So I received my 4G 20 GB iPod from FreeiPods.com in October 2004, and I really enjoyed it. Apart from a "crease" in the middle of the screen (a wave sort of imperection...looked like oil on the surface of water), the player worked perfectly.

I had problems with iTunes, some songs wouldn't be able to transfer to my iPod, but that didn't happen frequently.

I had always used the USB to connect to my computer, because I liked using the Firewire to charge it (faster) using the adapter.

I first started experiencing problems with my iPod a couple of weeks ago while playing pool. It just froze and stopped playing the song I was listening to. Granted, I have dropped and dented my iPod several times (especially when exiting my vehicle! MAN I HATE THAT!), so I know that the issues my iPod faces right now could be irreparable if I am left to my own devices. I am thinking of sending it in to be looked at, but until two or three days ago... I hadn't really experienced much trouble with it.

Here's where my trouble started...

I have "discovered" a new artist, and go t two of his albums. I, of course, had to get the music onto my iPod straight away! Well, one of the songs that I really liked wouldn't transfer. I was not pleased. This would not do. So, I tried altering the file's ID3 tag, and then tried to updated my iPod again. It seemed to work, until I realized that all my alterations did was rearrange the order in which files would be transferred.

As it turns out, several songs wouldn't transfer... THIS DID NOT MAKE ME HAPPY. I figured that it was time to erase as many media files as possible. So, I unchecked all my playlists (here's where I should have reformatted) except for one that only had a few songs. I was basically trying to "clean" it, and when I re-checked the playlists, I also checked the "bad" files that wouldn't upload before. This didn't make my iPod happy... The files still wouldn't upload.

I think this is where I started disconnecting the iPod when it said, "Do not disconnect." iTunes was freezing, and it wouldn't stop the connection. I ended iTunes but it kept the "connection" alive anyway. So I disconnected it, and nothing really happened. Some form of this little dance went on for awhile while I was still trying sync my iPod. I eventually ran into a barrier I couldn't pass, and ended up reformatting my iPod.

When I reconnected my freshly formatted iPod, I synced it, at first, with the routinely used USB cable. I ran into the same file issues, as always there were "Fatal Error" messages telling me that it couldn't copy to the hard disk (or something, I think the number following it was (-36) or something... and at one time I got something about it couldn't find the folder). It was also taking FOREVER to get through all the files (only around 900), so I decided to use the Firewire cable.

Well, this changed everything... It now transferred at lightning fast speeds, and there were no more file errors. I am thinking, SWEET! So, went back and checked all the "bad" files that wouldn't upload before... Guess what? They uploaded! I was ecstatic!

Then... I went to listen to it, and guess what? I run into the frequently talked about "freezing/skipping to the next song problem"! GREAT!! I'm pretty upset at this point, and decide to just reconnect the iPod and see if the issue will fix itself.

Here's the A-Bomb in this whole fiasco.

I was pretty tired, left the iPod connected, and went off to bed. When I awake, I find that my computer had been restarted, and my iPod is frozen and drained of it's battery.

Now, I cannot hold a connection with the computer, and if it doesn't automatically stop it's connectivity process, it freezes. Resetting does not work, disconnecting does nothing, it just stays frozen on the same screen. The screen shows the headliner bar, the battery indicator, and "Do no disconnect."... but there isn't the cautionary circle that usually blinks... just those three things.

I think I have somehow screwed up my Firmware, but I'm not sure. I can't hold the connection to my computer long enough to reformat the iPod, and my Updater just tells me, "Can't mount iPod".

Before, I had to wait a certain length of time for the frozen screen to go away, and I think that was because the battery had to drain to nearly empty. Last night I reasoned that it kept freezing because it didn't have any battery life... so, in my "infinite" wisdom, I decided to let it charge. Now, you'd think I'd get the charging screen when I plugged it into the adapter... not the case. It just was blank... Regardless, the iPod is charged, and now I may be waiting for the rest of the night for it to drain out, as the "frozen" screen is not going away after about 40 or so minutes...

Is my case hopeless? Is there nothing left for me to do? I've tried Anapod's software, and it does not work either.

If I have to have it fixed, can I get some recommendations? I have an HP, does HP provide service that is comparable to Apple's? I'm really low on cash, so the biggest bang I can get for my buck is quite a priority... I would like to have the dents and scratches removed, as well as getting a new screen (one that doesn't have the "wave"). One of the dents is located right next to my connectivity port (below the click-wheel), and the plastic liner inside the port (white plastic) is broken... I'd like to have that replaced as well.

So, what do you guys think? Think I can fix it myself? If so, what steps do I take to have my music back!? If not, who should I call? HP, or a Private company? What should I expect to pay?

I'll update this topic just in case someone else is suffering from the same problems ;)

YOUR HELP IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!

(My email is int3rn3tj0ck@gmail.com, if you have tips or any information please send it there if you cannot post)