Sad ipod icon wont go away

my click wheel ipod displays a sad icon and is not recognized by updater, itunes or my computer. When I plug into the power cord it cycles through the apple logo, the sad ipod then low battery display. I have tried the R's, software reinstall but nothing seems to work. The trouble seems to be in the ipod. I have had a Dell DJ for 2 years and not one problem. I purchased the ipod in May from the apple site and it worked fine for a month. Whats the deal apple.
A1059 Windows XP

What other way would you like us to suggest, if you've "tried everything there is to try"? : )
Have you seen this?
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=2274030#2274030

Similar Messages

Little sick ipod icon wont go away

hey all,
my ipod screen displays the little sick ipod picture. iv tried, recharging in, reseting it, restoring it... everything but the picture still remains. My first ipod I sent away because it froze, this is the replacement one they send me and the 90 day warranty expires a few days ago. any tips?

1. Try these five steps (known as the five Rs) will conquer most iPod issues.
http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/five_rs/
2. 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
Still can't see your iPod?
Several things could keep iPod from appearing in iTunes or in the Desktop/Finder when you connect it to your PC/Mac. The most likely causes are listed below in logical order. Check each one starting from the top of the list to see if that is what's keeping iPod from appearing.
3. Try to wait 30 minutes while iPod is charging.
4. Try another known-good FireWire or USB through Dock Connector cable.
5. Try another known-good FireWire or USB port on your computer .
6. Try to disconnect all devices from your computer's FireWire and USB ports.
7. Try to connect on a different computer i.e. a PC formatted iPod connect with a Mac computer or Mac formatted iPod with a Window base PC.
8. Try to do a Erase (Disk Utility) on a Mac computer or a reformat with a PC (Disk Management tool) but ensure you choose the right Drive (your iPod not your Hard Disk of your computer).
9. Try to run the iPod in “Diagnostic mode” . which can be accessed by pushing the “hold” switch into the “on” position and then “off” (into the original position). Then press the following buttons in the following order: “menu” plus “select” (centre button) then press “reverse” plus “select”. This will take you to the hidden diagnostic mode screen menu. It may take a few trials and pressing the buttons in the right way for this to work, so be patient and keep trying if you have to. The diagnostic mode will give you 7 choices which are: Memory, IO, Power, Status, SysCfg, Diskmode, and Reset. Don’t bother trying “reset” because in my case it didn’t work it just took me back to the same problem. Instead, choose “diskmode”, after which you should get an odd looking “ok to disconnect” sign on the iPod screen.
If one of the above step helps to get your iPod to be recognized with your computer, do a Restore.

Sad ipod icon/folder with exclamation point......CANT RESTORE!!!!!

so ive got some major ipod problems. cant get rid of sad ipod so i put into disk mode. then it changed to the exclamation point folder thingy. tried restoring it but my itunes either freezes up or doesnt show my ipod when i plug it in (whether its on disk mode or regular.) PLEASE HELP!!!!!!

Have a read of the following, my suggestion is to find a Mac computer and connect your iPod with it, hope your iPod will get recognized then do a Restore there, steps mentioned below
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

I have an ipod classic and when i try to turn it on a picture of the sad ipod icon. How do i fix it?

my ipod is 20GB and the screen colors are black and white. the outside of the ipod is white and the back is silver. fisrt of all when i connect it to the computer it wont show up in itunes or in the finder devices. second, the ipod shows a sad ipod icon whenever i try to turn it on and it also makes this weird noise, i spent more than i should've on this so i want my money's worth. should i try to fix it or sell it? and if i should sell it, where are some good places to sell it to?
Thanks

Hello BigFanOfApple,
Thank you for the details of the issue you are experiencing with your iPod classic. In most cases, the sad iPod icon indicates a hardware issue. I recommend reviewing the following article:
iPod displays a sad iPod icon
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1373
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
Best,
Sheila M.

