How to format iPod Nano on a Mac but for a PC

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Level 1

10 points

How to format iPod Nano on a Mac but for a PC

WE got my dad an iPod nano. It's an 8 gb. He did not have a computer so we were loading up for him on our Macbook. Now he has a PC that uses Windows and he's got high speed internet. He downloaded iTunes and wants to control his iPod himself now. However, the Nano is formated for a Mac and won't work on his computer.
Can I re-format the nano using my MacBook? I need to re-format it to work on his computer. I was unable to do anything with it on his computer last night.

MacBook 13.3/2.4 -4gB RAM, 160 gB HD, Mac OS X (10.5.4), 80 gb iPod, iMac G4, MacBook 2.4 Ghz, 4gb RAM, OSX 10.5.5

Posted on Feb 16, 2009 8:43 AM

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Answer 1

Chris CA

Level 10

82,434 points

Feb 16, 2009 9:13 AM in response to Commonman

Can I re-format the nano using my MacBook? I need to re-format it to work on his computer.

Jus Restore it on his computer.
In order to use the iPod on a Windows PC, it will need to be Restored via iTunes for Windows.

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Answer 2

Commonman Author

Level 1

10 points

Feb 21, 2009 9:59 PM in response to Chris CA

It would not work on his computer. It kept giving me a message that the computer was not connected to the internet. However, the computer WAS connected to the internet. So now what?

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Answer 3

Chris CA

Level 10

82,434 points

Feb 22, 2009 8:50 AM in response to Commonman

See
-> http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=iTunesWin/8.0/en/15485.html
and
-> http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1490

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Answer 4

Commonman Author

Level 1

10 points

Feb 26, 2009 10:54 AM in response to Commonman

OK, thanks for the help but it's not really answering my question.
I want to re-format the iPod nano using my MacBook.

Here's what I want to do: using my MacBook, I want to re-format or "restore" the ipod nano to work on a PC using Windows.

Can I do this. I would prefer not to do this on his computer since my time is limited whenever I'm over there.

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Answer 5

Chris CA

Level 10

82,434 points

Feb 26, 2009 1:12 PM in response to Commonman

Here's what I want to do: using my MacBook, I want to re-format or "restore" the ipod nano to work on a PC using Windows.

You cannot. When you Restore on iTunes for Mac, it will format the iPod with HFS+, which Windows cannot read.
When you Restore with iTunes for Windows, it will format it FAT32, which will work iTunes for Macs or Windows.

So Restore it with iTunes for Windows and then you can use it with either computer. It will only take a few minutes to Restore it.

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