iPod Icon's and Troubleshooting
Don't panic, here's what those diagnostic icons mean
Here is a guide to some of the most common disc icons you'll see on the iPod's screen. If you get one of these screens, it's important to understand that it's not always bad news. Only the "Sad iPod" icon is the worst-case scenario and we'll explain what to do about it below.
Your iPod is trying to tell you something - it's important to listen
Do Not Disconnect: The first icon is not an icon at all, but a very common message you'll see from time to time. If the iPod is connected to something that can take control of it or synchronize with it, this message will appear for the duration of time your iPod is under the influence of any outside source. You'll usually see this when the iPod is connected to your computer, but you could also see it when the iPod is connected to a stereo system or adaptor of any kind. iPod compatible devices are so popular right now it's likely you'll dock into something sooner or later that will show you this message. Sometimes the message on the iPod will even show up in the form of a logo or some other third company icon
The magnifying glass on the disc icon represents the built in diagnostic software Apple has included to protect the disc. It should be no cause for alarm if you see this icon on screen. This icon means that the check is in progress. This diagnostic checkup of the hard drive can also result in some of the other hard drive related icons.
This is the disc caution icon. Chances are your iPod's hard drive has conducted some diagnostics but the scan failed. It could have simply been interrupted. When you see this icon you should perform an iPod reset [iPod Reset] to have your iPod complete the scan.
This icon simply means your iPod automatically started scanning its hard drive and that this operation was cancelled.
The folder icon represents a software or firmware difficulty in your iPod. You can at least perform a reset and see if it goes away, but if it's a legitimate software problem you'll need to perform a firmware update. This could be bad news depending on how you feel about your music collection. Along with the update, you may need to do a restore which requires an initial erase of your iPod.
This icon shows an electric outlet with an iPod AC power adaptor plugging into it. This is your iPod asking for some more power. Plug your iPod into the wall using the AC power adaptor. This can occur during a firmware update or restore. If you plug it in, it should have the power to continue.
The sad iPod icon is not a good sign. It means there are serious problems detected in the hard drive. First, try doing an erase and restore on your iPod. If the erase / restore process doesn't work, you're iPod should be sent in for repairs.
This rounds out the most common iPod icons you'll see. If you'd like more information on troubleshooting problems with your iPod, check our list of Most common iPod problems.