The iPod Sad Face

As any iPod owner knows, the dreaded “Sad Face” icon is not a good sign at all! Its sad set of XX eyes indicate that you've got a problem. Whether the iPod has been dropped accidentally, or, perhaps more worrying, the sad face icon just showed up for no apparent reason, it is definitely something to be concerned about. But before you panic and get too stressed about the whole situation, take the time to follow some simple steps that will hopefully take care of your unhappy little iPod.

The Sad Face Icon usually appears when the disk scan is not able to retrieve the data on the hard disk. A few different things can cause this problem. Accidents, such as dropping the iPod, are one of the main causes. Unfortunately when the Sad Face Icon does appear and the iPod cannot be seen on the source list in iTunes, it usually means that you are going to have to restore your iPod.

First, make sure your computer has the correct system requirements for your model of iPod. Always make sure you have the latest version of software.

Mac users who do not have Mac OS X 10.3.4 or a later version can use the iPod Dock Connector to FireWire Cable to connect to FireWire-equipped Mac. For Mac OS X 10.3.4 or later versions can use iPod Dock Connector USB 2.0 Cable to connect iPod to a high powered USB 2.0 port.

Put your iPod in disc mode and hook up to computer. If the iPod appears on the Desktop, My Computer or iTunes it is definitely ready to be restored. This should be attempted even if the iPod will not go into the disk mode.

How to get your iPod to disk mode:

To reset your iPod with the Scroll Wheel or Touch Wheel, connect the iPod to a power adaptor and plug into an outlet or connect iPod to Mac’s built in FireWire port. Press the Hold switch on & off. For about 6 to 10 seconds press and hold Play/Pause and the menu button until the Apple logo can be seen on the screen. Repeat these steps if necessary.

To reset an iPod with a Circle Wheel

Connect the iPod to a power adaptor and plug into an outlet. Press the Hold switch on & off. For about 6 to 10 seconds press and hold play/pause and the menu button until the Apple log can be seen on the screen. Repeat these steps if necessary.

To reset an iPod with a Click Wheel

Press the Hold switch on and off. Press and hold for about 6 to 10 seconds the menu and select buttons until the Apple logo appears on the display screen.

If resetting your iPod is still difficult, try setting it on a flat service. Press the Select button making sure that the click wheel is not being touched at all. Also when pressing the Menu button, make sure that it is not being pressed toward the center of the click wheel.

Remember restoring your iPod will wipe out and reformat your hard disk on the iPod. It would be a very good idea to make a backup of music or any other files on the iPod before restoring. Any and all data or music will be deleted from the iPod.

If none of the above steps worked for you, you may have to take the iPod in or send it out to be serviced. However before doing this make sure you check to see if you have a warranty and that your situation might be covered under it. You may be able to have your iPod completely replaced.

Hopefully all the above suggestions and tips will help get your iPod back up and running in no time.

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