Trying to remain calm about iPod problem

[benorz]

Hello. Sorry about the long post. This problem may have been asked before. I have read similar posts but had no luck in finding my exact problem. This past christmas I got a 4th Gen. 20gb iPod Clickwheel. It has worked fine up until now, the first time I hooked it up to MY PC. Previously I had put songs on it using a friends computer. Anyway, I installed the iPod software, and latest iTunes. when i hooked up my ipod to my comp the first time, it ran the configuration thing and deleted all my songs. so i decided, no biggie, i will transfer my songs back onto it.... WRONG! I am using winxp pro w/ sp2 and usb2. If I am lucky, iTunes will "see" my iPod... however I have been unable to transfer any files to it. It will say "transfering files 1 of 7, but jsut sit there on song one not transferring until iTunes finally decides to stop attempting to transfer, or gives me an error. I forget what the error said, it had -36 at the end though (hopefully that makes it more clear). I uninstalled and reinstalled my iPod software as well as itunes. no change. I attempted a restore using iPod Updater, however it gives me a disk read error. Another interesting point is that iPod Updater will see my iPod, give me the serial number, and the software version (3.02 or 3.2?), however it will not recognize my iPod name or capacity. sounds to me like a HD error of some sort, although ive never done anything to damage my ipod in any way, and before it got configured for use with my PC I never had a problem with it. If anyone can help me or direct me towards help, it would be greatly appreciated. At this point I've spent hours in this forum searching as well as other sites, and the iPod User Guide. The frustration is growing and I dont know what to do short of sending it back for a new one. Thank you for your help.

One more thing that I found strange. iTunes will rarely detect my iPod, however windows will still add my iPod as a Removeable Disk.

[honeybee1236]

You have a corrupt/damaged hard drive and if the restore process will not resolve it then you need to return the iPod to Apple for service. They will replace it.

:) Welcome to the lounge.

[benorz]

If I return my iPod to Apple to get it replaced, do I have to pay anything? It was only bought December of 2004 so is still under warranty (errr... I think). Ugh, this is a huge pain in the arse, seeing as my parents bought it for me and I live in another province than them. Oh well, guess I'll see if the store they bought it from will replace it, and if not, then off to Apple it is... just hope it doesnt cost anything. College steals all my money...

[AndyH]

You're still under warranty...the warranty period is one full year.

[benorz]

one more quick question since i was not present when my parents bought it. It was purchased at Best Buy (in Canada) and I am not sure about thier exchange policies. Does anyone happen to know if they will do a direct instore exchange, or will they send it back to Apple themselves. I just want to know which method will be the fastest, mailing direct to Apple or taking it back to Best Buy to do an exchange. if anyone knows that would be greatly apprectiated.

thanks to the mods that have replied so far