How to Reformat an IPod

If your iPod has become damaged or you need it to work with a different operating system, consider reformatting it. The process is quick and relatively simple. Best of all, it restores your iPod to its original factory settings, which should fix any minor glitches you've been experiencing with it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Connect your iPod to your computer and sync it with iTunes.

2. Open the iPod management screen by clicking its icon on the left side of the iTunes window.

3. Click on the tab labeled "Summary."

4. Look for the button labeled "Restore" beneath the "Check for Update" button. Once you've found it, click on it.

5. Click on "Yes" when iTunes asks you if you're sure you want to restore the iPod.

6. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by iTunes for restoring your iPod.

7. Finalize the restoration by choosing the sync settings and naming your iPod like you did when it was brand new.

8. Reload your media to your reformatted iPod by syncing it with iTunes.

Tips & Warnings

• Although Apple doesn't recommend it, you can use an iPod formatted for Windows on a Mac. This unfortunately doesn't work the other way around, since Macs use the HFS Plus file system, which Windows can't recognize.
• Do not reformat your iPod until you've backed its contents up to another hard drive.
• Don't disconnect the iPod from your computer until the reformatting is complete.

Resources

• Use iDump to back up all of the songs, movies, pictures and podcasts stored on your iPod. Follow this link to download it.

[sammythegun]

on 2/11/2009 Also as a warning you have to have an external power source, ac adapter, to finish the restoring process. Most people don't have one of those and you can no longer use it until you get one. rrr.