Is it broken? Tips to try before you take it back, iPod Edition : Texxors.com

Is it broken? Tips to try before you take it back, iPod Edition

May 1, 2007 Posted by Liz in : Apple, DIY, Tips , trackback, Email this post

If you’reÂ havingÂ problems with your iPod,Â here are some troubleshooting tips to try before taking your iPod back to the store.Â Some of these tips are available elsewhere, but sinceÂ I see these problems at our tech support desk all the time, it’s worth reprinting.Â

1. Check to make sure the iPod is not on hold
I know this is a simple fix, but with laptops and mp3 players alike I have seen it many times, and it’s the first check. The hold switch is on top of the unit - make sure there is no red showing.

2. Reset your iPod
Resetting your iPod will fix most load errors. The reset method depends on the type of iPod you have. One of these should work:
a. Slide the hold switch on and then off again. Press and hold the menu and center (select) buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
b. Slide the hold switch on and then off again. Press and hold the Play/Pause and Menu buttons simultaneously until the Apple/ipod logo appears.

(If you have a Shuffle, you need to safely remove the device from your computer, then turn the Shuffle off, wait 5 seconds, and then turn it back on.)

3. Restart the iPod service
You can find instructions on Appleâ€™s website at http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93716. Click the drop-down arrow for â€œRestart the iPod Service.â€

4. Update your iPod by downloading the latest version of iTunes
Download the latest version of iTunes from http://www.apple.com/ipod/download/. When you then connect your iPod to your computer, iTunes will update your iPod with the latest hotfixes for the unit.

5. Restore your iPod
Restore the iPod by connecting the unit to your computer, and then clicking the unit in the source list (the list on the left side of iTunes). Click the Restore button. If prompted, select Restore Option 1. If this doesn’t work, try Option 4. Restoring your iPod will erase any content on it, so hopefully you have these files also saved on your computer.

Image courtesy of Apple