Icon Identification - What Those Ipod Symbols Mean
January 7th, 2009

Become An Ipod Expert

If you are a new user of the ever-popular iPod, you may have noticed that it takes some time to learn what those little icons mean and want to know when you should be alarmed or bothered. Every one of them has a purpose and we all know how much of a drag it is to read the Users Manual. Wouldn't it be easy if someone just spelled it out in plain English for all to see? Instead of digging through a manual full of technical jargon, here we will discuss the meanings of the icons popping up on your screen.

You will see a Battery icon when your battery is low. You will need to plug in your iPod to your computer or the nearest electrical outlet. Let it charge for at least a few hours or longer if possible. After charging, if the battery icon still appears on your screen, you may have a bigger issue at hand. You may need to do a bit of troubleshooting or replace your battery. To trouble shoot your battery, you should make you sure you have the latest firmware upgrade. Then, you need to discharge your battery and just let your iPod play without interruption until it dies. Then, you need to recharge the battery. To replace your battery, you can contact your manufacturer or retailer.

If you see the Folder icon this means you have a software problem. It is suggested that you restore your entire iPod by updating the system or erasing your iPod. To erase and restore your iPod you need to open "My Computer" on your Desktop. Then, choose "IPOD" which should be located near your C drive. Now, right click and chose "Format". Select "FAT 32" and and then reboot your Computer. After you have erased your iPod, you will need to engage the Restore function from the iPod Updater program. To restore your iPod, do the following: Connect your iPod to your computer using the FireWire/USB cable that came with your iPod. Now, open iTunes. In the event that your computer knows the iPod is connected, it may ask you to install the proper software. If it doesn't, download the newest version of the iPod Updater application at http://www.apple.com/ipod/download/. Install and open the application iPod Updater.

To continue, once you click on Restore, you may be asked to type in an Admin user's name and password. When the alert box appears to confirm you want to restore iPod click "Yes". When the factory settings have been restored, unplug the FireWire/USB cable from iPod. You will be prompted by the iPod to reconnect the FireWire/USB cable after it has turned on, and you see the message "Do not disconnect". If prompted, type a name for iPod in the space provided. Deselect the "Automatically update my iPod" option if you wish and click done. The iTunes main window appears, and the download status is displayed in the iTunes display. Wait until the iTunes display says the update is complete. Quit iTunes.

Next, you will need to disconnect the FireWire/USB cable from iPod. In a short time, the language display appears on the iPod screen. Pick a language. Quit the iPod Software Updater application. If the iPod does not turn on at all, disconnect it from power and let it sit unconnected for approximately 24 hours. Then do this all over again. If your iPod is still under warranty, go to the AppleCare iPod Support Page to arrange for service http://depot.info.apple.com/iPod/. If your iPod is out of warranty, you will need to contact a repair service for further options.

No one wants to see the Sad Face iPod. Once again, you should try to erase and restore your system. If the sad face still appears on your screen, you will need to replace the hard drive.

You may see the electrical outlet icon when you are updating or restoring your iPod. First, disconnect your iPod from your PC and connect it to a power adapter for iPods. The electrical power will help finish the process of updating. If your iPod does not have a wall charger, you will need to get one.

The Do Not Disconnect Icon will be familiar if your iPod is connected to a PC.

The Magnifying Glass Icon will appear at times. This is the iPod's internal checking system where it checks the hard drive for problems. If you see a disk and checkmark, this is a good thing. Your iPod passed the hardware scan. If you see a disk and arrow, this means problems were found. You should erase and restore your system as soon as possible. A disk with an exclamation point signals caution and means the scan failed. In this case, you need to reset your iPod by holding the Menu and Play buttons down for ten seconds. The scan should automatically start again. A disk with an "X" means the scan was cancelled

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