15. Troubleshooting

The iPod is a fairly uncomplicated device, at least compared with towering desktop machines with printers and scanners attached, or even one of your more sophisticated microwave ovens. But a number of things can temporarily trip up your iPod ”hard-drive glitches, wonky cables, or a wrong turn at the crossroads where hardware meets software.

At least three generations of iPods and a Mini-Me now stalk the earth. Some problems may apply only to certain models, but many of the hardware-oriented issues are universal. You can remedy some problems by simply pressing a couple of buttons , but others require a little more time and effort.

This chapter covers all of the above, and includes a section devoted to troubleshooting the iTunes Music Store. And if you don't find the answer, turn to the last section, which lists iPod repair resources.