*Panic* Dir entry 4 in sector 2 is not free! What does it mean?

[Khaaaan!]

I've recieved this error message every time I've attempted to start up my rockbox'd 4th gen iPod Color/Photo. I plugged it into my PC, and checking the root, I found some previously unseen files with strange names:

File Name:


File Name: └·

File Name: îÉ (something odd about this one: the "last modified date is 10/24/2055)

I've never seen these files before, yet they have appeared, and I cannot delete them through normal means. I've only had Rockbox on it for a few days, and I'm thinking of reinstalling it. Any other suggestions?

[safetydan]

Your filesystem is corrupted. You'll need to run a Scandisk (or chkdsk) to fix it. Are you properly unmounting/safely disconnecting your iPod before unplugging it?

[Khaaaan!]

Ah. That'd be the problem then. Thanks. I'll stop doing that.


I'm running chkdsk now, and everything seems to be in order. Thanks again.

[Khaaaan!]

I fear I have a new issue. I safely disconnected the iPod, but when I did, the "Do Not Disconnect" sign was still flashing, and my computer ceases to recognize the device, even as it sits plugged in as we speak. Did I disconnect it incorrectly?

[GodEater]

If your iPod was still displaying the "Do not disconnect" screen, then it wasn't safe to disconnect it. You need to wait until either the tick appears, or the iPod OF interface reappears before disconnecting.

If you can't get your PC to recognise it now - then disconnect the cable, and perform a hard reset, followed by putting it into disk mode (the steps for which are described in the top thread of the Apple Installs forum).