How can I delete recursive folders of contacts

[gaurav]

Please choose the appropriate forum for this topic. Thank you. I have searched ipod longue for the entire day yesterday for this problem without success. Here it goes:
1. Created a vcf file with 126 contacts in outlook (email ids etc)
2. Exported file to ipod in disk mode, from outlook.
3. Now I cant see the contacts in the pod (Problem 1)
4. When i chk the pod in disk mode it shows 642 folders (like a tree one below the other) in the contacts folder, also the properties show 241 Gigs as the space taken up, yes 241 GIGS!!
5. I tried deleting the vcf files (which are strangely 0KB each) but the addresses just keep coming back. eg., I delete 126 addresses, and get back 126 again in the same folder.
6. I am unable to delete the folders directly, get an error # 1148 .... :confused:
7. I have checked the folder options in explorer on my laptop (Compaq Armada) they seem to be fine. There is no 'read only' kind of basic problem.

Question is how do I get these addresses out of the pod without disturbing anything else(Problem2). My Music Match shows 9MB free where as the pod in disk mode shows 9 gigs free(Problem 3). I am all confused!

Mine is a 3G 20gig ipod, I use win2k and Music Match. I don't use any other software.
appreciate any help......

[Shadow]

I just did a quick Google search and from what I've read it sounds like that folder got corrupted somehow. Here are some things that I read that you should try:

1) Reboot windows and do not start Outlook - then try deleting the bad folder on your iPod

2) Navigate to the folder on your iPod just above the bad folder (I'm guessing this would be the Contacts folder on your iPod) - do not left click on the bad folder to select it. Just right-click on it and select delete from the popup menu.

3) Run chkdsk x: /f on your iPod drive (use your iPod drive letter in place of the x: in the example.

4) Last resort, try deleting the s ubfolders one at a time starting at the lowest one. You say there are 642 folders so this could take a while.

[gaurav]

Thanks for the reply Shadow.

The chkdsk..worked and the pod was formatted. I have reloaded the songs, the contact folders are gone and I am a happy dude, without a 'Shadow' of doubt ;)

What did not work (for the benefit of others)
1. Cant delete the sub-folders, simply because windows does not allow it. Also, I cant see all the folders since windows does not have the capability to show all 642 odd folders (cant cascade it so far!!)
2. Individual deletion of vcf files does not work either.:mad:
3. Outlook or no outlook the folders were just frozen in place.

Anyways..alls well that ends well.

Thanks a lot Shadow (BTW your sites are good!!)