Help with 4th Gen iPod PLEASE

helena_handbasket · 01-30-2005, 09:19 PM

For once I've got a real problem. My mom bought her 4th gen 40 GB iPod in Hong Kong last month (December 2004). Not in an Apple store but one of those electronics places that are everywhere in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Here's the problem: I've done everything I was supposed to--charged the unit, installed the software (but I use a PC and it really just updated iTunes, I guess, because my brother's and my iPods also use this computer), uploaded the songs. Everything shows up on iTunes but when I tried to use the iPod, I got the Apple icon followed by a file folder + exclamation-point-within-a-triangle icon. After a panicked phone call to cousin-in-law freelancer, I tried resetting the iPod using the guidelines in the manual. Same old icon. Does anyone know what this is??? And how to rectify the problem???

If I'm a techno-idiot (but it wasn't always so), my mother is even more so and I'll be sent to hell in a handbasket if I don't fix this for her, even though it's not my fault it's not working in the first place...I sound like I'm 12, right? Please please some advice...thanks mucho!

**Sponsor** · 01-30-2005 09:19 PM

**elbert** · 01-30-2005, 09:40 PM

The iPod's hard drive is most probably defective and the unit needs to be replaced. Normally, you should be able to take it back to the store where it was purchased and have the whole thing replaced (if it was just purchased recently) with a brand new one (box and all).

Otherwise, you'll need to take it to an Authorized Apple Service Provider (ASP) and heve them replace the unit (unit only). That process takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, and you'll get a refurbished iPodm instead of a brand new one.

Do the former and insist on a full replacement, it's only fair.

[Edited on 1-30-2005 by elbertc]

**zedd** · 01-30-2005, 09:46 PM

try this if it can:

scanning the disk.

To do so, reset the iPod(instruction below), and when you see the Apple logo, press and hold the Previous, Next, Select, and Menu buttons. An animated icon of a disc will appear along with a progress bar. This test can take 15 to 20 minutes, so be patient. If your iPod doesn't have a good charge, plug it in to a power source before scanning the disk.

to reset the ipod:
hold down the Menu and Play (dricle) buttons for about seven seconds. This forces the iPod to restart

helena_handbasket · 01-30-2005, 10:40 PM

Hey elbertc and zedd, thanks very much for getting back to me on my problem so speedily. I'm really bummed out about this. I did everything you told me to but still got zip. Returning the unit for a full-on exchange might be tough because it was purchased in Hong Kong. About the Apple service center option, do they really give you just a refurbished unit? That sucks. Haaaay. Oh well, thanks again for your help! Really appreciate it

**elbert** · 01-30-2005, 10:48 PM

That's the disadvantage of purchasing abroad, sorry about that.

**cyberprince** · 01-30-2005, 11:31 PM

Yeah. Also (this is just my two cents) when shopping in Hong Kong, avoid the shops in the Tsim Sha Tsui area. They may have lower prices but there have been tons of horor storries about shopping for gadgets there.

Goodluck.

**freelancer** · 01-30-2005, 11:38 PM

Originally posted by helena_handbasket
After a panicked phone call to cousin-in-law freelancer

Gosh I didn't know I was married. And related to you! Who did I marry? Mike?

Hehe...

I hope you solve your problem, T. Good luck and keep us updated!

**mgd** · 01-31-2005, 08:41 AM

IMHO a refurbished unit doesn't suck. Though it doesn't come in a box, it looks and feels brand new. Apple Center Greenbelt replaced my 3G last year and the unit still runs fine. It took working 5 days to get the replacement. If you're going to bring it to Apple Center, make sure you have your receipt.

Originally posted by helena_handbasket
About the Apple service center option, do they really give you just a refurbished unit? That sucks. Haaaay. Oh well, thanks again for your help! Really appreciate it

**freeformula** · 01-31-2005, 09:22 AM

Originally posted by freelancer

Originally posted by helena_handbasket
After a panicked phone call to cousin-in-law freelancer

Gosh I didn't know I was married. And related to you! Who did I marry? Mike?

Hehe...

I hope you solve your problem, T. Good luck and keep us updated!

I think she meant cousin-in-law freeformula.

helena_handbasket · 01-31-2005, 09:36 AM

You guys are so helpful :P Grateful for this site...

cyberprince: Just so you don't think I'm a complete idiot, I warned the mother about purchasing her iPod in a non-chain store of questionable repute :dry: You have a momma, does she listen to you? (ha-ha)

freelancer: Ha-ha, I was sleepy! Sorry all, I am related to FREEFORMULA. You can marry Mike if you'd like; you'll just have to face-off with his girlfriend...I'll referee! :P

mgd: Thanks for assuaging my fears somewhat. Thing is, did you purchase your iPod at the Greenbelt Apple Center? Will they honor a receipt of a purchase made in Hong Kong? Oh yes, and what does IMHO stand for...?

Grrr, if she'd only listened to me in the first place. Spilt milk...

MUCHAS GRACIAS A TODOS!

[Edited on 1-31-2005 by helena_handbasket]