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Restore iPod on Windows

iPod Fanatic — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 00:28:15 +0000

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.

Frozen iPod Problems

iPod Fanatic — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:52:15 +0000

Have you ever been listening to your favorite playlist, only to have your iPod freeze up? You know, it locks up during playback. Or you are watching your favorite movie and your iPod stops responding. If your iPod won’t turn on, becomes stuck with just the battery icon showing, has stopped responding while playing music (the click Wheel doesn’t respond) or it will not wake from sleep, here are some tips to try and repair your frozen iPod.

Problem: Won’t Power On

Make sure the Hold switch is on. Toggle the Hold switch, slide the switch to Hold (an orange bar appears) and then slide it back (orange bar is hidden). Your iPod will not respond if the Hold switch is set to off.
Make sure you iPod battery is fully charged. Your iPod won’t turn on if the battery is empty or dead. Instead, a low battery screen appears for about 3 seconds when you try to turn it on. Note: If you are connecting via USB and the battery is completely discharged, there may be up to a 30-minute delay before iPod powers up.
Reset the iPod (full instructions) by holding down the Menu and Center buttons for 10 seconds.
Let the iPod charge for at least 20 minutes. Note: If the iPod is connected to a computer, make sure the computer is not set to sleep, standby, or hibernate.
After the iPod has charged for at least 20 minutes and while it is still connected to the power source, toggle the Hold switch again as in step 1.
- If the Apple logo appears on the display, connect the iPod to a computer and verify that it appears in iTunes and can play music. If the iPod appears in iTunes and can play music, no further troubleshooting is needed.
- If the Apple logo does not appear or the iPod is not seen in iTunes, the iPod should be serviced, or at least run the diagnostics.
If iPod does not turn on, disconnect it from all power sources and leave it disconnected for about 24 hours, then reset your iPod again. If it turns on now, use the iPod Updater to update your iPod’s software. Not having the most up to date software can be a huge problem.
- If the Apple logo does not appear or the iPod is not seen in iTunes, the iPod should be serviced or run the diagnostics.

Reset iPod

iPod Fanatic — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:51:57 +0000

There are many ways to reset an iPod, but each way is as unique as the iPod that you own. If you want to reset iPod here are some tips to try, and links on how to reset each style of iPod.

When you reset an iPod, there are usually 5 steps that you can take to attempt to restore your iPod before going through all of the problems. Just to reset an Ipod can take time and cause some problems, such as lost music and video files, or other custom iPod settings that you may have.

The first step to try is to make sure your iPod is fully charged, and the battery isn’t dead or need replacing.

The next step is to retry your ipod, in other words, try moving the on/off switch back and forth a few times. Also, try a different USB port on your computer.

The third step is to restart your computer and make sure that all of your software is up to date before you reset your iPod.

The fourth step is to reinstall iTunes and then plug in your ipod and make sure that all of your software is up to date.

The final step is to reset your iPod. When you reset an iPod, it will erase all of your songs and files, be sure to have backups!

Since each iPod is different, check the following links for specifics on how to reset an iPod for each style.

Reset an iPod Classic

Reset an iPod Nano

Reset an iPod Mini

Reset an iPod Touch

Reset an iPod Shuffle

Reset iPod Classic

iPod Fanatic — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:32:06 +0000

If your iPod Classic is frozen or you are frustrated with your iPod problems, here are the simple steps to reset your iPod Classic or restore your iPod Classic fully to its working condition. These steps will help to repair your ipod Classic also.

Step 1:

Make sure your iPod is fully charged and then toggle the Hold switch on and off.

Step 2:

Reset
To reset your iPod:

* 1. Toggle the Hold switch on and off. (Slide it to Hold, then turn it off again.)
* 2. Press and hold the Menu and Select buttons until the Apple logo appears, about 6 to 10 seconds. You may need to repeat this step.

Tip:
o If you are having difficulty resetting your iPod, set it on a flat surface. Make sure the finger pressing the Select button is not touching any part of the click wheel. Also make sure that you are pressing the Menu button toward the outside of the click wheel, and not near the center.
o If the above steps did not work, try connecting iPod to a power adapter and plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet, or connect iPod to your computer. Make sure the computer is turned on and isn’t set to go to sleep.

Retry

Retry your iPod with a different USB port on your computer, not a USB port on your keyboard or hub.

