In my previous articles talking about frozen iPod problems and how to reset your iPod, I briefly touched on the last “R” on the 5 “R”s for iPod problems.

The last “R” for any iPod problem is how to restore your iPod. I would like to specifically touch on how to restore your iPod on a Windows computer. So, if you should ever need this, and hopefully you don’t, just remember that there is a huge difference between a reset and restore for your iPod.

A restore on your iPod will completely erase all files, backups, programs, and anything else you have on it. This is a last ditch effort to bring to life your iPod in case of extreme failure. If this doesn’t work, maybe you can see if a piece of paper will fix your iPod. If you are reading this, I doubt that it will help, so let’s get on with it!

First, you want to make sure that you have the latest version of Apple’s iPod Updater software on your computer.

Now, let’s erase your iPod. This is an important step and if not done correctly can lead to problems later. You should also perform this step if you are selling or giving your iPod away to someone, it is like erasing your hard drive on your computer to prevent identity theft, etc.

• Connect your iPod via USB
• Go to My Computer (on desktop)
• iPod should be listed as a removable drive.
• Right click on the iPod
• Select “Format”, choose FAT 32 as the format
• Format progress will be indicated. Once it’s done, reboot your computer

Now you’re ready to update your iPod.

• Locate the Updater application on your PC: Start -> Programs -> iPod
• Select the iPod Updater option with the most recent date in its file name
• Make sure the iPod is available on the computer (check My Computer to see if the removable drive is present)
• Click “Restore”. An alert pop-up box will appear asking you to confirm this step, choose yes.
• You will see the progress indicator running, let it finish.
• Close the iPod updater.
• The screen on the iPod will dictate your next step.
  • If it shows a progress indicator and an Apple logo, let it run its course
  • If you get the AC adapter icon on screen, disconnect the iPod from the computer and use the wall outlet adaptor that came with it. This is how you will have to complete the update.
  • If you had to use “Disc Mode”, the screen should show “Ok to Disconnect”. After you disconnect you should reset the iPod.

Let’s Restore your iPod.

Since we have now completed the iPod update, go ahead and connect your iPod to your computer, if it isn’t already. If your iTunes is set to autosync, it will try to sync with it. If the previous steps were completed successfully, and the iPod is empty, the iTunes Setup Assistant should start automatically.

First you’ll be required to rename your iPod, then your iPod will synchronize with iTunes.

Once the synch with iTunes is complete you have a restored iPod. The iPod has been restored to factory settings and your iTunes library is now restored on your iPod as well.