How to Restore your iPod Hard Drive

The information of this Section is from Apple website and it teaches you how to restore your iPod HDD. (You will be reloading the HDD with the required operating system.)

NOTE: It is important to understand the difference between "update" and "restore". Update is simply installing the software that controls iPod and does not affect the songs and files stored in iPod.
Restore erases all data in the iPod and restores it to its original factory condition. Before you do a restore, make sure that you have backup all data in your iPod first. It is advisable to use this reliable software to backup your data in your computer, especially when your HDD is not working properly and cannot be detected by iTunes or iPod software.

1. Ensure that you have the latest new versions of iTunes and iPod Software in your computer.
2. Load iTunes program in your computer, and then connect your iPod through the USB 2 or FireWire cable.
3. Your iPod will be detected and will appear in the source panel of iTunes.
4. Click on your iPod on the Source panel and the information about your iPod will appear in the Summary tab of the main iTunes windows.
5. Click the Restore button and you will be prompted with one or more restore options.
6. The 4 possible restore options are:
   1. Restore Option 1: Restore - Restores with same iPod Software version already on the iPod.
   2. Restore Option 2: Use Same Version - Restores with same iPod Software version already on iPod even though a newer version is available.
   3. Restore Option 3: Use Newest Version - Restores with the latest iPod Software available.
   4. Restore Option 4: Restore and Update - Restores with the latest iPod Software and updates available.
7. For Mac user, a message will prompt you to enter an administrator’s name and password.
8. First stage of the restore process has started when you click on either restore option.
9. Once the first stage is completed, 2 instructions will appear as followed:
   1. Restore Instruction 1: Disconnect iPod and connect it to iPod Power Adapter (typically applies to oalder iPod models).
   2. Restore Instruction 2: Leave iPod connected to computer to complete restore (typically applies newer iPod models).
10. During the stage 2 of the restore process, it is critical that the iPod remains connected to the computer or iPod Power adapter.

Note: The progress bar may be difficult to see since the backlight on the iPod display may be off.

1. After stage 2 of the restore process is completed, the iTunes Setup Assistant window will ask you to name your iPod and choose your synchronizing preferences.