Restart

Restart your computer, and make sure that you have the latest software updates installed.
Note:

* To update your Windows software, select Windows Update from the Tools menu of Internet Explorer.
* To update your Mac OS software, select Software Update from the Apple menu.

Reinstall

* To update and reinstall your iPod software, first download the latest version of iTunes.
* Next, open the new version of iTunes and connect your iPod to your computer.
* Select your iPod in the source list and click “Check for Update” under the Summary tab. iTunes will check to see if your iPod needs to be updated and perform the update for you.

Restore

* Note: Because Restore erases all of the songs and files on iPod, make sure to back up any files you’ve saved on the iPod disk. All of your songs, videos, podcasts, audiobooks, and games can be loaded back to your iPod provided that you have them stored in your iTunes Library.

How to restore your iPod:
For Windows:

* 1. Make sure you’ve reinstalled the latest version of iTunes.
* 2. Open iTunes, and then connect your iPod to your computer.
* 3. After a few moments, it will appear in the source list in iTunes.
* 4. Select your iPod in the source list and you will see information about it appear in the Summary tab of the main iTunes windows.
* 5. Click the Restore button. You will be prompted with one or more restore options that may prompt iTunes to automatically download of the latest iPod Software. The 4 possible restore options are:
o Restore Option 1: Restore – Restores with same iPod Software version already on iPod.
o Restore Option 2: Use Same Version – Restores with same iPod Software version already on iPod even though a newer version is available.
o Restore Option 3: Use Newest Version – Restores with the latest iPod Software on your computer.
o Restore Option 4: Restore and Update – Restores with the latest iPod Software on your computer.
* 6. A progress bar will appear on the computer screen indicating that the first stage of the restore process has started. When this stage is completed, iTunes will instruct you to leave iPod connected to your computer to complete restore.
* 7. During the stage 2 of the restore process, the iPod will show an Apple logo as well as a progress bar at the bottom of the display. It is critical that the iPod remains connected to the computer or iPod Power adapter during this stage. Note: The progress bar may be difficult to see since the backlight on the iPod display may be off.
* 8. After stage 2 of the restore process is complete and the iPod is connected to the computer, the iTunes Setup Assistant window will appear asking you to name your iPod and choose your syncing preferences similar to when you connected your iPod for the first time.

For Mac:
* 1. Make sure you’ve reinstalled the latest version of iTunes.
* 2. Open iTunes, and then connect your iPod to your computer.
* 3. After a few moments, it will appear in the source list in iTunes.
* 4. Select your iPod in the source list and you will see information about it appear in the Summary tab of the main iTunes windows.
* 5. Click the Restore button. You will be prompted with one or more restore options that may prompt iTunes to automatically download of the latest iPod Software. The 4 possible restore options are:
o Restore Option 1: Restore – Restores with same iPod Software version already on iPod.
o Restore Option 2: Use Same Version – Restores with same iPod Software version already on iPod, even though a newer version is available.
o Restore Option 3: Use Newest Version – Restores with latest iPod Software version on your computer.
o Restore Option 4: Restore and Update – Restores with latest iPod Software version on your computer.
* 6. A message will appear prompting you to enter an administrator’s name and password.
* 7. A progress bar will appear on the computer screen indicating that the first stage of the restore process has started. When this stage is completed, iTunes will instruct you to leave iPod connected to your computer to complete restore.
* 8. During the stage 2 of the restore process, the iPod will show an Apple logo as well as a progress bar at the bottom of the display. It is critical that the iPod remains connected to the computer or iPod Power adapter during this stage. Note: The progress bar may be difficult to see since the backlight on the iPod display may be off.
* 9. After stage 2 of the restore process is complete and the iPod is connected to the computer, the iTunes Setup Assistant window will appear asking you to name your iPod and choose your syncing preferences similar to when you connected your iPod for the first time.

Reset iPod Touch

iPod Fanatic — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:24:32 +0000

If your iPod Touch is frozen or you are frustrated with your iPod problems, here are the simple steps to reset your iPod touch or restore your iPod touch fully to its working condition. These steps will help to repair your ipod touch also.

Recharge

If you see this screen or the screen says, “Charging. Please wait…”, keep iPod touch connected so it continues charging.

Note:

* Use a high-power USB port such as the one on your computer, or use your iPod touch AC adapter (sold separately).
* Don’t use the USB port on your keyboard because it is a low-power port and iPod touch will not charge.

Restart

Try restarting iPod touch. To turn it off, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until the red slider appears. Slide your finger across the slider to turn off iPod touch. To turn iPod touch on, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until the Apple logo appears.

