Update simply replaces the iPod’s current firmware with the firmware version of the Updater you are running. Restore, on the other hand, completely initializes the iPod, by 1) reformatting its hard drive, 2) installing a fresh copy of the firmware version of the Updater you are running, 3) initializing the database on iPod where MP3 data and directory information is stored and 4) resetting all iPod options to the factory defaults.

Warning: When running restore, be sure you have a backup of all songs currently on your iPod! When restore is done, all songs that were on the iPod will be gone! Updated: 09|09|02

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Dennis Lloyd

I'm a passionate, long-time lover of Apple products, and was a civil draftsman and graphic designer before creating the iLounge web site. My prior projects include work for The Los Angeles Times' LATimes.com, and the company Creative Domain, where I developed websites for clients including Columbia Pictures, Disney, Fox Studios, Universal Pictures and Warner Brothers. As the Publisher of iLounge, I direct the site's community forums, photo galleries, iPod User Group, and general business affairs, which have grown under my watch to over sixteen million page views every month. I'm happily married with one daughter, one dog (Rocket the Wonderdog), one cat (Ferris), many iPods, iPhones, iPads, and two turntables.