My ipod classic 160 has a red circle with a X in the middle how do I get it to work?

Hi Mildred,

Happy Holidays!

The resource below will explain the steps you can take to resolve the issue you are having with your iPod classic.

iPod Displays a Red "X" Icon - Apple Support
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203170

The first step is to download the latest version of iTunes on your Mac or PC. Then try the steps below.

Restore iPod from Disk Mode

1. Disconnect iPod from your computer.
2. Manually put iPod into Disk Mode.
3. Open the latest version of iTunes and connect iPod.
4. Restore iPod.

Setup Service for iPod

If you cannot force your iPod into disk mode and restore it, then your iPod may need service. Click one of the links below to setup an iPod Service Request online or make a reservation at the Genius Bar before visiting your local Apple Retail Store.

• Apple Retail Store
• iPod Service Request Online

Putting iPod into Disk Mode - Apple Support
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201544

iPod devices with a Click Wheel

1. If necessary, verify that your iPod has a Click Wheel.
2. Before placing the iPod into Disk Mode, verify that it is charged.
3. Toggle the Hold switch on and off (set it to Hold, then turn it off again.)
4. Press and hold the Menu and Select buttons for at least six seconds, until the Apple logo appears.
5. When the Apple logo appears, release the Menu and Select buttons and immediately press and hold the Select and the Play/Pause buttons until the Disk Mode screen appears.
   
6. Connect the iPod to your computer; the screen on the iPod will should say "Do not disconnect".

If you are having difficulty putting your iPod into Disk Mode, set it on a flat surface. Make sure that the finger pressing the Select button is not touching the Click Wheel. Also make sure that you are pressing the Play/Pause button toward the outside of the Click Wheel and not near the center. If you are still unable to put your iPod into Disk Mode, use one finger from one hand to press the Select button, and one finger from the other hand to press the Play/Pause button.

Older iPod models without a Click Wheel

1. Before placing the iPod into Disk Mode, verify that it has a charge.
2. Toggle the Hold switch on and off (set it to Hold, then turn it off again.)
3. Press and hold the Play/Pause and Menu buttons until the Apple/iPod logo appears, then release them. This resets iPod. When you reset iPod, all your music and data files are saved, but some customized settings may be lost.
4. When the Apple logo appears, immediately press and hold the Previous and Next buttons until the Disk Mode screen appears.
5. Connect the iPod to your computer; the screen on the iPod should say "Do not disconnect".

Restoring iPod to factory settings - Apple Support
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201540

It's important to understand the difference between updating and restoring. Updating simply installs the software that controls iPod and does not affect the songs and files stored on iPod's disk. Restoring erases the iPod's disk and restores iPod to its original factory condition.

Warning: Because restoring erases all the songs and files on iPod, back up any files you've saved on the iPod disk. All of your songs, videos, podcasts, audiobooks, and games can be loaded back to your iPod provided that you have them stored in your iTunes Library.

How to restore iPod

1. Verify that you have an active Internet connection, because you may need to download new versions of the iTunes and iPod Software.
2. Download and install the latest version of iTunes if necessary.
3. Open iTunes. Connect your iPod to your computer using the USB or FireWire cable that came with your iPod.
4. After a few moments, your iPod will appear in the Source panel in iTunes.
5. Select your iPod in the Source panel. You will see information about your iPod appear in the Summary tab of the main iTunes window.
6. Click Restore.
7. If you are using a Mac, you will be asked to enter an administrator’s name and password.
8. A progress bar will appear on the computer screen, indicating that stage one of the restore process has begun. When this stage is done, iTunes will present one of two messages with instructions specific to the iPod model you are restoring.
   • Disconnect iPod and connect it to iPod Power Adapter (typically applies to older iPod models).
   • Leave iPod connected to computer to complete restore (typically applies newer iPod models).
9. During stage two of the restore process, the iPod displays an Apple logo as well as a progress bar at the bottom of the display. It is critical that the iPod remain connected to the computer or iPod power adapter during this stage.
   Note: The progress bar may be difficult to see, because the backlight on the iPod display may be off.
10. After stage two of the restore process is complete, the iTunes Setup Assistant window will appear. It will ask you to name your iPod and choose your syncing preferences, as it did when you connected your iPod for the first time.

I hope this information helps ...

- Judy

Hi Mildred,

It sounds like you were referred to one of the Apple Authorized Service Providers in your area. I'm sorry they were not able to help you. Did you replace your iPod with another classic or a different model? Are you working with a Mac or a Windows computer? Here is some information on the new iTunes 12 software:

iTunes 12 includes design and performance improvements that make iTunes easier to use. Here’s where to find some of your favorite features.

- Judy