By Diana Braun
iPod Delight
Your iPod isn't functioning correctly or possibly isn't functioning at all. You hear a ticking sound that seems to be coming from the hard drive. To determine whether a hard drive error is causing your problems, run a test on the hardware. The iPod comes with a built-in tool and feature called "Diagnostic Mode" that aids in detecting problems. The test will indicate whether the hard drive is in good working order or whether there is a problem.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step 1
Restart your iPod. Hold down "Menu" and "Play/Pause" buttons (1st-3rd generations). Hold down "Menu" button and "Select" center button (4th generation and newer models). Wait for the "Apple" logo to appear.
Step 2
Hold down "REW," "FFW," and "Select" buttons simultaneously (1st-3rd generations). Hold down "Back" and "Select" buttons (4th generation and new models). This must be done as soon as you see the "Apple" logo in Step 1. The iPod will make an audible chirp sound and the "Apple" logo will appear backwards on older models. You have now entered "Diagnostic Mode."
Step 3
Navigate the menu by using the "REW" and "FFW" (older models) or scroll wheel (newer models). Browse to "HDD Scan" and press the "Select" button to begin the scan. The scan can take up to 20 minutes. Once the scan completes, an image will appear indicating if the drive is good or bad.
Step 4
A "Checkmark" icon indicates that your iPod is fine and no problems have been found.
Step 5
The "Arrow" icon indicates that problems were found. Erasing and restoring the iPod is recommended (use iPod Updater; see Resources for link). If restoring the iPod doesn't work, a replacement hard drive will be needed.
Step 6
The "Caution" icon indicates the scan failed. Reset the iPod by holding down the "Menu" and "Play" buttons for approximately 10 seconds. The hard drive scan will start again.
Step 7
An "X" icon indicates that the scan was canceled. Press the "Menu" and "Play" buttons to resume the scan again.
Resources
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:
Juanpol (flickr.com) under Creative Commons 2.0 Attribution License.
