Possible to downgrade iPod Touch OS? (model: 32GB for Windows XP)

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Possible to downgrade iPod Touch OS? (model: 32GB for Windows XP)

Dear all

I've had a few problems since upgrading my iPod touch to OS 3.0 (screen will no longer rotate, iPod takes an age to load and for some reason I can no longer login on Safari to the 'mobile' version of my web-based email account etc), and before I try the whole Restore routine, I was wondering if it might be possible to actually restore it with an earlier version of the OS, which was fine, and to which I should have clearly stuck (or waited longer before upgrading to make sure they've fixed the various problems).

Thanks very much.

32GB 2G, Windows XP

Posted on Aug 18, 2009 8:56 AM

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Answer 1

Aug 18, 2009 4:17 PM in response to wiz_frog

Yes, you can step down to 2.x if you have it on your computer (you would if you ever did an update to a 2.x release).

To do this you connect the Touch to iTunes and then put it into what is called "DFU mode" (Google that for instructions). Your Touch will then accept an earlier firmware version by holding the SHIFT key while clicking Restore (on a Mac I think it is the Opt key). At the prompt, navigate to where the .ipsw firmware file is on your computer, which on Windows is:

C:\Documents and Settings\(account name)\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPod Software Updates

Look for the file that has the version embedded in the name, e.g. 2.2.1 is "iPod2,1 2.2.1_5H11aRestore.ipsw".

Your iPod should then complete the Restore process as usual. When you get to the point where iTunes asks if you want to load your last backup, or set it up as a new iPod, select "new iPod" since your last backup from 3.0 may not play nice with an earlier version.

But before doing all that, maybe give 3.0 another try by resetting the Touch, or restoring to 3.0 again but do not load your last backup (treat it as a new iPod). Sometimes that is all you need.

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Answer 2

wiz_frog Author

Level 1

9 points

Aug 21, 2009 4:21 AM in response to rockmyplimsoul

Thanks for such detailed and construuctive advice. Alas I don't have the previous version of the software as I hadn't done any update of the iPod software before upgrading (I only got my iPod in March).

I think I need to restore the iPod, really, but I need to find the time to do it. I dread it going terribly wrong. A software upgrade on my previous 2G iPod killed it. Luckily in those days, the software came on a CD so it was easy to sort eventually.

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Answer 3

alyy

Level 1

0 points

Sep 8, 2009 7:12 AM in response to rockmyplimsoul

Hi

I am trying to restore iPod touch 2nd Gen from 3.0 to 2.X too. (completely frustrated that the Video playback cannot resume from the last playback position after connecting it with my PC)
But problem is that I have reformatted my PC after the upgrade so all the previous files are all gone.
Where can I get the previous version of .ipsw?

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