Can I convert a Mac iPod to a Windows iPod or vice versa?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes. You can convert either format iPod to the other.

To convert a Windows iPod into a Mac iPod, just download iPod Software Updater 1.3.1 (1st & 2nd gen.) for Mac OS X. Download Software Updater 2.1 for 3rd gen. iPods. Once the appropriate Updater has been installed onto your Mac, run it while your Windows iPod is connected to the FireWire port on the Mac. Be sure to select “Restore” instead of “Update”.

To convert a Mac iPod into a Windows iPod, connect the Mac iPod to the FireWire port on your PC and then run the Windows 1.3 iPod Updater (or 2.1 Updater for 3rd gen iPods), selecting “Restore”.

NOTE: Running Restore from the iPod Updater reformats your iPod’s HDD and will therefore delete all the MP3s stored there - make sure the MP3s you want to keep are saved elsewhere, like on your computer. Performing a conversion may violate your iPod’s warranty and/or Apple will not give you any support for your iPod after having converted it.

Next: Which bitrate should I choose?

Previous: What do I do when I turn on my iPod, and I see a disc icon (looks like a CD) with a magnifying glass (or an exclamation mark, or a check mark, or an arrow, or an 'X')?

Recent Reviews

Recent Articles

loungeStore: iPod Accessories & more...

iLounge

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)