Something (big) wrong with my iPod

Hey there,

I have an iPod Classic (5.5G, I think) 160GB iPod. One day it was disconnected from the computer (PC, not Mac) while it said "Do not disconnect". Ever since then I've had a bit of a problem:

I cannot connect the iPod to the computer. It connects for a moment, says "Do not disconnect", then after a few seconds says "Ok to disconnect", the device restarts and, if it's left connected, the process repeats itself. In the About menu it shows that there is 0Kb used and 0Kb free.

I've tried everything I can think of, including all of the typical solutions. I've put it in disc mode, reset it, etc. I can't restore it using iTunes or reformat it using Windows, or anything like that, because it doesn't connect for long enough (if at all). I've tried using other computers, other USB cables and other USB ports.

The iPod's HDD doesn't seem to be damaged. I can still use it to play games and browse the menus, and the HDD doesn't make any strange noises.

Any tips on what to do? Thanks.

brophs

gvn wrote: »

Hey there,

I have an iPod Classic (5.5G, I think) 160GB iPod. One day it was disconnected from the computer (PC, not Mac) while it said "Do not disconnect". Ever since then I've had a bit of a problem:

I cannot connect the iPod to the computer. It connects for a moment, says "Do not disconnect", then after a few seconds says "Ok to disconnect", the device restarts and, if it's left connected, the process repeats itself. In the About menu it shows that there is 0Kb used and 0Kb free.

I've tried everything I can think of, including all of the typical solutions. I've put it in disc mode, reset it, etc. I can't restore it using iTunes or reformat it using Windows, or anything like that, because it doesn't connect for long enough (if at all). I've tried using other computers, other USB cables and other USB ports.

The iPod's HDD doesn't seem to be damaged. I can still use it to play games and browse the menus, and the HDD doesn't make any strange noises.

Any tips on what to do? Thanks.

I had the same issue with the same device and it was the HDD that needed to be replaced.

brophs

brophs wrote: »

I had the same issue with the same device and it was the HDD that needed to be replaced.

Crap, that's what I've been fearing. Did you get it done through Apple (I assume you did)? Roughly how much did it cost, if you don't mind my asking? Thanks.

brophs

gvn wrote: »

Crap, that's what I've been fearing. Did you get it done through Apple (I assume you did)? Roughly how much did it cost, if you don't mind my asking? Thanks.

I ordered it online and installed it myself. Once the unit is open - and that's the tricky part - it's a two minute job.

I think it was around €80-90. But there are a few guys on here that repair them who might be able to do it for less.

brophs

brophs wrote: »

I ordered it online and installed it myself. Once the unit is open - and that's the tricky part - it's a two minute job.

I think it was around €80-90. But there are a few guys on here that repair them who might be able to do it for less.

I might do it myself, too. I've no problem with installing a new HDD, I just thought opening the thing was damn near impossible! I'll try to find a guide online. Would it be possible to put in a 320GB drive when it's being replaced, I wonder? Or does the iPod firmware only recognise drives up to a certain point. Thanks again for your help.

brophs

gvn wrote: »

I might do it myself, too. I've no problem with installing a new HDD, I just thought opening the thing was damn near impossible! I'll try to find a guide online. Would it be possible to put in a 320GB drive when it's being replaced, I wonder? Or does the iPod firmware only recognise drives up to a certain point. Thanks again for your help.

I'm not sure, tbh.

This is the guide I used. http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing-iPod-Classic-Hard-Drive/564/1

As for opening it, it was a bit of a pain in the arse but with a bit of patience it was okay.