Got an iPod Shuffle from my wife for Xmas, and it didn't work! How shit is that! Apple bastards! I went online and tried to find out how what the glitch was and how to fix it. I thought I'd share my experience, as this seems to be a pretty bad problem which Apple doesn't deal with adequately on its site or in the product's instructions booklet.
Here's what was happening. The green play / on light was not flashing, just staying on, and no controls would work. Forums at VNU, Mac OS X hints and iPod Lounge weren't much help. Then I read somewhere, I really don't know where, that what you should do is the following (and it just worked! My iPod works!! Woohoo!):
- Download an iPod software update from the Apple website (just google it)
- Plug in your iPod and put the original software CD Rom back in your PC and it should give you the option to restore factory sttings (it detects that your iPod has different software on it than what the CD has). Follow all the prompts through to the finish.
- This process will blank your Ipod then put the right software back on it. Now it should work again.
Merry Xmas!
Very useful to know - we have a Shuffle in the house that's playing up and needs some refreshment.
Why Shuffles are great:
http://www.techdigest.tv/2005/12/shuffle_takes_c.html
Posted by: The Nobleizer | January 03, 2006 at 09:36 AM
hey! this is EXACTLY what's happened to my iPod shuffle! Someone notify iPod, dammit! It's not good enough! I just went to Noel Leemings today and returned the stupid thing. I didn't see this post or my replies on geekzone ( http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=38&topicid=6104 ), and I wish I had because I would have been keen to try fix it. Although I did have other problems that you haven't raised, so maybe mine is actually broken.
Anyway, thanks!
Posted by: miss_louie | January 07, 2006 at 08:51 AM
hi,my ipod shuffle has an problem,when i putit on,the green light stays on,even if i press play,i did the sofware thing for ipod shuffle in this site but it isn`t working,+ i can see the songs on the computer but it won`t just play+ my earphones are working/
Posted by: adel | February 19, 2006 at 04:08 AM
Thank you so much! I just got it to work in time for my big spring break trip to florida! i have been SOOOO frustrated with it! thank you- worked great! thank you so much again...i am lost without music! :)
Posted by: Jillian | February 25, 2006 at 03:32 AM
Bought one for my wife. Tried every piece of advice listed above at least twice. Tried headphones in my (real) iPod and they're fine... finally whipped it out of the USB slot in frustration and the thing came apart at the seams. It will now meet the hammer of death - for $69, at least I'll have some satisfaction. Apple blows for support.
Posted by: Scott | March 02, 2006 at 09:35 PM