How to Restart Your I-pod

IPods will occasionally freeze or lock up for various reasons. Don't panic. Most of the time, the problem can be solved by doing a "soft reset." If that does not work, a "hard reset" almost always will, although it will mean having to reload all your music back onto the device. These instructions are geared for an iPod Nano. Check your manual or the Apple Web site for the specifics of your device.

Things You'll Need

• iPod

Instructions

Performing a "Soft" Reset

1. Plug the device into your computer's USB port, (or into a wall socket if you have an adaptor). If plugged into a computer, make sure that the computer is on and not asleep. This will insure that electrical power is available, if the battery is low.

2. Toggle the hold switch on and off.

3. Lay the device flat on a table, then simultaneously press and hold the "Select" and "Menu" buttons. The Select button is the round center button on the touch pad. Keep holding both buttons for about 10 seconds, or until you see the Apple logo appear on the device's screen. If it does not work, then plug the iPod into a different USB port or into a different computer and try doing a soft reset. If you still get no response, then you may need to do a "hard" reset, as described in the next section.

Performing a "Hard" Reset (Restore)

1. Load iTunes on your computer, and make sure that you have the latest version. Verify that all your music is backed up. Performing a hard reset will erase all content from your device.

2. Connect your iPod via the USB cable.

3. Wait for your Ipod to appear in the iTunes source list on your computer. If it does not appear, then you may have to connect in "disk mode."

4. Select your iPod from the Source list, and select the "Summary" tab if it is not already selected. You should see information about your iPod displayed on your computer screen.

5. Click on the "Restore" button. This will begin the first stage of the process of resetting your iPod to its original "out-of-the-box" condition. A progress bar will let you track the process. It may take several minutes. Once it has finished, leave the iPod connected to your computer.

6. Watch, as the next stage begins automatically. The Apple logo should appear on your iPod's screen, along with a new progress bar. Wait for it to finish, and leave the iPod connected.

7. When a new window appears on your computer screen, follow the prompts for naming your device and setting your preferences. When finished, you may re-sync your music and disconnect from your computer.

Resources

• Go here for specific reset instuctions for all iPods