Before opening your iPod, ensure that the hold switch is in the locked position. The orange bar should be visible, indicating hold is active.

Opening the iPod can be challenging. Don't get discouraged if it takes you a few tries before the iPod is opened.

Insert a large iPod opening tool into the seam between the plastic front and metal rear panel of the iPod, near the headphone jack. The tool's edge should point towards the metal rear panel to prevent any accidental scratching of the plastic front.

Run the tool along the top seam toward the upper left corner of the iPod. Press the tool into the corner, creating a small gap on the side of the case.

Push the large iPod opening tool into the upper left corner of the iPod, creating a small gap along the side seam.

There are five retaining tabs on each side of the iPod.

With the large iPod opening tool still inserted in the top seam, press a small iPod opening tool into the gap you just created.

Run the iPod opening tool down the side seam, releasing all five tabs.

It may be necessary to wiggle the tool while working your way down the seam to free all the tabs.

Run the iPod opening tool around the lower left corner of the iPod and along the bottom seam to free the two retaining clips near the dock connector.

Run the iPod opening tool around the lower right corner and slide it down the right side seam to free the five tabs holding the iPod together. You may be able to free the tabs by gently wiggling the front panel of the iPod.

The iPod case is now open, but don't separate the two halves just yet. There is still an orange ribbon cable connecting the headphone jack to the logic board.

Open the case like a book with the dock connector edge at the top, and lay the rear panel next to the front half of the iPod.

Use a plastic tool or your fingernails to carefully disconnect the orange headphone jack cable. Be sure to pull straight up on the connector, not the cable itself.