is my first born.
The only possible thing I can think of is that perhaps it got overheated? I take it to the beach a lot, but am extra careful to prevent water damage.
I had a Mini when they first came out and loved that thing to death, I don't want the same thing to happen to my Video after little over a year... I fear it will eventually kick the bucket. Help?
Thanks!
Ann
dell inspirion E1505 Windows XP

i had this same problem with my 20 gb photo. since the warranty was already over, i just decided to take it apart and try to fix it myself. it turns out that the hard drive wire just needed to be moved around a little bit. but that was it. i haven't had the problem since. I'm not sure if it works the same with the videos but it should be similiar.

Hp Blue Screen sad face Unmountable Boot Volume and Automatic reoair loop error

Someone Please help.I have an hp laptop that refuses to work.The screen stays on the automatic repair screen until it fades to black.I have tried to do a system recovery with f11, but all it does is bring up the blue screen with a sad face for a few seconds before resetting back to the auto repair screen again.Before resetting, it said that I had an unmountable boot volumeon the blue screen.(had to take picture because it cuts off before showing me the full error message.)
here are my computer specs:
Hp pavilion g7-2269wm
AMD Qaud-Core A8-4500M Accelerated Processor
500BG Hard Drive
6144MB DDR3 SDRAM
Windows 8(Don't remember if i upgraded to windows 8.1 before problem)
Also purchased hp recovery cds, but even after trying to boot from recovery cd, it stays on a black screen.

The hard drive has failed and will need to be replaced. If you are still in warranty HP will send a replacement. If not a retail laptop SATA hard drive can be used. Just be sure to get one of at least equal capacity as the original in order to use Recovery Discs. It can be larger, but not smaller capacity.For instance you have a 500GB hdd so you could use a 750GB hdd but not a 320GB hdd.
******Clicking the Thumbs-Up button is a way to say -Thanks!.******
**Click Accept as Solution on a Reply that solves your issue to help others**

Doesn't seem to charge, not being read, and have the sad face

pretty much it. I have the 80G. It was freezing today so i tried restarting it but then it didn't respond to the buttons as if it was on hold but the music was still playing but the screen was frozen. So i hooked it up to a ipod boombox so it would kinda charge and reboot itself. Next thing i know, i'm getting the sad face and even though it's now been plugged into the computer for about 3 hours, there is no sufficient charge and when it does come on i still get the sad face.

See these troubleshooting articles.
My iPod is sad.
iPod displays a "sad iPod" icon.
What does this picture on my iPod mean?
Also, there is a pretty comprehensive post written by another forum member which is about the sad iPod icon or the folder and ! icon. Be aware that it's quite involved and contains some info that will almost certainly void the warranty. If your iPod is still within the warranty period, you should use that option first.
The Sad iPod/folder and ! icon.
You can arrange online service here.
Service request.

Ipod mini hard drive goes crunch and now get Sad face with IPOD

I've notice that after I installed new ITUNES and Updater software, my mini has the following problems:
1. Click to the song and it just sits there and then it might skip over a the next song or songs before playing, like it is frozen
2. I hear the hard drive - spinning and hear this crunching sound -
3. Now I get the sad face with the ipod icon
So would restoring my ipod help or should I take it and get it fixed, and how much would that cost
Su

Su,
Is this noise you describe really a crunching noise - like a can being crushed, or more of a rhythmic or repeating clicking noise? It is normal for a drive to amke clicking sounds as it reads and writes to the drive. When this noise becomes rhythmic and repetitive, it can be a problem. If it is indeed a click-click-click type of noise or pattern, it could be that the drive is stuck. This can sometimes be corrected by tapping the iPod's left or right side against your palm firmly. I have revived several iPod mini's this way, and have not had it produce any ill effects. However, do note that you try this at your own risk and only if you are comfortable with the possibility or doing more damage. However, my opinion is that A) The iPod doesn't work right now, so there isn't much to lose, and B) you could save on a costly repair if it DOES work.
Kyle-

My problem is that the iPod does not turn on. Everytime I attempt to turn it on it shows the Apple logo then a small icon showing a sad face with a warning sign.

IS MY IPOD DEAD?!?!?!?!?
I think I have the previous iPod Classic with a black glossy front and I am pretty sure it is glass at the front. My problem is that the
iPod does not turn on. Every time I attempt to turn it on it shows the Apple logo then a small icon showing a sad face with a
warning sign along with the Apple support website. At the same time I can hear the internal mechanics which is also very loud. I have attempted
to charge it as well as connecting it to itunes but no success. Could you please help?

Try:
- iOS: Not responding or does not turn on
- Also try DFU mode after try recovery mode
How to put iPod touch / iPhone into DFU mode « Karthik's scribblings
- If not successful and you can't fully turn the iOS device fully off, let the battery fully drain. After charging for an least an hour try the above again.
- Try another cable
- Try on another computer
- If still not successful that usually indicates a hardware problem and an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store is in order.
Apple Retail Store - Genius Bar

Sad face with exclamation point on my Ipod

hi, my name is John and i live in South america.
Two days ago i got a problem with my Ipod, it got frozen and i clicked on the menu and the select button. It turned off and never started anymore. Now i get a sad face and a exclamation point on the screen.
If i press really long on the select and the pause/play buttons i get it in disk mode with written OK to disconnect. But when i attach it to my computer it shutsdown in 20 seconds.
Can someone give me some advice on this problem ?

