Formatting ipod for mac & PC?

Is it possible use my iPod with both my Mac and PC without reformating my iPod every time?

If you restore it on a PC and format it for Windows you should be able to use it on both platforms. Strictly speaking using a Windows formatted iPod on a Mac isn't supported, Apple currently only supports using the iPod shuffle in FAT32 format on Mac. What this means effectively is that if you need to apply a firmware update for your iPod and you wanted to maintain the Windows format you would have to do it on a PC.
Alternatively there are third party programs that will allow you to use a Mac formatted iPod on Windows, this is one for instance gets good reviews: XPlay 2
You can read another user's experience of using XPlay at this link: iPod on Mac and Windows

Similar Messages

  • Windows formated Ipod for mac...?

    When I got my Ipod a few years back I still had my PC and it thus gt formatted fr windows. Now I have a mac though, and I downloaded the Ipod updater but it wont let me update as the ipod is not formatted to mac. Furthermore I cannot restore it to factory settings. Whnever I try I am told that some file is open o my ipod I should close - but there is nothing to close!!!!
    If anyone could help m out here it would be of great appreciation, cause I havent a clue what to do.... Cheers!
    -Eva
    Ipod 20Gb with dock connector 3rd gen.   Mac OS X (10.4)  

    You can try this to erase your IPOD
    http://www.methodshop.com/mp3/ipodsupport/erase/index.shtml
    Hopefully this will work and then the next time you connect it your mac, it will format it for use on a mac.
    Good luck,
    Jack

  • Format iPod for Mac... using Windows.

    So I have my cousin's iPod here, and I was told to make it work. They have a Mac, I have a PC. Their Mac wouldn't read the iPod at all, and I surmised that was because it was formatted for Windows. So I took it home to my Windows PC and restored the settings, but of course, there was no option to set it to Mac.
    SO, how can I use my Windows PC to set the iPod nano (1st gen) to Mac?

    Their Mac wouldn't read the iPod at all, and I surmised that was because it was formatted for Windows.
    That isn't the problem.
    SO, how can I use my Windows PC to set the iPod nano (1st gen) to Mac?
    You basically can't. Formatting the iPod from a program other than iTunes or the iPod updater disables its ability to be used as a music player.
    (32904)

  • Been using Windows formatted ipod for months SUDDENLY itunes cant recognize

    I've been using my Windows formatted first edition 30gb Video ipod with my Mac Pro itunes since last April when I got it. Now suddenly(before new itunes upgrade) it says it cannot identify my ipod because it is formatted for Windows and that I need to restore it, formatting it for Mac.
    Why has this happened after it working fine for so long?
    It wouldn't be that big of deal but I have a lot of music on this ipod that I don't have anymore in any other place.
    What can I do?

    Is that something that happened AFTER you updated to iTunes 8, assuming you did?
    You might try something like Yamipod, which is free and available for both Windows and Mac, that you can use to read the stuff off the iPod into your computer that isn't already in your library.
    Cheers,
    Patrick

  • Re-fromatting Window's iPod for Mac

    I recently purchased a new iMac. My 80 gig iPod will sync on my new iMac but it does so as a Window's iPod and cannot be updated because it is not a Mac-formatted iPod. Is it possible to reformat the iPod for Mac? How do I do this? Please help.
    Thanks,
    Randy

    Click here and follow the instructions.
    (34332)

  • Simple Question : iPod for Mac Software Updater

    I cant seem to find the "iPod for Mac Software Updater" can someone provide a link?
    From the FAQ : "You can convert an iPod formatted for Windows into an iPod for Mac by using the iPod for Mac Software Updater on the Apple website. Note that once it is reformatted, it will only work with Macs. You need Mac OS 9.2 or Mac OS X 10.1 or later to reformat an iPod for Windows into an iPod for Mac."
    Thank you!

