On-Device Reset
Toggle the Hold switch on the upper left top of the device. Move the switch to the locked position – exposing the orange stripe – and then return it to the unlocked position. Press and hold both the Menu button and the center button on the click wheel for up to 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears. If the logo doesn’t appear in 10 seconds, repeat both steps again. Connect your device to a charging source if there is still no response. The iPod’s internal battery may need charging.
Factory Restore Using iTunes
Install the most recent version of iTunes on your computer. Open iTunes and connect your iPod Classic. Wait for the iPod Classic to appear in the source list. If it does not appear, put the iPod into Disk Mode. Click on your iPod Classic in the source list. The summary page will appear. Click the Restore iPod box. Choose one of up to four options which may be presented. These options may be:
Restore - Restores with same iPod Software version already on iPod. Use Same Version - Restores with same iPod Software version already on iPod even though a newer version is available. Use Newest Version - Restores with the latest iPod Software on your computer. Restore and Update - Restores and updates the latest iPod Software on your computer.
Accept the warning by clicking Restore to begin the process. The iPod Classic will go dark during the reset. Leave the device connected until the iTunes setup assistant appears and asks you to enter your name and other information, as with a new iPod. Writer Bio
