Ipod 20 gig

Well, unfortunately this problem is kinda vague (it's not your fault, the error itself is just very general and doesn't always indicate a specific problem). In fact, you will probably have more trouble figuring out what the problem is, as opposed to actually resolving it. The official Apple response can be found at http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61003 and basically suggests one of four things 1. Charge your iPod (I suggest fully discharging it over a 48 hour period then plugging it into an outlet for a couple of hours so that it becomes fully charged) 2. Reset your iPod (http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61705 that site has the information on how to reset any model iPod, but for the most part, most recent iPods can be reset by holding the "menu" and "select" buttons simultaneously for a few seconds) 3. Resore your iPod (connect the iPod to your computer and run the iPod updater or iTunes, depending on which version of iTunes you have. If they reconize your iPod, select "restore" but be aware that this completely erases your iPod. If it does not recognize it, go into disc mode on your iPod by holding down the "play" button as it is starting, and try to connect it to your computer once more) 4. If none of these work, you may unfortunately have a "dead" iPod. This can be the result of physical damage to the case of the iPod (even a small dent can cause the hard drive to stop functioning). The hard drive may also have just died over time. Finally, the battery may have lost its charge over time. Fortunately, you can probably take your iPod in to the Apple store and they can resolve any of these problems, or you can send it to Apple to be repaired (go through their site and they will tell you how to go about doing this). Regardless, don't count on Apple to fix this for free, if your lucky they may give you a break, but most of the time the will tell you that neither the battery, nor any sort of physical damage is covered by either the 90 day warranty or AppleCare. Alternatively, you can replace either a dead hard drive or battery by purchasing one from a third party and installing it yourself. For more help, you might want to try the iPod troubleshooter http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/tutorials/troubleshooting.html

Firstly, I'd try resetting your ipod. As with all clickwheel iPods, you can reset it by first toggling the hold switch on and off and then pressing the select (center) and menu buttons at the same time for about 10 seconds. When it's turned back on it will show the apple image for a few seconds and then continue. (Note, this does not delete your music) I have heard of other cases where lockups can be solved by either charging the battery, or if the battery is already charged, letting it drain the power, then connecting it back to your computer. (I am not certain the reason this fix works, but it has been confirmed on more than one occasion.)