How to Transfer a Mac-Formatted iPod to a PC

Apple's iPods ship from the factory formatted with a FAT32 file system, which is compatible with a PC's operating system. When the iPod is plugged into a Mac computer, it is reformatted to comply with the needs of the Mac operating system. To transfer and enable the Mac-formatted iPod to work with a PC, the iPod must be restored to its original factory settings.

Update iTunes

Step 1

Open iTunes by double-clicking the icon on the desktop.

Step 2

Click "Help" from the navigation bar located at the top of the window. From the drop-down menu, click "Check for Updates." If available, the newer version of iTunes is downloaded and installed automatically. If a newer version is not available, proceed to "Restore iPod to Factory Settings."

Step 3

Once the installation is complete, reboot the computer and reopen iTunes.

Restore iPod to Factory Settings

Step 1

Connect the iPod to the computer.

Step 2

Click the iPod icon located in the left-side bar.

Step 3

Click the "Summary" tab. Click "Restore." The iPod is now formatted for use with a PC.

Warning

• Restoring the iPod to its original settings deletes all data from the device.

References

• Apple: Restoring iPod to factory settings

About the Author

Chelle Handley has been writing professionally since 2000, covering travel, tourism and information technology. She has contributed to the "Destination Los Angeles" and "Meeting & Travel Planners Guide," which promotes Los Angeles and its environments to the public. Handley is pursuing a master's degree in informatics at Northwestern University.

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