Cannot restore or recover ipod Classic 80gb

Question

I have an ipod Classic 80gb. It is currently stuck on the apple screen. I am unable to recover or restore the ipod. It is not recognized by windows as either a ipod or a mass storage device. When I plug it into my PC nothing happens.

It just sits there with the apple logo on the screen. None of the buttons respond with the exception of a reset. (toggle hold switch -> hold center + menu for 6 seconds.) A reset will cause the screen to go blank for a few seconds.

Nothing else I have found seems to work.

Let me know if you have any ideas

Answer 1

You can try to diagnose the problem with the diagnostic mode.

To enter the diagnostic mode, press the folowing key when the apple logo appears after a reset :

iPod 1G, 2G et 3G, press the keys for 5 seconds :

• "back"
• "next"
• "select"

iPod 4G, 5G, mini et nano, press the keys for 5 seconds :

• "back"
• "select"

In the diagnotic mode, you can navigate in the menus with the back/next keys and launch a bunch of test.

Answer 2

The hard disk has probably failed. If so, your options include:

1. Buy a new iPod
2. Buy a replacement hard drive on eBay (etc) and replace it.
3. Find a used iPod somewhere and swap parts to yours until it works.