I really hate going to (genius) bars

August 7, 2007 4:48 AM

iPod nightmare: my 30GB 5G w/Video crashed yesterday morning and won't restore. Do I have any options before taking it to the Genius Bar?

My iPod is a little under 2 years old (purchased Jan. 2006) so I assumed that the freezing on song switches was a battery issue. But yesterday morning, when I plugged it in to sync, it began what for the last 24 hours has been a steady cycle of the "please wait, very low battery" message, followed by the iPod restarting.

I booted to disk mode to connect it to iTunes, and when it told me the iPod was corrupted and I would need to restore, trying to do so failed. Reinstalled iTunes, same deal. Windows detects the iPod in disk mode as an empty 30GB drive and won't let me either format it or use partition format in Disk Management.

Because of the crash loop, I can no longer turn off the iPod, as it constantly resets and/or freezes on the Apple logo when booting in normal mode. It turned off last night only because the power drained completely.

I don't have an extended warranty. I already have an appointment at the "Genius Bar" tonight where I expect, if I'm lucky, they'll charge me $130 to swap out a replacement. I'm fine if the answer to my problem is "your iPod is fucked and you need a new one" but I'd really like to know if any other answers are, well, cheaper first.

posted by XQUZYPHYR to computers & internet (8 answers total)

Does the iPod show up, when you simply connect it to your machine WITHOUT iTunes running? If you setup iTunes to run automatically when you plugin iTunes - please switch that feature off in your options.

I once had a similar problem - and simply reformated the iPod under Windows and then 'restored' it with iTunes.

iTunes is crap sometimes.

Can you reboot your iPod?
posted by homodigitalis at 4:55 AM on August 7, 2007

Have you tried plugging your ipod into a wall outlet, rather than your computer?
posted by enfa at 5:01 AM on August 7, 2007

Does the iPod show up, when you simply connect it to your machine WITHOUT iTunes running?

No. When it's plugged in with the USB cord, it brings up the Apple logo, then either freezes, or goes to the "very low battery message" for five or so minutes, and resets, rinse repeat. iTunes and Windows only recognize a connection when I boot it in disk mode.

Have you tried plugging your ipod into a wall outlet, rather than your computer?

Yes. Same results.
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 5:05 AM on August 7, 2007

It's dead Jim ...
posted by homodigitalis at 5:52 AM on August 7, 2007

Did you purchase with a credit card or debit card that doubles the Manufacturer's warranty for free? The Genius Bar is great about printing estimates that you can use to get reimbursed if your card has that benefit.
posted by AaRdVarK at 5:57 AM on August 7, 2007

This is a bit of a renegade move, but if it turns out that the Genius Bar is going to charge you an arm and a leg, there are instructions online for how to change your own iPod battery. I haven't done it, but there are enough sites to support the process that, if I had a dead battery and no AppleCare, I'd try it before buying a new one.

Apple has its own battery replacement program for about $70. It can be difficult to determine that the problem is definitely the battery, but maybe the Geniuses can advise you on that.

Good luck--I know this problem all too well. I bled the perks of AppleCare dry before I gave in and bought a new one.
posted by annabellee at 7:29 AM on August 7, 2007

If the Genius Bar is unable to offer you a cheap solution, do this (I've resuscitated 3 ipods this way):

Use a knife or similar to open the iPod casing. Disconnect the battery. Reconnect the battery. Try starting it again.

Warning: this will void your warranty.
posted by nasreddin at 1:00 PM on August 7, 2007

Went to Apple store. Talked with "genius." Was told iPod evolved into iBrick. Was given 10% discount for "recycling" iBrick. Am confident is a sham to make you feel better about a pity discount. Bought new iPod. Feel like week's question limit wasted. Go bed.
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 9:32 PM on August 7, 2007