Does iPod touch appear frozen or stuck? Try pressing and holding the Home button for 6 seconds to close a frozen application. Then try restarting iPod touch again.

Reset

To reset iPod touch, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button at the same time until you see the Apple logo.

Remove Content

If iPod touch is not working as expected, it may be due to some of the content synced to it. Try selectively removing certain content that may be causing unexpected behavior such as songs, contacts, calendars, photos, videos, or podcasts. To remove content, connect iPod touch via USB and use iTunes to change the sync settings. Click on iPod touch in the Source list, and select each tab to change what content is synced and click Apply.

Reset Settings

Tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings

Note: This will reset all settings. No data or media will be deleted.

If that does not resolve your issue, try erasing all settings.

Tap Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Contents and Settings

Note: This will delete all media and data. All settings will be reset as well.

Restore

Try restoring iPod touch using iTunes.

Connect iPod touch. When it appears in the Source list, click on Restore in the Summary tab.
Note: This will delete all media and data. All settings will be reset as well.

How to Diagnose iPod Problems

iPod Fanatic — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 03:45:34 +0000

Did you know that you could possibly repair your own iPod? Why spend the money to send it out for repairs, or worse yet, go and buy a new one. From blank screens to problems making connectivity, or even if you can’t hear sound from your iPod, you can find out about your own iPod problems. If you are having iPod problems, try some of these simple steps to diagnose your iPod problems and see if these will repair your iPod.

You will need to switch your iPod into test mode, and here is how you do this:

You need to press and hold the “Menu” and “Select” at the same time for approximately 10 seconds. This will reset your iPod.
When you see the Apple logo and feel the hard drive spinning up, press and hold “REW” and “Select” at the same time. Your iPod will give a “chirp” sound and the Apple logo will now appear backwards. You are now in the diagnostic mode on your iPod.
The diagnostic tests will NOT damage or corrupt your data. Your music, photos, playlists and videos will all remain intact. (I assume no responsibility if they don’t!).
It will be a good idea to plug your iPod into the wall charger since some of the following test can take awhile and use a lot of battery life.

Once you are ready to begin the iPod diagnostic problem solving, you can run the following tests in either Manual Mode by pressing “Menu” or in Automatic Mode by pressing the “Back” button. Once the tests are running, you can cancel them by pressing “Menu” at any time.

If you run the Automatic Mode tests, these are the tests that will run:

NTF

Graphic self test
SDRAMQuicktest
Checksum
RTC
USBtest
Keytest
Wheeltest
Headphonedetect
Accessory Test
ChargeADC
Backlight (brightness)
Color

Memory

These test will check your iPod Flash memory, SDRAM and IRam to make sure that they can read and write (like a spelling test).

SDRAM is the RAM memory test. The complete test will take several minutes and if it is successful, you will see a message like “SDRAM OK.”
IRAM: This takes several moments to load before running a quick test and rebooting your iPod.
FLASH: Performs a test of your iPod’s flash memory to make sure it is OK.

Comms: This tests the communication ports of your iPod including USB, FireWire and Remote. If the Remote is not connected to your iPod at the time of the test, you can expect a NG (no good) for the HP (headphone-port). You should be ok with this part of the test, unless you have been having problems with the headphone port.
Wheel: This option has two tests, Keytest and Wheeltest. Push each button once to pass the Keytest. The Wheeltest just gives you a coordinate of where your finger is on the Click-Wheel.
LCD: This option also has two tests, one for Color which will run through a series of colors, gradients, and patterns. The second test is for the Backlight feature. The Color test will run through a series of colors, patterns and gradients which you will see displayed on your iPod screen.
HeadphoneDetect: This test checks the Hold Switch and Headphone port.
HardDrive: Includes four tests and uses lots of power, plug your iPod into wall power for this one.
- HDSpecs responds with the unique specifications on your iPod, everything from hard drive temperature to serial number.
- HDScan – This is a good test to see what the condition of your hard drive really is. It will also scan your iPod hard drive to see how fragmented it is. This test can take a few minutes, so go take a bathroom break.
- HDSMARTData – used by professional repair technicians, not much else to say.
- HDRW tests the ability of your hard drive to read and write data. A FAIL result probably means you need to get your hard drive replaced.
Audio: This is another test with two parts. Playback plays an audio sample to make sure your iPod can produce sound. MIC tests your iPods ability to record audio.

