IPod won't turn on, apple sign comes on, then a file image with exclamation mark

I've gone through this same problem and searched for days to get a solution. I'm not sure why exactly it does this but you just need to manually reset your Ipod. You do this by simply turning the lock button at the top of the device on then off then on then off. After that just hold the center button and the menu button down simultaneously until the screen turns on. This will reset your device but you shouldn't lose any of your files. I hope this helps!

The exclamation mark next to a title in iTunes means that iTunes cannot locate the song associated with that title (original file cannot be found). The cause for this is an incorrect setting of iTunes preferences when copying iPod songs.
Before copying your iPod songs, setup your iTunes preferences as follows

• Open iTunes preferences (in the Edit menu)
• Select the Advanced tab.
• Make sure the box next to "Copy files to iTunes Music folder when adding to library" is checked.
• Click OK.

Then use a program like TouchCopy to copy your iPod music to iTunes. You can download TouchCopy from here
http://www.wideanglesoftware.com/touchcopy/

Hi, As i understand you see a folder with exclamation mark on it...

So 1st you hav to try resting the ipod.... Try to press and hold the menu and the center button for approx 6 to 8 secs... then once you see a Apple logo release the buttons. this should work

Other solution would be restoring your ipod to factory settings by connecting it to computer and restoring it using itunes... then update the software as well

If not... try to connect the ipod to computer and then open Mycomputer....Right click on ipod.... then format it.... wait for the format process... then using itunes restore it to factory settings

This has to work

Reply if unable ot if you need any help

Hi,
Try this.

1. Put the iPod into disk mode by holding the menu and middle keys together until the screen turns dark.
   
2. Then quickly hold both he middle button and play/pause buttons until the iPod shows a check mark and the words disk mode at the top.
   
3. ThenClick on iTunes to open it.
4. Connect the iPod to the computer. You may have to do a restore depending on what iTunes says you need to do.

If this doesn't work, check the bottom of the ipod where you connect the cable. See if there are any bent pins. These are very fragile and can be damaged if you insert or pull the cable out the wrong way. Hope that helps.

Can you charge it? If so fully charge it and then connect it to the computer and reset/rebot the ipod and see if that helps, if you can't charge it just do the same thing.

hey there..i haven't fixed it yet but i found out why its not showing up on itunes...apple soulutions suggested that i check with my computer ( right click on my computer then manage and disk management to find out if ipod is even in my computer so i did and find out its not in my computer to start with...im going to my sisters house to see if my ipod will work there casue i don't wanna mess with computer for now...thanks though.....ak..

Dear Rachel, This is often the result of a corrupt file system or a dead/dying internal iPod hard drive.  The way to eliminate the file system as the cause is to do a RESTORE.  It is probably not showing up on the computer in iTunes, so you need to try to force it into disk mode.  To do this, follow the instructions below: 1)  Toggle the HOLD slider switch to ON then OFF again.  First slide over you will see orange, then slide it back to cover the orange in the hold slider.
2)  Repeat what you did by holding down the menu and select buttons and when you get the Apple logo, IMMEDIATELY let go and hold down the Select and Play buttons.
3)  You SHOULD see a check mark on the screen and along the top of the screen should be the words, "Disk Mode."  If that is there, plug in your iPod to the computer and wait for iTunes to startup.  
4)  In iTunes, select the iPod and then just click on the RESTORE YOUR IPOD button to reinstall the original software (you will lose your tunes stored in your iPod, but you should have them on your iTunes anyway).
If none of this works and you get the nasty sad icon again, it is most likely the hard drive or another hardware issue.  My advice from here is to check with the following company and have them do a FREE diagnosis and quote for repair.  Just go to Rapid Repair at this URL:  http://www.rapidrepair.com/
Good luck and I hope this helps! Jeffrey Wrobel

Hopefully your ipod is still under warranty, because this is indicative of a hardware problem.

You could try to force it into disk mode and do a restore, if that doesn't work then it needs to be sent in for repair.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61771

First the obvious (but needs to be asked) - is the iPod charged? I'd try charging it with a wallcharger first (or at least an USB port on the laptop (no USB hubs). If that doesn't work visit the link below to Apple's support documents that have additional things to try when you get the Battery (!) icon. http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60941 Hope this helps!

If your iPod is frozen or won't turn on, connect your iPod to your computer, then press and hold the "Menu" and "Select" buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds to reset the iPod. Resetting an iPod will not affect your files or preferences.

You might also consider updating the software - LOCATED HERE

Hope this helps!

- TWEAK A/V LAB