By
eHow Electronics Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Restart and Update your iPod
Step1
Disconnect any third party USB devices that are on your computer, other than your mouse and keyboard. Connect your iPod to a different USB port using the factory USB cable that came with the iPod. Restart your iPod. If the error hasn't cleared, go to Step 2.
Step2
Update your iPod to the latest version of iTunes. Open iTunes while your iPod is connected to your computer. A prompt will ask you if you want to install the latest available version of iTunes or you can select your iPod from the "Source" list in the iTunes homepage. Select the "Summary" tab at the top of the screen and click on "Check for Update" when prompted.
Step3
Restart your iPod. If the error hasn't cleared, you may need to erase your iPod's disc and reinstall the operating software by restoring your iPod.
Restore your iPod
Step1
Restore your iPod to its original factory settings. First, backup any files you have saved on your iPod disk to your iTunes Library. Restoring your iPod will erase everything you have saved on it. After your iPod is restored, you can reload these files back onto your iPod.
Step2
Return to the iTunes homepage screen and clicking on the "Summary" tab from the tabs on the tops of the iTunes homepage screen. Select your iPod from the "Source" menu. Hit "Restore" to reset your iPod to its original factory settings.
Step3
Type in an "Admin User's" name and password if asked. An alert button will come up asking you to confirm the restore; click "Yes."
Step4
Unplug the USB cable from your iPod. iTunes will prompt you to plug in the USB cable after the iPod has restored itself to factory settings. Keep your iPod connected to the USB port. iTunes may ask for a name for your iPod (so that it can be recognized in the "Sources" list). Select the "Automatically Update My iPod" option when prompted. Stay connected to iTunes until the update is completed. You can then close iTunes and disconnect your iPod.
Step5
Restart your iPod. At this point, the error should be cleared and you can reload your iPod files including music and contacts, back onto your iPod. If you still get an error reading and the iPod will not play, you may need to have it professionally repaired.