Sad Ipod icon while switching from PC to Mac

I just bought a new Macbook for school and was using my Ipod to transfer my files from my PC to my Mac. I got everything transferred perfectly and deleted it off of my Ipod. I then plugged my Ipod into my Macbook to change the settings to work with a mac. The Ipod froze so I unplugged it and tried again and wham, sad ipod icon.
Is there anything I can do that doesn't require spending a lot of money to fix or replace it? I can't take it to a genius bar right away because the closest one is over an hour away, but if that is all I can do to fix it I will go there.
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

HT1435 every time i try to start up my ipod it only shows the sad ipod icon

every time i try to start up my older ipod 5th gen it makes a sound then shows the sad ipod icon so what could i try before i take it to the store.

If it's making a clicking sound, then the hard drive is probably bad. The apple store probably wont do anything more than give you 10% discount on a new one.
You should be able to do a google search for ipod repairs and find someone who can replace the hard drive.

I was syncing my ipod (1st gen) while downloading an update to Itunes and now i get the sad ipod icon...can someone help me out or explain how to get it fixed? cause the Apple STore is acting weird and I don't know what to do

basically the title says it all...I've been using this for the longest time and now after i was syncing the ipod while downloading an update for Itunes the sad face ipod icon shows up and everything i try won't fix it. I'm wondering if anyone knows how they can help me fix it...please!

The Sad face icon is usually a very good indication of a hardware malfunction or failure usually with the iPod's Hard Drive, which would also explain the loud clicking noise you are hearing.
I assume you have seen this article yet?
iPod display's a sad iPod icon
If you are up for the challenge, you can also try all of the troubleshooting mentioned described by another forum member Mitch 751.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/1193481?start=0&tstart=0
B-rock

Unknown "Sad iPod Icon" Error With No Resolution I can Find

I have a Third Generation iPod 40GB
I was camping and during my camping trip my ipod froze and I was forced to reset it. (Holding Menu and Select for a few seconds)
The Apple Icon showed as normal but then I got the "Exclamation Point Folder Icon" Error and I had never seen this before so I left my ipod alone.
Later that night I wanted to check the time and turned on my iPod without thinking the main menu came up instead of the previous error but once I realized it was alright I was over joyed and proceeded to test my music I played my first playlist and it started to rapidly skip through the songs it would show the title pause for a split second and error to the next song... I tried to stop the song and the iPod Locked up and I was again forced to reset it this time i got the "Sad Ipod Icon" error In an Endless loop of showing the Error Then retting the Ipod causing its harddrive to run for about four seconds then stop and start endlessly.
I got home and researched the problem learning I'd have to Restore my Ipod, It wouldn't connect in its current Error Loop State so I went through the Motions to put the Ipod into Disc Mode so I can connect it...it worked like a charm that far but when i plugged my Ipod into my computer (I run the firewire cable as my USB ports are Only USB1)
after about 30 seconds of being connected I heard the trademark sound showing it was connected then the Ipod Reset itself Showing the Apple Icon again and Ending the connection before I can Restore my iPod
I've Tried this 5 times and used a diffrent computer to try and reformate the Ipod Using Internal Windows Reformatting In Windows XP Still no Luck
I've Completely Run out of Ideas and Have Googled my problem 100 diffrent ways none of them coming up with anything like this problem Can someone Please Help me.
A1059 Windows XP Third Generation 40GB

Alright I fixed it and heres how it went...I tried a 100th time to connect via USB and this time being frustrated i gave my ipod another smack...it knocked it out of the loop it was in and it connected to the computer... and the Ipod was recognized but corrupt I then got it to show in the restorer and Restored it to factory condition but it still couldn't show up in Itunes but it showed in windows explorer so I then went to the iPod troubleshooting section about that and went thru there instructions to get it to recognized and after some of that I used there instructions to rebuild the "Control" folder on the ipod and it worked perfectly and it showed up and I'm as we speak i'm uploading music this is gonna take a while!

Whirring, clicking, and sad ipod icon?

