If your iPod freezes up, as mine did several times before dying completely, follow these instructions:
To reset iPod mini, iPod mini (Second Generation), iPod photo, and iPod (Click Wheel)
Toggle the Hold switch on and off. (Slide it to Hold, then turn it off again.)
Press and hold the Menu and Select buttons until the Apple logo appears, about 6 to 10 seconds. You may need to repeat this step.
Tip: If you are having difficulty resetting your iPod, set it on a flat surface. Make sure the finger pressing the Select button is not touching any part of the click wheel. Also make sure that you are pressing the Menu button toward the outside of the click wheel, and not near the center.
[note: this is the tip that got it unfrozen for me]
If the above steps did not work, try connecting iPod to a power adapter and plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet, or connect iPod to your computer. Make sure the computer is turned on and isn't set to go to sleep.
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To Apple's credit, they replaced the dead iPod immediately, for free.
Needless to say I am purchasing the extended warranty. This is one case where it may be worth it.
UPDATE! If the steps above did not help, take a look at this page:
How to fix an iPod that won't boot
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You just saved me from hurling my ipod against a brick wall in fit of rage. Thanks a million!
My 8Gig Nano has frozen a few times ,usually following a sudden removal of the iTrip or too many button presses in too short a time.
This tip here always works.
ty ty ty ty ty ty ty ty!
you saved me!
i'll tell the whole world what you told me!!
Thank you!! This totally worked!!!! Thought I was going to scream!
marvellous, felt a sense of achievement. Was going to give up and wait for my son to visit, but this tip worked for me. thanks
Wow! You are awesome! Wonderful tip -- worked for me!
i was near tears! thank you so much!
Thank you, thatwas just what I needed to know. Nothing like spending a couple hundred on a new toy only to have it konk out on you a couple a months later;)
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
I can only agree with what the others have said.
This is the first time that I have gone on to a website for help and recieved clear and correct instructions. This is the second time my ipod has frozen. You have saved me from more sleepless nights of worry. What make me more thankfull as a Scot it is free!
Thank You for saving my kids day. He was almost going to have to go tune-less!
Thank you so much! I was about to cry and throw my iPod at a wall. Again, thank you so much. (:
omg.. thank you so much.. i was so worried cuz its the first time its ever froze up on me like tht!! it worked!!! yay whoever you are <3
my ipod is frozen..it is showing that its lock and playing a song which its not im not getting anything from it..anyone know what i should do.
Update