Before hand, let me apologize for the long post. I did a search and found similar problems, but nothing like quite like mine.

okay, here's my problem. I updated to itunes 5.0.1.4. the ipod is a 4g 20gb with the newest 3.1 (i think) firmware. I was using the ipod as a disk, copying over some files for class. On my way out, was running late and didn't notice itunes open in the background, and unplugged it while it was updating in itunes. Got to class and the win2000 comp wouldn't recognize it.

Once I got it home (winxp), sometimes it would recognize, others it would just freeze the comp until i unplugged it. I did a restore on a different computer, reformated my xp machine, and reinstalled itunes. All my music transfered over and everything was fine.

that was about a week ago. Now, on my way home from work, it locked up. I did a reset and all of the music was gone. Reset it again and it was all back. I plugged it into the computer and it froze and reset the ipod. Now whenever it tries to boot I get either the folder icon or the sad ipod (usually folder). You can hear the hard drive spin for a sec or to the click off. then try again over and over until it gives up.

I used the diagnostic mode to run a hdd scan. Now, my understanding is it should take a while to run. Mine runs for 5-10 seconds and then says it passes. whatever i try i can't get it to boot though. every other test i run seems to pass. the hdd r/w test used to display 19GB, the test pass, now it just stays at 19gb and won't do anything else.

anywho, anyone have any ideas. I bought it in march, so think I should just send it to apple? And if so, do they require the original reciept (not sure what i did with it). Last time I RMA'd something (MSI video card), they just needed the serial number to determine the manufacture date.