How to Uninstall ipod Linux from Your ipod

As devoted *nix users know, it's an ongoing challenge to see how many different machines can run on a Linux platform. From laptops to calculators, Linux has been installed on a variety of gadgets--including the iPod. The iPod version of Linux was designed to port Linux to Apple's music player. Some people, however, find it difficult to manage music using the system and want to uninstall the software. Here's how.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Unistall Using iTunes

1. Use the iTunes Restore functionality. Boot your iPod into Disk Mode or into the Apple firmware (your iPod should be partitioned). This can be accomplished by holding down your iPod's "Menu" and center buttons together. When you see the Apple logo appear, press the "Play" and center buttons at the same time.

2. Plug your iPod into your computer and start iTunes, if it isn't set to start automatically.

3. Wait for iTunes to recognize your iPod, then click on the "Restore" button. This will reformat your iPod. The iTunes software will determine which firmware files need to be downloaded and installed and restore the device to factory standards.

Unistall iPod Linux From Older iPods

4. Use the iPod Updater utility to trick your iPod into thinking it has been restored to factory settings. This technique can be used on older iPods and, with WinPods that have the ext2 partition, it essentially removes the extension. MacPods, however, will still have the partition, but the iPod won't recognize it.

5. Boot into Disk mode or the Apple firmware before connecting your iPod to your computer.

6. Click on the drive that represents your iPod, and locate the "iPod_Control/Device" directory. You may have to enable Hidden Files to see it. In Windows, go to an Internet Explorer window and select "Tools," then "Folder Options," then "View" and then choose "Show Hidden Files." On Mac OS X, use the Finder's "Go to Folder" function and enter the following command:"/Volumes/your iPod's name/iPod_Control/Device"

7. Find the SysInfo file in your iPod's Control/Device folder. Open the file and peruse the text (or use a find function) for the lines:"buildID: 0x02208000visibleBuildID: 0x02208000"

8. Decrement the first or second nonzero digit by 1 to modify the values."buildID: 0x02108000visibleBuildID: 0x02108000"

9. Save your changes, and run iPod's Updater application.

Tips & Warnings

• Winpods can easily be restored to their original state if Linux iPod was installed using Installer 2 (see Resources below). Merely use the "Uninstall" option of the software. As long as you've created a backup, you can easily restore the iPod to the way it was before installing iPod Linux.
• Expect to lose some data if you didn't create a backup of the firmware partition when you installed Linux iPod and use iTunes to restore the original firmware.