    One link as requested at the bottom of the page you just select your operating system and press the download button: iPod Updater

  • Problem with windows formatted iPod on Mac

    I have a 20gb 4th gen iPod formatted for Windows. I just received a Mini Mac as a gift and now I want to use the iPod on it. When I connect the iPod and run iTunes it recognizes it and updates and does everything it's supposed to do, but if I try to click on any of the items in the menu on the left (Library, Playlists, etc.) iTunes quits completely and the iPod is ejected. I've tried restoring but that makes it quit, too. I've also tried completely erasing everything from the iPod manually (even the hidden files and folders) but that doesn't reformat it. Any suggestions?
    -C
    Mini Mac   Mac OS X (10.4)  

    Senuti.
    It's a program that transfers music from iPod to iTunes on a Mac.
    As is Music Rescue.
    Both of these should work with a Windows formatted iPod because Macs can read and write to FAT32 formatted drives.

  • Formatting iPod to Mac

    When I first got my iPod (Classic 120GB) I used it on my PC. I now have a mac and I want to format it for mac. When I click restore in iTunes I follows the instructions:
    1. Are you sure you want to restore the iPod... (I click restore)
    2. Then I get an iPod software dialog box. (I click next)
    3. It shows me the license agreement. (I click agree)
    4. Then I get a message saying "There was a problem downloading the iPod software for the iPod "Name". You do not have enough access privileges for this operation."
    I don't know what to do. I still have access to the computer I originally used the iPod with. Do I need to do something on that computer?
    Thanks.

    First, try running Disk Utility and using +Repair Disk Permissions+ on the Mac's hard drive. A problem downloading the iPod software does not sound like a problem with the iPod itself. Also restart the Mac, because things can get +out of whack+ if it's been running without a restart for a while.
    If it still does not work, you can try erasing (reformatting) the iPod using Disk Utility. Make sure you select the iPod's DRIVE (not the volume indented under the DRIVE) in the Disk Utility sidebar. On the Erase tab, select the format type of +Mac OS Extended (Journaled)+.
    After the erase process completes, quit Disk Utility and run iTunes. Cancel out of any offers to sync, and immediately use the Restore button to install and initialize the iPod's software. You can then set it up and sync it as desired.

  • HT1329 Moving itunes from a windows formatted ipod to mac.

    Can you move itunes from a windows formatted ipod to mac?

    See if there is anything in these 2 User Tips that addresses your issue...
    Syncing to a New Computer...
    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3141
    Recovering your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device
    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3991

  • Want to use my ipod for Mac @ home and PC @ work....

    I have a Mac at home and have my ipod set up for the Mac I guess. So I brought the ipod to work today to hook it up to itunes here on my PC, but itunes says only Windows formatted ipods can be used and that I have to do a restore on my ipod to use it.
    I thought you could use the ipod on multiple computers? I thought it didn't matter if it was set for Mac or PC because you could still use it on both.
    Any help? I want to connect my ipod at work so I can get the music on this computer. Thanks!!

    Windows computers cannot read the file format the iPods are in when they are formatted for Mac use. However, Macs can read the Fat32 file format that the iPods go in when they are formatted for Windows.
    To use the iPod with both computers, you'll have to first restore the iPod on your Windows computer (putting the iPod into Windows format).
    The only downside is if there is an iPod software update, you won't be able to install that to the iPod from the Mac, just from Windows computers.

  • How do I save tracks in order to format ipod from Mac to windows?

    I have been given an ipod that was originally used on a Mac but i have Windows. Is there any way I can save the tracks before formatting it ?
    When i plug in the ipod to my computer it only gives me the option of formatting it.
    There are some 11 g's of music and i can't bear to lose it.
    If backed up the music on a Mac could I then re-load the tracks from it once the ipod has been formatted for Windows?

    "if backed up the music on a Mac could I then re-load the tracks from it once the ipod has been formatted for Windows?"
    Yes you could, Macs can read Windows formatted iPods. If you only have the songs on the iPod, and have any iTMS purchases the transfer of purchased content from the iPod to authorised computers was introduced with iTunes 7. A paragraph on it has been added to this article: Transfer iTunes Store purchases using iPod
    The transfer of non iTMS content such as songs imported from CD is designed by default to be one way from iTunes to iPod. However there's a manual method of copying songs from your iPod to your Mac. The procedure is a bit involved but if you're interested it's available at this link: Two-way Street: Moving Music Off the iPod
    If you prefer something more automated there are a number of third party utilities that you can use to retrieve music files and playlists from your iPod, this is just a selection. I use Senuti but have a look at the web pages and documentation for the others too, you'll find that they have varying degrees of functionality and some will transfer movies, videos, photos and games as well. You can also read reviews of some of them here: Wired News - Rescue Your Stranded Tunes
    Senuti Mac Only
    iPodRip Mac Only
    PodWorks Mac Only
    PodView Mac Only
    iPodAccess Mac & Windows
    YamiPod Mac & Windows
    PodUtil Mac & Windows
    iPodCopy Mac & Windows