Power test

A2DTests: This test has a few sub tests.
- PhilipsID checks the power system of your iPod
- A2D lists a series of analogue to digital

Status

Displays the status of your iPod’s main systems.

Sharp: LCD screen
HP: headphones. Are they connected? [0 = no, 1 = yes]
FWPWR: FireWire power. Is your FireWire cable charging your iPod?
USBPWR: USB power. Is your USB cable charging your iPod?

System Configuration (SysCfg)

This test will list some important information about your iPod’s hardware version, serial numbers, and part number. You’ll need this information if you send it to Apple for repair or try to get parts for your own repair.

Just remember, if your iPod is still in warranty, send it back. Don’t try to fix it yourself or you will void the warranty.

How to Set Up Multiple Computers for One iPod

iPod Fanatic — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 20:41:05 +0000

A friend and I were recently talking about if you can have one iPod on two computers. He said you couldn’t, and I said you could. In my last post, we talked about how to prepare iTunes for multiple iPod users, so here are some tips on how to get one iPod set up on two different computers. We were debating quite heavily about two computers one iPod for some time, so I put together this guide on one iPod with two computers, or multiple computers.

First, you will need to make sure that both computers are running the same operating system. They both need to be running either Mac OS X or Windows. You can’t have one of each, as it won’t work because your iPod is formatted for either a Windows PC or a Mac.

To determine if your iPod has been restored for Macintosh or Windows, do this:

On your iPod, select Settings > About. If you’re using an older iPod with older iPod software (such as iPod Software 1.x), select Settings from the main menu.
Scroll down to the bottom of the screen.

If your iPod disk is configured for Macintosh, the serial number is the last item you’ll see listed in the About screen. If the disk is configured for Windows, the last item you’ll see is “Format: Windows.”

To change the iPod format you will need to restore iPod using iTunes. For more information on the how to restore iPod with iTunes see “Restoring iPod to factory settings” on the Apple support site.

Second, you need to set your iPod to “Manually manage music”. It really is helpful, almost required, that you be running iTunes 7 or newer. By default iPod is set to “Automatically sync songs to my iPod” sometimes called automatic mode. In order to transfer music from multiple computers iPod must be set to “Manually manage music” sometimes referred to as manual mode.

When your iPod is set to automatic mode, your iPod is automatically updated by the iTunes system. Your iPod’s music library is updated anytime you connect iPod to your computer. iTunes transfers new songs you’ve added, and erases songs you’ve removed.

However, the first computer you connect your iPod to is considered the “home” computer, and the music library from that computer is copied to your iPod. When you connect your iPod to another computer, an alert box appears with this message:

“The iPod is synced with another iTunes library. Do you want to erase this iPod and sync with this iTunes library?”

“An iPod can be synced with only one iTunes library at a time. Erasing and syncing replaces the contents of this iPod with the contents of this iTunes library.”

If you want to delete your music library on your iPod and make the second computer the iPod’s “home” computer, click Erase and Sync. iTunes will delete all songs and playlists on the iPod, and then will copy the music library and playlists from the new home computer to iPod.

If you want to keep the music library on your iPod, but copy songs or playlists from the music library on the second computer, click Cancel to this dialog box, and then set your iPod to manual mode.

You change the iPod synchronization mode to manual mode in iTunes:

1. Open iTunes, if necessary.
2. Select iPod in the Source pane.
3. Click the Summary tab.
4. Click “Manually manage music and videos” to enable that option.
5. Click OK in the resulting dialog box.
6. Click Apply.

It is normal for iPod to take a few seconds to change from automatic mode to manual mode.

When in manual mode, to add songs or playlists drag them from iTunes to the iPod icon in the sidebar. To remove songs or playlists select them on the iPod in iTunes and hit the delete key. You can also create playlists directly on the iPod.

Note: iPod shuffle is intended for use with a single computer. You cannot load music from multiple computers or iTunes libraries onto iPod shuffle like you can with other iPods.

Hope this helps explain a little more about the process of having one iPod with two computers and how to sync them up to play nicely with each other. Of course this also works on laptops. One of my favorite things to do when sitting around at night is to put my laptop on my laptop cushion and watch tv while downloading, updated and rearranging my playlists to get ready for the upcoming week.