Sounds like it's hard drive is dying. In that case, see this Apple support document.
iPod displays a sad iPod icon
You may also want to take a look at the extensive post from Mitch 751 from more potential solutions/fixes.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/480759?start=0&tstart=0
B-rock

I am having trouble connecting to 4g. I am always getting a sad face cannot connect to network

I am having trouble connecting to 4g. I am always getting a sad face cannot connect to network

What do you mean by this? Please re-state the question and include relevant information like who you are, and what carrier you are using.

CANT GET RID OFF THE SAD FACE ICON ON MY 30 GB IPOD VIDEO, HELP

HELLO, IVE JUST PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 30 GB IPOD VIDEO AND SINCE I FIRST TURNED IT ON, THAT AWFUL ICON WITH THE SAD FACE IPOD APPEARED. I DID ALL TIPS AND HELPFUL HINTS PUBLISHED AT APPLES WEB SITE BUT STILL CANT MEKE IT WORKS.
PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!

I can only suggest trying the steps here again: "iPod does not appear in iTunes or on the desktop, an exclamation point or sad iPod icon appears onscreen" http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61771
If after a couple more tries it is still malfunctioning then return it to the store, good luck

How to get smile sad face ?

My Project
If you push the �Smile� button you get a smiling face. If you push the �Sad� button you get a sad face.
i am not able to get how to build smile face and sad face in the frame
null

Search on Image API , since you are talking about Frame after all :)
Search on google "Java Image" I think it is the first link
Basically just load the image of a simily or a sad face according to the button click :)
Regards,
Sim085

Need Help.... Try to restart and get an ipod with a sad face in it...

Ok I was shutting down my ipod on night and the ipod stuck on a song... So I preceded to restart the ipod!
When I restarted the ipod I got a picture of a ipod with a sad face and text saying "www.apple/support/ipod" after that the screen goes dark and has a battery symbol with a lightning bolt at the end of it...
I have tried everything...
1. Restart
2. Update
Other than that I am out of options

I have tried both...
From what I have seen I need to go into "Disk Safe Mode"
Only problem is that I still get the same images on my ipod.
Its as if my ipod doesnt have power, so I connect it to my USB port and still get nothing
Is there a contact number for apple and there ipods customer support?

My ipod has the sad face

well my ipod got int the washing machine and anyway it was all messed up the screen was all foggy and wet, but now the screen looks normal and all and now the sad face won't go away. And i've tried putting it into disk mode like they say to but it won't go into disk mode and so does anyone know what i should do? Thanks
Dell Windows XP

I wouldn't do anything with it until it's dried out completely and that may take at least a week. If you mess with it, you risk frying it completely (if it isn't already).
Then check this post out.
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=2369954#2369954

Sad face on iPod - will reset but then freeze

I've been on the Apple website for about an hour and need some help. I toggled the hold switch as instructed, made sure that the iPod was hooked up to a charge, pressed the select and menu buttons until the Apple icon came up, but then I still just get the iPod with the sad face on it telling me to log into Apple support.
What can I do now? Thanks.

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
My iPod ism’t resetting and isn’t being read by my computer
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=4489387#4489387
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

Data retrieval from sad face ipod

So, two nights ago my ipod (40gig 3rd gen(? 4th? 1.5 years old; warranty expired)) randomly died while in the middle of playing music. It whirred and clicked and eventually gave me the unhappy face, and that is how it's stayed for the past 48 hours. Now, there are plenty of people in this same boat, as a little browsing of the forums has showed me, so I'm not asking for how to possibly fix it, but...
What I do want to know: is there a service to get the data off the ipod? Reformatting the machine is all fine and good, but I'm living abroad and most of my CDs are currently on the other side of the world. My friend said that you could pay $50 for Apple to retrieve the data from your old drive, but I haven't seen anything like that on the website (perhaps it is only for Macs?)
Anyway, has anyone heard of a data retrieval service for ipods, or some other method of getting data off an ipod that won't connect to the computer? (I tried putting it in data mode and it just laughed at me...or frowned, I suppose.)
Thanks for any advice you can give...
Windows XP

Is your iPod fully charged? (connect it to the Mac for 4 hours to charge the battery)
Your post is not very clear on the problem, but normally Resetting the iPod will get rid of the sad face, on the iPod sceen, but may not get rid of your unhappy face.
To Reset - Press Menu and Center Button for about 10 secs till the Apple logo comes ON.
Here is the support document that may help you.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1373?viewlocale=en_US
Good Luck & Have a nice day!

Sad face and folder with ! mark. Help needed

My ipod will either show the sad Ipod face, or the folder with the exclamation mark when I try to turn it on. Also my computer won't even recognize it. It wont work or anything. I have tried to reset it, but nothing works. What are my options? I went to check out the repair options but when I choose defective unit, it wants me to pay over $200. I also just went out of warranty. Like last week. I have the 20GB, and its the version right before the video ipods.

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
last resort and at your own risk.
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
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.

Sad face :(

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for