  • Converting a windows formatted ipod for use on a imac

    Hey.
    Mac/ipod heads I have a quick question. I have a 80gig ipod video, that is formatted for usage on a PC. This weekend, I am getting a new computer, a iMac, and I was wondering what I would need to do to convert the ipod over to Mac from Windows.
    Should I restore the ipod and just start over? And it will properly sync up to the mac? I need to make sure.
    Thanks.

    No it won't ask you since the new Mac can read the windows formatted iPod just fine. But if you want to transfer your library from the PC to the Mac start here...
    How to use your iPod to move your music to a new computer using iTunes7
    http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300173
    How to use your iPod to move your music to a new computer using iTunes6
    http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304304
    Patrick

  • Song transfer of Windows formatted iPod into Mac iTunes?

    My iPod was formatted using my Windows computer, but I recently got a Mac and i use both computers equally. However, I would like both computers to have the same music in iTunes. is there a way to transfer songs from my Windows computer to the Mac without reformatting my iPod?

    You can't sync or drag your music back directly from an iPod to iTunes, the transfer of music is designed by default to be one way from iTunes to iPod. However there are a number of third party utilities that you can use to retrieve the music files and playlists from your iPod, this is just a selection. Have a look at the web pages and documentation for these, they are generally quite straightforward. I use Senuti but check the others out and choose whichever you are happy with.
    Senuti Mac Only
    iPodRip Mac Only
    PodWorks Mac Only
    iPod.iTunes Mac Only
    PodView Mac Only
    iPod Access Mac and Windows Versions
    YamiPod Mac and Windows Versions
    PodUtil Mac and Windows Versions
    iPodCopy Mac and Windows Versions

  • Formatting iPod on MAC....then PC...will I lose my music?

    I have a Mac at work and a PC at home. My new iPod was formatted and its iTunes content downloaded from the Mac. However, when I plugged it into my PC to either charge the battery or download iTunes from that computer, it asked me if I wanted to "format the iPod for a PC."
    My question is, if I say "yes," will it then wipe out all of my music from the Mac? Can it be formatted both ways or must I choose one or the other? I've searched similar topics on this board but couldn't find an answer. Thanks!
    20" iMac   Mac OS X (10.4.8)  

    I guess I'm out of luck then since I originally formatted it to the Mac instead of a PC.
    No. Just Restore it on the PC and uyou can use it on the Mac and the PC.
    If you Restore the iPod, it will do nothing to the music on your computer.
    It will erase everything on the iPod.
    If you want to use it on both computers, Restore it with iTunes on the PC. Then you can just reload the music from the Mac.

  • Formatting ipod from mac use to pc windows use

    I have already a Ipod Nano that I used on a mac. Now I'm changing from Mac to Pc Windows and I would like to transfer all the musics from my Ipod to my new pc. The Ipod updater asks me to format the ipod. If I do so will I loos all the songs I have om the Ipod? Is there a way to save these musics on the pc before I format the Ipod?
    Thanks for your advice and help!
    Francoise
      Windows XP  

    Try a software e.g. Xplay2, which allow your PC to read your Mac formatted iPod. However, the following is my suggestion:-
    1. Make sure all your songs are still with your Mac.
    2. Follow Stealth01's suggestion, do a Restore on a PC
    3. Your PC formatted iPod will now be able to be read by both PC and Mac
    4. Do an update of your iPod with your Mac
    5. Once it has been completed, use a 3rd party software e.g. YamiPod
    http://www.yamipod.com/main/modules/home/
    to copy all the music from your iPod to your iTunes on your PC

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