Q: iPod Classic

Last year when? If it was less than a year ago, or you have AppleCare, you could take it to an Apple Store where they might swap it out for you.

tt2

We bought it approximately a year ago at Best Buy.  It was in the summer, so I know that it's over a year.  And I plugged in the serial number into Apple and it said that I didn't even qualify for tech support.... not sure what exactly to do.

Hi Turingtest2 - you appear to be the resident "guru" when it comes to this problem, so could I bother you with some stats :

Retracts:1189

Reallocs:21

Pending Sectors:1

PowerOn Hours:1251

Start/Stops:750

Temp : Current 23c

Temp : Min 15c

Temp : Max 47c

I've tried everything on the "official" help pages, Windows now doesn't see it unless it's in disk mode, even then it won't restore via iTunes (get the 1439 message).  It is 4/5 years old and gets used a lot, but it's only since I tried to update it a couple of days ago that it's suddenly gone like this.  I've tried the "slap" route, too.

If you're able to point me in any direction whatsoever, I'd be really grateful!

Have you tried this suggestion from the first page of this thread?

Erase your iPod - The Super Fix for most iPod Problems. Basically a low level format of the iPod’s hard drive to get around whatever problems are stopping iTunes from restoring it properly.

Start there and then see the tip on adding content in stages.

tt2

Hi TT2 - yup, tried everything, won't even allow me to erase the iPod :

• Windows and iTunes don't recognise it unless it's in disk mode.
• iTunes won't restore it - get "iTunes has detected an iPod that appears to be corupted. You may need to restore this iPod before it can be used with iTunes. You may also try disconnecting and reconnecting the iPod", followed by "The iPod "iPod" could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (1439)".
• When I try to erase it, I get "Windows was unable to complete the format".
• If I click on it via My Computer, I get "Please insert a disk into removable disk (I:)".
• If I select "Properties", it comes up without a name, as a removal disk as type, no file system, both used space and free space at zero, and capacity at zero also.
• If I go to error-checking, I get "The disk check could not be performed because Windows cannot access the disk".
• If I try defrag-ing, the disk doesn't show up.

Infuriating isn't the word!

^I have almost the same trouble as you, here are my results

Retracts: 2373

Reallocs: 2567

Pending Sectors: 5

PowerOn Hours: 2426

Start/Stops: 1229

Temp: Current 30C

Temp: Min 21C

Temp: Max 50C

It's dead?

these are my numbers

Retracts: 12
Reallocs: 1344
Pending Sectors: 0
PowerOn Hours: 2062
Start/Stops: 54579
Temp: 38c
Temp: 8c
Temp: 51c

I'm guessing my ipod is pretty much done, had it for 4 years now

Hiya, I can't see much scope for any optimism with either of the three most recent sets of data. Four years is probably a reasonable innings if you have used it regularly and it's suffered the usual indignities of daily life.

tt2

When I go to HDSMARTData option, I get a blank white screen... any idea what this means?

Given your advice to all so far, I have tried all options -- my data is as follows

Retracts = 0

Realloc = 16

Pending Sectors= 0

Power on Hrs = 973

Start / Stops = 4817

Temp Cur = 29C

Temp Min = 11C

Max 51C

I believe it is approx 3 years old .. Ipod isn't recognized by Itunes, nor Windows, stays stuck in Disk Mode ... so all suggested fixes and /or erases can not even be completed because the Ipod isn't recognized?  Frustrating...

At this point I'm willing to throw in the towel and replace it. I have spent far too much time, therefore just a quick question, is repair even worth consideration versus buying new?

The stats don't look bad. What happens when you reset the device? Does it not show the ordinary menus? Have you tried a new cable and/or checked the docking port for fluff?

tt2

bpkelsey wrote:

 

When I go to HDSMARTData option, I get a blank white screen... any idea what this means?

No idea, but it doesn't sound hopeful. Stick the unit on charge for a few hours and then try again.

tt2

Yes, I realize the stats do not look bad in comparison to others.

I've tried, new cables, other PC's - no recognition whatsoever.

Reset stays in reset mode or I can change it to Disk Mode, no ordinary menus appear. Each time I try to restore the PC's do not recognize the Ipod. I do have other Ipods that connect and are recognized.

I do not see anything that appears to be blocking the cable connection either?

Try placing it in disk mode and connect it to your PC while the PC is turned off. Then start up the computer. It is just possible that the computer might recognize the device and allow you to wipe the drive as in Erase your iPod - The Super Fix for most iPod Problems, after which an iTunes restore might be possible. If not then I'm out of ideas.

tt2

(ignore)