Method to downgrade iPod software from 1.1 to 1.0.3

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Level 1

96 points

Method to downgrade iPod software from 1.1 to 1.0.3

Based on problems with 3G iPod nano software v 1.1, the following is a way to get back to v 1.0.3 which will resolve these issues until Apple gets the bug fixed. The following link describes the issues:

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1347183&tstart=0

To get back to 1.0.3, first go to your User Library > iTunes > iPod and remove the two files labeled as "iPod_26.1.1". I also removed any "previous iTunes Libraries" from my User Documents > Music folder. Then turn off your internet connection to prevent an automatic update to version 1.1. After opening iTunes and connecting the iPod, you can then "Restore", and it will ask if you want the previous version that you have in your library. After restore and sync, you're back in business!!

G5-Dual 2.5, Mac OS X (10.4.11), 4 gig RAM

Posted on Jan 19, 2008 1:50 PM

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Answer 1

Ron Ellis Author

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96 points

Jan 26, 2008 12:34 PM in response to Ron Ellis

Noting all the issues, I'm bringing up this post from last week.

The method works on a Mac, and the following excerpt (courtesy of bdube) is for Windows:

"Thanks for the info. The restore to 1.03 worked fine and the file names were close to the same in WindowsXP and can be found in this user folder C:\Documents and Settings\"User Name"\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPod Software Updates."

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Answer 2

ankh1973

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Jan 28, 2008 11:11 AM in response to Ron Ellis

I can't get my iPod nano 3g to restore without iTunes looking for an update.

I followed the directions and turned off the automatic updates in iTunes but when I click restore it says there is no internet connection and quits. I tried it connected as well and quits when I decline the update.

Any suggestions?

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Answer 3

Ron Ellis Author

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96 points

Jan 28, 2008 11:48 AM in response to ankh1973

First make sure you have the two 1.0.3 files in your User Library>iTunes>iPod Software updates. Then repair permissions with disk utility, and restart the computer.

The iPod itself will still be on 1.1 software (check the iPod Menu>Settings>About and scroll through).

After you turn off internet, open iTunes, and then plug in the iPod. Make sure all options are off except for syncing. If you had "disk enabled" previously, you'll want that off, and you may need to disconnect and restart again.

You should be able to hit the restore button, and get an option to use the previous software in your library if there is no internet connection.

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Answer 4

ankh1973

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Jan 28, 2008 5:41 PM in response to Ron Ellis

everything checked out and i did what was described but itunes still will not let me restore without updating.

i called support and they were.....you guessed it...no help at all.

thanks for the help though, that's much more than i got from apple. but what version of itunes are you using?

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Answer 5

Ron Ellis Author

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96 points

Jan 29, 2008 4:13 AM in response to ankh1973

I'm using iTunes 7.6. (on Mac OS 10.4.11)

I noted that version 7.6 created a rebuilt iTunes Library in my Music folder, and left the previous library file (not the music itself). I removed the Previous iTunes Library to keep it clean, before trying to restore the iPod.

Another idea is to create a different User Account. When iTunes is opened in the new account, it will create a clean iTunes folder in that Home Music folder. Maybe add one test song to it. You could then logout and copy the User Library>iTunes>iPod Software Updates from your current account to the Shared folder. Then login to the new account, and copy the updates folder to your new User Account Library. Make sure the Get Info/Permissions for that folder are set correctly for the new user.

If this works, it tells you something is messed up in the current user account.

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Answer 6

dec7m2

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Jan 29, 2008 8:04 AM in response to Ron Ellis

you should be able to go in to advance and change from auto update to request update or some thing like that... can't be sure because i am at school...

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Answer 7

Ron Ellis Author

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96 points

Jan 29, 2008 8:49 AM in response to dec7m2

dec7m2- Not really. The iTunes>Preferences>General has a check box for "check for updates automatically". This is for iTunes updates, and I always left it unchecked.

The iPod has a mind of its own, and will look for iPod updates even if that iTunes update is set for manual (if the internet connection is on). That's why internet needs to be off in order to revert to a previous iPod software.

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Answer 8

Jan 29, 2008 11:40 AM in response to Ron Ellis

Thanks for your help.

Also, go to iTunes preferences and uncheck "check for updates automatically."

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Answer 9

Hoss1068

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Jan 30, 2008 5:28 PM in response to Ron Ellis

Ron

Can not find the 1.0.3 software on my desktop or laptop so I can not rollback but can you send me the files. It's funny because my laptop was first used to sync with my Nano so you would think those files would be there and when I try to restore it wants to access the net and install 1.1 which obviously I do not want. So please if there's someone out there with these files send me a note or send me the files at lilolhoss@rcn.com

Thanks

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Answer 10

Ron Ellis Author

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96 points

Jan 31, 2008 5:16 AM in response to Hoss1068

Hoss-

I'm on a Mac, and you have windows, so I'm not sure the files would be identical.

If you updated your 3rd Gen. iPod Nano before Jan 15, 2008, then the files absolutely must be somewhere on the computer used to sync it. The v 1.0.3 update was early Dec 2007, so if you accepted the update between those dates, you'll have them.

I'm copying the instructions for windows from the second post in this topic:

"Thanks for the info. The restore to 1.03 worked fine and the file names were close to the same in WindowsXP and can be found in this user folder C:\Documents and Settings\"User Name"\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPod Software Updates."

It's possible that the C: drive may not be the location for your computer - so check out all your drives to see where windows buried them. Make sure that drive is active when connecting the iPod.

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Answer 11

Hoss1068

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Jan 31, 2008 4:27 PM in response to Ron Ellis

Ron

The update was done last weekend, I look under both desktop and laptop and they are gone and Help Desk will not help me out. I wonder even though you're running MAC and I windows, if those files matter the difference. I don't think so but who knows. Either if it doesn't work, at least I tried so if you can; please send me those files so I can get my Nano back to where it was prior of this bs update.

Thanks

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Answer 12

Ron Ellis Author

Level 1

96 points

Feb 1, 2008 7:27 AM in response to Hoss1068

The file structure will be different for Mac and windows, and won't work. Also, I'm reluctant to send out files that might violate my terms of agreement. Sorry.

If your iPod is recognized by your computer, then you must have at least the 1.1 software files. Did you find those?? If you find them, the 1.0.3 files will be in the same folder. Then you just remove the 1.1 files before restoring. You should also reset the iPod itself before restoring.

BTW, you are using a 3rd Gen. iPod Nano - correct? I don't know anything about earlier models.

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Answer 13

XJ-linux

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30 points

Feb 2, 2008 7:20 AM in response to Hoss1068

I'd be interested if anyone (using a Windows setup) who is having problems after the upgrade AND knows someone with a Mac could try resetting and reformatting their Nano on the Mac. I'd like to see if the same Nano exhibits the same problems regardless of being formatted for Window or Mac OS. That would at least narrow down some possible causes of the problem.

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Answer 14

Feb 3, 2008 1:17 PM in response to XJ-linux

please can anybody sent the ipod nano 3g software 1.0.3 to me?

frontflash@gmail.com

thxs

Message was edited by: frontflash

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Answer 15

Ron Ellis Author

Level 1

96 points

Feb 5, 2008 9:43 AM in response to XJ-linux

XJ-linux -

In the following link, the 7th post down, "bdube" was using the nano on both Mac & PC, so it looks like the issue is the iPod software v 1.1.

I have also noted other topics in this forum that have used the software downgrade successfully (while we all anxiously await Apple's next update).

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1347183&tstart=0

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