Restore factory settings to an iPod without using iTunes

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Level 1

5 points

Restore factory settings to an iPod without using iTunes

Is there a way to restore factory settings to an iPod without using iTunes? I am in somewhat of a Catch-22. I have an iPod with a forgotten password and a PC with a recently replaced hard drive. I have reloaded iTunes, but iTunes won't connect without the password and I seemingly cannot restore without iTunes. Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

Posted on May 25, 2009 10:47 PM

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Answer 1

turingtest2

Level 10

272,881 points

May 26, 2009 2:04 AM in response to Garysguitar

A quick google for "restore ipod forgot password" came up with this:

1. Plug in your iPod.
2. Wait for it to load completely. {Put iPod in disc mode if doesn't show in Explorer}
3. Open My Computer (or computer if on Vista). Make sure you can view hidden files.
4. Go to iPod_control.
5. Go to the folder named Device.
6. If your iPod is locked, there will be a file _locked . Rename the file to _unlocked.
7. Safely remove your iPod and it will be {unlocked}.

Which seems fairly straightforward.

tt2

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Answer 2

Garysguitar Author

Level 1

5 points

May 28, 2009 2:06 PM in response to turingtest2

Thanks for the quick reply. It does sound very straight forward...unfortunately there is one more important piece of information that complicates matters. Apparently, there were enough incorrect guesses at the password that it disabled the iPod. When the iPod is turned on it diplays "Disabled Please plug in to iTunes". (which brings me back to the original problem)

I did also check My Computer, but the iPod was not visible.

Still hope you can help

Thanks Gary

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Answer 3

turingtest2

Level 10

272,881 points

May 28, 2009 2:15 PM in response to Garysguitar

See if Putting iPod into Disk Mode adds any light. The commands to do this should work even if the iPod is "Disabled".

tt2

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