I have a three year old 4G 40GB iPod which has been giving me problems recently. When it starts up I get the Apple logo followed by a whirring and clicking sound (sounds like the drive trying to start up), and eventually the sad ipod icon appears. What happens next depends on whether I am connected to the computer via USB or Firewire....
When connected using the USB cable, after a few seconds the battery charging symbol appears with about a quarter charge showing, except that it does not appear to be charging. It stays like this for a a few seconds then the whole cycle repeats. When connected using the Firewire cable a battery with an exclamation mark appears very briefly before the whole cycle repeats, very odd....
In the past I could resolve the problem by plugging into my charger and after a while it worked OK, but this no longer works.
Does this sound like a battery issue? If the battery is really dead, will an iPod not even work when connected to the charger directly or do I have another problem such as a faulty drive?
If it is a drive, can I buy a replacement in the UK? Is it worth spending money getting a three year iPod fixed??
Thanks
Tony

For anyone that does not believe this it works, it was a tip from TGPMANUTD. His posting stated
"I swear to God this worked.
From other posts it seems the clicking sound is the telltale sign that the arm which reads the hard drive is out of place - probably because you dropped it or something.
Here is how I fixed it. Smack your Ipod a few times on its right side with your hand. Seriously. Don't hit it that hard, but enough that you can feel stuff move on the inside. Wait a minute and then try to turn it on. "
I just smacked my iPod firmly into the palm of my hand and my iPod started and it sems to be OK now! Not something I would norrmally have done but I had nothing to lose.....
Tony
PB G4 12" & G5 DP 2.5GHz Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Facebook f icon wont go away

my facebook (f) icon wont go away and i have no new notifications or messages. same thing with my myspace icon. anyone know how to fix this please???

Are those Facebook and MySpace notificiation icons in the upper part of your homescreen?
Tips for clearing that unread message... try them in order.
If you have a rogue New Message icon on your Homescreen, or a negative count (-1), any one of these solutions could clear it, or reset it to zero:
Try these options:
* Hard Reset the BlackBerry by holding ALT, CAP (right Shift key), and DEL (or with the BlackBerry powered ON, remove the battery and reinserting the battery)
* View Messages > Saved Messages
* View Messages > View Folders, check each folder (missed calls, SMS in and out boxes, MMS in and out boxes, Saved, browser, phone logs etc)
* Scroll to top of message folder, over the date heading, click or press menu to MARK PRIOR OPEN
* Change your theme and see if it persists, and change back to your desired theme. (Options > Theme > select.)
* Wipe and reload your OS.
1. If any post helps you please click the below the post(s) that helped you.
2. Please resolve your thread by marking the post "Solution?" which solved it for you!
3. Install free BlackBerry Protect today for backups of contacts and data.
4. Guide to Unlocking your BlackBerry & Unlock Codes
Join our BBM Channels (Beta)
BlackBerry Support Forums Channel
PIN: C0001B7B4 Display/Scan Bar Code
Knowledge Base Updates
PIN: C0005A9AA Display/Scan Bar Code

Help... Ipod display a sad Ipod icon..

Help me. My Ipod display a sad Ipod icon whenever I turn it on. I have already try the method here (Active Disk mode) but I can´t activate it. Don´t know what to do. I´ve bring it to an Ipod store, but they also don´t know what to do. How can I send it back to warranty? I´m in Germany.

See these troubleshooting articles.
Sad iPod icon.
What does this picture on my iPod mean?
PC doesn't recognize the iPod is connected.
Make sure you are attempting the disk mode entry correctly.
Putting iPod into disk mode.
This icon is usually indicative of a hard drive problem, and if none of the above help, it will need service.
You can arrange online service here.
Service request.

Frustration. (Sad Ipod Icon & Battery Life icon)

So this is the second ipod the store has given me and it seems that it too has decided to die within 7 months. For some reason, let me say that it was fine last night, is displaying the sad ipod icon. When I hold the menu & select buttons it goes to the battery life icon? So yeah what do I do now? I mean Im going to try to recharge it. I had it plugged in for a while and it came up like it was working then died again. I'm so annoyed because it seems like Mac can't make an ipod that lasts more than 7 months. Stupid. I take care of the thing like I would my own child. If anyone has any ideas of what to do let me know.

yeah that happened to me too, today.
and i've had mine for 16 months.
and i have no idea what to do.
i do have a 2 year warranty on it.

