By Diana Braun
5th Generation iPod
If you get a 1437 error stating that your iPod cannot be restored, or the hard drive doesn't show up when you connect it to your computer, your 5th Generation iPod has a dead hard drive. If your iPod is still under warranty, you can send it back to Apple for what will hopefully be a free repair. However, if your music player is out of warranty, expect to spend over $200 to fix it. Or, you can replace the hard drive yourself for under $125 by purchasing a new hard drive and removing the old one.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Things You'll Need:
- 5th Generation iPod
Flat head screwdriver
Razor blade (Exacto knife)
Spudger tool (nylon/black stick)
Replacement hard drive
- 5th Generation iPod
- Flat head screwdriver
- Razor blade (Exacto knife)
- Spudger tool (nylon/black stick)
- Replacement hard drive
Step 1
Turn off the iPod. Toggle the "Hold" switch to the "On" position located at the top of iPod to prevent it from turning on while opening the case.
Step 2
Insert flat head screwdriver into the seam of the iPod case between the front (plastic) and back (shiny metal). Use a razor blade instead of a screw driver if the seam is tight. Run the screwdriver, or razor blade, along the seam and gently push in on the clips to free each side. Gently wiggle the front panel from side to side to free the clips (tabs).
Step 3
Place iPod on a hard surface with the back (shiny metal) towards you. Pull the back off to open the casing. Disconnect orange ribbon at the bottom of the iPod. Use spudger tool (non-metal tool suitable for electronic discharge sensitive items) to slide up the brown connector and locking bar that holds ribbon in place.
Step 4
Slide orange ribbon out of connector to the iPod body. This will disconnect the rear panel. Place the rear panel next to the iPod.
Step 5
Remove hard drive by lifting it up and disconnecting second orange ribbon located on left side under the screen. Use spudger tool to flip up brown plastic tab holding ribbon in place. The brown tab will rotate 90 degrees, which will release the ribbon. Slide the ribbon out of the connector.
Step 6
Locate the hard drive model. The model number will be written on the label of the hard drive. The model number should look something like "MK2006GAL." Purchase the new hard drive. Rapidrepair.com has a large selection of hard drives specific to iPods.
Step 7
Repeat steps 1-6 in reverse to connect new hard drive. Close the iPod case and attach it to your computer with a USB cable (comes with the iPod). Download and install the iPod Updater (available under Resources). Run the Updater and choose the "Restore" option. Your iPod is back to running like new.
About the Author:
Diana Braun began her writing career as a consultant and technical writer for a software company focusing on how-to, training, white paper, and internal process documentation. After two years, Braun left to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams. Since then, she has launched several startups including a t-shirt business, an online marketing and advertising t-shirt distribution business, and an entertainment site. She currently resides in South Florida.
Photo Credits:
Yoppy (flickr.com) under Creative Commons 2.0 Attribution License.
