As any iPod owner knows, the dreaded “Sad Face” icon is not a good sign at all. With its sad set of XX eyes, you know you have got a problem. Whether it has been dropped or the icon just showed up, it is definitely something to have concern about. But before you panic and get too stressed out about the whole situation, take the time to follow some simple steps that will hopefully take care of your unhappy little iPod.

This sad face icon usually appears when the disk scan is not able to retrieve the data on the hard disk. A few different things can cause this problem. Accidents, like dropping them seem to be one of the main causes. Unfortunately when the sad face icon does appear and the iPod cannot be seen on the source list in iTunes, or does not appear on your desktop, finder window or in My Computer on Windows, this usually means that you are going to have to restore your iPod.

Here are a few troubleshooting tips that can be tried before doing anything drastic. Make sure your computer has the correct system requirements for your model iPod. Always make sure you have the latest version of software. Connecting to your computer with older iPod software can lead to these same results. Having updated software will also prevent other future problems, too.

Mac users who do not have Mac OS X 10.3.4 or a later version can use the iPod Dock Connector to FireWire Cable to connect to FireWire-equipped Mac. For Mac OS X 10.3.4 or later versions can use iPod Dock Connector USB 2.0 Cable to connect iPod to a high powered USB 2.0 port.

Put iPod in disc mode and hook up to computer. If iPod appears on the Desktop, My Computer or iTunes it is definitely ready to be restored. This should be attempted even if iPod will not go into the disk mode.

Below are a few easy tips to help on how to get your iPod to disk mode

To reset iPod with Scroll Wheel and iPod with Touch Wheel

Connect iPod to power adaptor and plug into an outlet or connect iPod to Mac’s built in FireWire port.

Press the Hold switch on & off.

For about 6 to 10 seconds press and hold Play/Pause and the menu button until the Apple logo can be seen on the screen. Repeat these steps if necessary.

To reset iPod with Circle Wheel

Connect iPod to power adaptor and plug into an outlet.

Press the Hold switch on & off.

For about 6 to 10 seconds press and hold play/pause and the menu button until the Apple log can be seen on the screen. Repeat these steps if necessary.

To reset an iPod with a Click Wheel

Press the Hold switch on and off.

Press and hold for about 6 to 10 seconds the menu and select buttons until the Apple logo appears on the display screen.

If resetting your iPod is still difficult, try setting it on a flat service. Press the Select button making sure that the click wheel is not being touched at all. Also when pressing the Menu button, make sure that it is not being pressed toward the center of the click wheel.

Remember restoring your iPod will wipe out and reformat your hard disk on the iPod. It would be a very good idea to make a backup of music or any other files on the iPod before restoring. Any and all data or music will be deleted from the iPod.

If none of the above steps worked for you, you may have to take it in or send it out to be serviced. However before doing this make sure you check to see if you have a warranty and that your situation might be covered under it. You may be able to have your iPod completely replaced. If this is not the case, keep in mind that if you have Apple service this for you, they may use new or used parts and you will not get your same iPod back that you sent in.

Hopefully all the above suggestions and tips will help get your iPod back up and running in no time.

 

Related posts:

1. Tips to Thaw out Your Frozen iPod
2. Free Up Some Space – Tips to Deleting Songs on your iPod
3. Tricks to Try when Diagnosing your Sick iPod
4. Icon Identification – What those iPod Symbols Mean
5. Tips to try when your iPod acts Weird

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