4th Gen. iPod - Sad iPod Icon

I got a 40 GB 4th generation click wheel iPod in December of 2004. In September of 2005, I got an exclamation folder icon on my iPod. I jumped through all the hoops on Apple's support page to fix it, to no avail. I paid my $30, sent it in, and they sent me a new one. Now, in November of 2005 (2 months later) this new iPod has died, this time with a sad iPod icon. Once again, I have jumped through all the hoops that Apple wants me to, and my iPod is still dead. I'd really rather not keep paying $30 every few months to replace a dead iPod.
Suggestions?

That's an interesting question. As you probably know, if you go out and buy a 5th gen iPod, you pay $300 (for a 30gb "upgrade")- about 10 replacements at your current rate. As a high school student, I personally don't have the cash, but it might well be worthwhile if you do. Nevertheless, I'd almost recommend that you give the "repair" one more shot. It's obviously up to you. One other thing you should consider, however, is connectivity. The 5th generations no longer use firewire, so if you don't have USB 2.0, you might be in for a long song/data loading time. I use my iPod as an external hard drive (well, not any more!), so that would be bad in my case.
That said, I don't entirely understand why you are paying $30 to send in the iPod for repair; it should still be under warranty from the December 2004 purchase and, if not, Apple's (meaningless?) 3 month guarantee for refurbs. You should look into this, because, sorry to say, you might be spending those dollars for nothing.
I'm contemplating a rather different sort of solution: a downgrade to a 3rd generation. I got my 4th generation after sending in a 3rd for a battery replacement. Apple messed up supposedly in my favor, sending me a 4th gen (and sending my personalized 3rd generation to someone slightly less lucky!). The thing is, if I am really good on the day of question, I might get somebody helpful on the Applecare lines who would set up a dispatch with my old serial number. They offered that before when there was the personalization issue, but I turned it down. Though, after these troubles, my 3rd Generation appears more and more attractive, shorter battery life notwithstanding.
I'm also considering writing a letter to Apple (if such a move is even possible). Perhaps they already do know of the issue, but it seems to me that it could be in their best interests to simply send people 5th gens. That way they wouldn't have to have so many wasteful returned requests, and customers wouldn't likely ('cept for the USB issue) complain. But there's the problem that 5th gen's aren't made with 40 gb hard drives. Hmm.

Unable to restore / have sad iPod icon

My iPod will not power up but instead gives the sad icon. It will not connect to my computer and I am unable to restore since it will not load itself onto the computer.
Any ideas?

See these troubleshooting articles.
Sad iPod icon.
What does this picture on my iPod mean?
PC doesn't recognize the iPod is connected.
Folder and ! error.
Try to restore it in disk mode.
Putting iPod into disk mode.
This icon is usually indicative of a hard drive problem, and if none of the above help, it will need service.
You can arrange online service here.
Service request.

Ipod icon wont appear on lower right hand side to transfer songs to shuffle

why is it that the ipod icon wont appear on the lower right hand side of itunes to transfer songs to shuffle?
the icon for the ipod shuffle is there but i dont have the icon that transfers the songs to the shuffle 512mb. how do i get my songs on there?

How did you wind up without a User's Guide? Or avoid finding out that you can download a complete copy of it from the Support spaces at Apple?
The little icon you're describing is the one for iPod Preferences and has nothing at all to do with transferring songs. It won't show up, however, unless and until the iPS is mounted and visible by iTunes. Not seeing it appear there means your Shuffle isn't mounted.
As for the rest, sorry .... don't have a clue what you might mean. Using vague terms like '...this thing ...' and ' .... on there ...' doesn't really do much but lead to more questions which, in any event, I'm not asking.
Get a copy of the User's Guide, read it, then post back (if you still need to) with specific questions.

Sad ipod icon wont go away

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