How to Prepare iTunes for Multiple iPod Users

iPod Fanatic — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 03:30:18 +0000

In an earlier article I wrote about how to sync multiple iPods to one computer, but I have received several emails asking about more clarification for how to do this. So, here is some better instructions that are hopefully more clear about how to have multiple iPods on one computer and prepare iTunes to sync them.

When you first begin, be sure to give each iPod it’s own name. You can name them whatever you want, as long as you will remember who they belong to. Name them either by person, or what they are for. Such as “Mary’s” or “Gym”.
When you set up the first iPod, make sure that the “manually manage music” option is checked. This will prevent iTunes from adding all songs to each iPod automatically, and we will enable syncing later on.
Next, create the playlist you want for each person’s iPod. Name the playlist with their name or something else clear and distinct. Do this by clicking the plus sign at the bottom left of the window and giving the playlist a descriptive name.
Drag the songs you want to add to the playlist for each person. This way, everyone can be sure that they only get the music they want. When new songs are added to the computer, be sure to add them to the correct playlist.
Update your sync settings for each iPod. Plug each iPod in and go to the “music” tab of the iPod window. There, choose the button reading “selected playlists” and then check off the playlist for each iPod.
For instance, if you’ve created a playlist for Mary, select the playlist called Mary to sync only that music to her iPod when she connects it.
Almost done! Now, click “Apply” at the bottom of the window. Repeat this for everyone with an iPod in the house and you’ll be all set to use multiple iPods on one computer!
The final step enables the auto sync function, so be sure to go back to the main page and uncheck manually manage music. Now each iPod will be automatically synced to its playlist each time it’s connected.

Hope this helps clarify a little more!

How to Add Video to Your iPod

iPod Fanatic — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 11:12:27 +0000

Adding video to your iPod is a relatively easy step to accomplish. You can still add video to your non-video enabled iPod, as it will work as a “storage” device to move an iTunes video to another computer or device.

After you have downloaded iPod-compatible videos to iTunes, you can add them to your iPod.

1. With a video-compatible iPod connected to your computer, choose iTunes, Preferences (Mac), or Edit, Preferences (Windows) and click the iPod tab.
2. Click Videos.
3. Click Automatically Update All Videos, or click Automatically Update Selected Play lists (Only to choose specific items).
4. Click OK to finish configuring iPod video access.
Playing videos on an iPod

Videos downloaded to your iPod appear in the Videos playlist. If your iPod doesn’t support video, you won’t see this playlist. Within Videos are category playlists for your videos on your iPod.

Great iPod ebook now available!

iPod Fanatic — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 13:16:16 +0000

Do You Want To Know How To Troubleshoot Your iPod (to solve all of those niggling little problems) and Learn How to Use All of its Incredible Features Simply and Easily?

This ebook is simply amazing and packed with lots of tips, tricks, hacks and fixes that every iPod owner should know about. Not only to be able to quickly solve any issues you may encounter, but to make the iPod experience for you the best it can be!

Here is just some of what is in the ebook:

Proven strategies for how to use your iPod for work purposes and tax deduct the cost of the iPod and accessories.
How to update your iPod’s software (Windows and Mac).
How to boot your Mac from your iPod (which is a great way to back up your Mac’s hard disk and to make sure that if your hard drive ever fails, you aren’t up the proverbial creek without a paddle).
How to troubleshoot your iPod (eg when it freezes or won’t turn on, how to reset the PMU, when the touchwheel and buttons don’t respond, when you’ve accidentally erased your iPod’s drive).
How to use your iPod to store data (such as word files, pictures, movies). So, have an additional hard drive to provide additional capacity to your computer.
How to maximise your iPod’s battery capacity and what to do if you still need more.
How to synchronise your contacts, calendar and email between your Mac/PC and your iPod.
How to store notes on your iPod (including secret documents such as pin numbers, passwords etc).
How to use scripts to automate processes between your Mac and your iPod.
How to use your iPod to DJ (including to mix songs!)
What you need to use your iPod as a voice recorder (so you can tape lectures, meetings, interviews or just make voice memos for yourself).
What you need to turn your iPod into a multi-media card reader, so you can store your photos off your digital camera.
How to play music until you sleep and how to use your iPod to wake you up again.
How to use your iPod with your home stereo system, dvd player or car stereo to have all your music with you wherever you are.
How to copy songs from your iPod to your Mac or PC.
How to use your iPod with multiple Machines.
How to replace your iPod’s battery.
How to replace your iPod’s hard drive.
What software is available for your iPod, what it does, where you can find it and where you can you find more.

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