How do I format my iPod?

How do a format an iPod to Windows format on a Mac?

• I have a Windows laptop which for some reason can't go on the internet (it used to be able to, now it crashes whenever I connect it). Something went wrong with my iPod the other day and I had to restore it. I had to do it on the Mac since it is the only computer here which can access the internet. Now when I plug my iPod back into my laptop, it says it is Macintosh Formatted! Would it be possible for me to change my iPod to Windows format on the Mac?

• Answer:

  No. Both the Mac and Windows versions of iTunes can only format for their own OS. A Mac can read an iPod formatted as EITHER Mac or Windows. A Windows PC can ONLY read an iPod formatted as Windows. Two possible solutions: 1. Use someone else's Windows computer--just to format & restore your iPod to Windows. 2. Is using the Mac for the iPod a possibility? If so, find a way to move the music to the Mac and go from there. A thumb (flash) drive is the easiest way. EDIT: I just thought of something else. Are we talking about an iPod Touch here? People never mention which iPod that they have. The file that you need to restore is probably already on your Windows laptop. iTunes tends to save these files whenever you update your iPod. If you have ever updated the iPod's OS on the laptop then it is likely still there. You can bypass needing an internet connection by holding down SHIFT when you click the restore button. It then asks you to find the firmware on your hard disk (technically, that is what a restore is putting on your iPod). See the link for where the files are likely to be found (replace iPhone with iPod, of course.) This certainly applies to anything that uses iOS = iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. I'm not sure about other iPods.