iPod installer formatted my iPod

[dezfowler]

I recently bought a 40GB iPod for use with Windows XP, installed the iPod software and iTunes, ripped all my cds to AAC and loaded all the music from my computer onto the iPod.

After having a few virus infections i decided it was time to format and reinstall my computer so i backed up a load files from My Documents to the iPod along with XP service pack 1.

After formatting the computer i plugged the iPod back in without installing any of the software and windows recognised it as a plain FireWire hard disk and i was able to access its folders and install the XP service pack.

Yesterday i wanted to play some music off the iPod so got out the packaged CD and started installing the iPod software. The installer said it wanted to configure the iPod so i clicked OK thinking nothing of it. Next thing i know the iPod is wiped clean of everything! Not only was all my music gone but all the backed up files.

Since then i've looked all over the web for people having a similar problem but haven't found anything about it. I've also discovered, after using recovery software, that the format the installer performed was only a quick format so the data is all still there however i have yet to attempt a recovery operation.

I'm not sure whether this is a bug of the software or a DRM feature but it's a pretty serious oversight on Apple's part.

Any advice you can give on how best i go about trying to recover the files or any light you can shed on this issue would be appreciated.

[Ravager]

I found out that hard way too, but I have all my music on my computer.

At least now you know. I doubt you can recover your files.

[EvilDude]

There are ways to recover files that have been deleted. Try GetDataBack or similar recovery tools. Google is your friend!

[Rhunes29]

I have had the same problem and am devastated. I lost all of my pictures from 5 years of digital photography. Please let me know if you find any way to recover any data. Sad to see there are others. I just got my ipod and purchased the extended warrantywith scustomer service, calle dthem and they pretty much said TOUGH. aven't used it in over a month now hoping to recover files before saving ANYTHING else onto it.

[mdobilas]

Only thing you can do is try a data recovery program... you might be able to get some things back

[dezfowler]

Don't do anything with your iPod, don't start loading music on to it and download GetDataBack or a similar program straight away. I managed to recover the majority of what i lost. MP3s are a pain to recover because of the weird naming scheme the iPod uses but other files are easy. It does take ages to scan the drive so you have to be patient but it's worth it if it's stuff you can't afford to lose.

[adawatk]

After reading all of your posts i realise that you want the software i used, it cost me £12 but was definately worth it, i recovered 100% of my songs - all 3376 of them and all the contacts and everything, it is a speacialist ipod recovery software have a look you might like it, but god it will save you all!!!

http://www.ipodrestore.uni.cc