Icon Identification - What Those iPod Symbols Mean

If you are a new user of the ever-popular iPod, youfrom iPod. You will be prompted by the iPod to
may have noticed that it takes some time to learnreconnect the FireWire/USB cable after it has turned
what those little icons mean and want to know whenon, and you see the message :Do not disconnect:.
you should be alarmed or bothered. Every one ofIf prompted, type a name for iPod in the space
them has a purpose and we all know how much of aprovided. Deselect the :Automatically update my iPod:
drag it is to read the Users Manual.option if you wish and click done. The iTunes main
Would not it be easy if someone just spelled it out inwindow appears, and the download status is displayed
plain English for all to see? Instead of digging through ain the iTunes display. Wait until the iTunes display says
manual full of technical jargon, here we will discuss thethe update is complete. Quit iTunes.
meanings of the icons popping up on your screen.Next, you will need to disconnect the FireWire/USB
You will see a Battery icon when your battery is low.cable from iPod. In a short time, the language display
You will need to plug in your iPod to your computer orappears on the iPod screen. Pick a language. Quit the
the nearest electrical outlet. Let it charge for at least aiPod Software Updater application. If the iPod does not
few hours or longer if possible. After charging, if theturn on at all, disconnect it from power and let it sit
battery icon still appears on your screen, you mayunconnected for approximately 24 hours. Then do this
have a bigger issue at hand. You may need to do a bitall over again.
of troubleshooting or replace your battery.If your iPod is still under warranty, go to the AppleCare
To trouble shoot your battery, you should make youiPod Support Page to arrange for service. If your iPod
sure you have the latest firmware upgrade. Then, youis out of warranty, you will need to contact a repair
need to discharge your battery and just let your iPodservice for further options.
play without interruption until it dies. Then, you need toNo one wants to see the Sad Face iPod. Once again,
recharge the battery. To replace your battery, you canyou should try to erase and restore your system. If the
contact your manufacturer or retailer.sad face still appears on your screen, you will need to
If you see the Folder icon this means you have areplace the hard drive.
software problem. It is suggested that you restoreYou may see the electrical outlet icon when you are
your entire iPod by updating the system or erasingupdating or restoring your iPod. First, disconnect your
your iPod. To erase and restore your iPod you neediPod from your PC and connect it to a power adapter
to open :My Computer: on your Desktop. Then, choosefor iPods. The electrical power will help finish the
:IPOD: which should be located near your C drive. Now,process of updating. If your iPod does not have a wall
right click and chose :Format:. Select :FAT 32: andcharger, you will need to get one.
:Format: and then reboot your Computer. After youThe Do Not Disconnect Icon will be familiar if your iPod
have erased your iPod, you will need to engage theis connected to a PC.
Restore function from the iPod Updater program.The Magnifying Glass Icon will appear at times. This is
To restore your iPod, do the following: Connect yourthe iPods internal checking system where it checks the
iPod to your computer using the FireWire/USB cablehard drive for problems. If you see a disk and
that came with your iPod. Now, open iTunes. In thecheckmark, this is a good thing. Your iPod passed the
event that your computer knows the iPod ishardware scan. If you see a disk and arrow, this
connected, it may ask you to install the propermeans problems were found. You should erase and
software. If it does not, download the newest versionrestore your system as soon as possible.
of the iPod Updater application. Install and open theA disk with an exclamation point signals caution and
application iPod Updater.means the scan failed. In this case, you need to reset
To continue, once you click on Restore, you may beyour iPod by holding the Menu and Play buttons down
asked to type in an Admin users name and password.for ten seconds. The scan should automatically start
When the alert box appears to confirm you want toagain. A disk with an :X: means the scan was
restore iPod click :Yes:. When the factory settingscancelled.
have been restored, unplug the FireWire/USB cable