sad face on screen

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. Windows users having trouble with their iPods should locate a Mac user. We've found that 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. BTW, it works in reverse too. A Mac user often can get his iPod back by connecting it to a PC and restoring it.
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.

But, if none of these steps address the issue, your iPod may need to be repaired. You can arrange for service at the iPod Service Website.

I have the same problem and mine I believe arose because I dropped my iPod onto the pantry floor (from about 3 feet). It worked right after the drop, but by the evening when I then tried to use it again it was dead and I got the sad face.

I have tried all the R's except for reinstalling iTunes - before I do this I need to know whether I will lose the music that is in my iTunes currently.

I have a very hard time getting the iPod into Disk Mode, but from there it doesn't seem to be recognized when I connect to the PBG4. Therefore I am also unable to update the iPod software or to restore the iPod (wipe it clean and start again).

I fear I am going to have to end up sending it in to Apple (or buying a new one which doesn't cost a whole lot more) - warranty expired about 8 weeks ago!

Any additionaly thoughts/help appreciated.

PowerBook G4 15FW800 Mac OS X (10.4.4) 512MB RAM

I fear I am going to have to end up sending it in to Apple (or buying a new one which doesn't cost a whole lot more) - warranty expired about 8 weeks ago!
Do the following as your last resort and at your own risk -
Hold your iPod with your left palm and hit the sides and back of your iPod until you see the language menu, plug it with your Mac, and open the Disk Utility, go to tab of "Partition" and click delete, go to tab "Erase" and click Erase. Once it has completed do a Restore.

can you do that on windows??

Your iPod must need to get recognized by your PC, in order to do the format. Go to folder of my computer, and see whether you can find your iPod there and right click the icon, you will able to do a format (but no quick format please). If you cant find it please go to find a Mac, or go to an Apple shop and ask them a favour

Let me ask you a question, if an iPod with no iPod software with it. When your connect it with a computer, what would happen?
Yeah, the computer will treat it as a fresh external hard disk, which will get force mounted, the computer will ask you to format the iPod. It does not really matter the format is completed or not, the key is to erase (or partly) the corrupted iPod software on the iPod, after that the computer will recognize it.
Once it has been completed, eject your iPod, open the iPod updater and interestingly, you will able to do the Restore this time.
Base on the above, that's why I suggest Windows users who experience trouble with their iPods should locate a Mac machine or vice versa. PC computer will not recognize a Mac formatted iPod, but it will get mounted in an attempt to format your iPod.

But, if none of these steps address the issue, your iPod may need to be repaired. You can arrange for service at the iPod Service Website.

I have just read an interesting solution about the Sad iPod, it does make sense but the warranty will be waived once you open the iPod, I would not do it myself as I am not good on doing this

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=412033&tstart=0

Pictures and instructions of how to open the iPod case for battery replacement

http://www.kokopellimusic.us/KM_instructions.htm