Convert 3g ipod from Mac to Win - best option?

[mattymatt]

OK. I've perused all the posts and know it is possible to switch-hit my iPod from Mac to Windows. My question is what is the best way to do it while preserving all the music currently on my iPod?

I've had iPod for several months and have loved it--syncing with a mac at work. I've tried iTunes on Windows and like it, so I'm ready to use it and my XP PC. Lots of songs on iPod and Mac--which I really should remove soon. I want to still be able to see/listen to songs on the iMac after converting to Win.

Do I:
1) Get Xplay or whatever, copy everything from iPod to PC, then update to NTFS, then sync?

2) Burn files to CD from the Mac and copy to PC, then update?

3) Burn a grand and just get an iMac?

[ashawley]

It all depends on what machine you're going to interface with the most.

If the win machine will be what you manage your music with most--then convert the iPod to a WiPod. You'll need to first get Xplay or MacOpener--I recommend just getting the trial of Xplay to be able to get the tunes off.

So, install Xplay, connect the iPod and then drag and drop all your tunes from the Xplay window to your PC. They'll be named nicely this way.

Next, you can uninstall Xplay and then download and install the 2.1 Updater (http://www.apple.com/ipod/download). Run that w/your iPod connected on the PC and click on the Restore button.

You'll then have a WiPod that you can use w/iTfw.

If you want to connect to the Mac, that'll be fine, just make sure you update manually.

Adam

[aaronye]

Sounds like that you have some experience in make the iPod working for both Mac and Windows. I have been trying to convert my iPod for Mac (5GB version) to Windows since the Mac I had is broken and most of my music is on the PC now. I don't really care about the contents currently on the iPod. What are the steps I have to do to make this conversion?

[matchswain]

This may help:

http://www.ipodlounge.com/faqs_more.php?id=113_0_10_0_C

[mattymatt]

aaronye,

In addition to the FAQ link above, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Using your Windows computer, download the Windows Software 1.3 Updater (http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=120236) , double-click it to unpack and install the actual update program.

You will need to connect your iPod to your Windows computer with Firewire or USB 2.0 (you may need a conversion cable or dock for you iPod or a Firewire card for your computer -- look in the Windows forum here for help with that.)

After connecting your iPod, run the updater program (look under Start menu > iPod.) This program will wipe your iPod, reformat its drive for Windows. When you run it, select "Restore."

After updating your iPod, Windows will recognize it when you connect (XP is very nice about this) and if you have
iTunes for Windows (http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/) installed (and you're coming from a Mac, so you really should--you'll like it), it will launch automatically, giving you easy access to your iPod.

Good luck! Problems? They tend to get solved quicky here, just ask.

[saratoga]

Copy all the files onto your mac.

Format the ipod as fat32 on windows.

Copy the music from the mac onto the ipod.

[aaronye]

mattymatt,

Thanks for all the help, but I am still having problems. I downloaded the Windows Updater and install it on my Windows PC running XP with a firewire port. When I connected the iPod to it and start the program, a message popped up and saying that my iPod is not compatible with the software updater, which obviously is true since mine is a Mac iPod. It never gave the chance to run "Restore" to reformat the harddrive. The PC clearly recognized the device but just wouldn't run the program. Anyone had similar experience, and if so, is there way to force "restore" the iPod?


Originally posted by mattymatt
aaronye,

In addition to the FAQ link above, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Using your Windows computer, download the Windows Software 1.3 Updater (http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=120236) , double-click it to unpack and install the actual update program.

You will need to connect your iPod to your Windows computer with Firewire or USB 2.0 (you may need a conversion cable or dock for you iPod or a Firewire card for your computer -- look in the Windows forum here for help with that.)

After connecting your iPod, run the updater program (look under Start menu > iPod.) This program will wipe your iPod, reformat its drive for Windows. When you run it, select "Restore."

After updating your iPod, Windows will recognize it when you connect (XP is very nice about this) and if you have
iTunes for Windows (http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/) installed (and you're coming from a Mac, so you really should--you'll like it), it will launch automatically, giving you easy access to your iPod.

Good luck! Problems? They tend to get solved quicky here, just ask.

[ashawley]

aaronye:

You've downloaded the wrong updater. That message is telling you that they updater you downloaded won't work with the generation iPod you have.

1.3 Updater is for 1st and 2nd gen iPods
2.1 is for 3rd gen iPods.

Uninstall the version you have and download the correct one.

Adam