Restoring iPod Classic Without iTunes (Solved!!!)

[kewlrunnings]

I had a problem with my iPod 120GB Classic of showing no music, however when I connect it to my PC, the iPod shows up in Windows as being filled with files. The other problem was that iTunes would freeze up when my iPod was connected.

I tried manually resetting the ipod by pressing the menu/center button, also putting it in disk mode, yet iTunes still freezes up.

I checked many forums for reformatting the iPod without iTunes and even called Apple Support, yet no one seems to be able to find a solution.

SOULTION
My last be all and end all try was to try and reformat the iPod through Windows, by right-clicking the iPod drive and selecting format.

NOTE: I saved all my music off the iPod by showing hidden files, going into ipod_control folder and dragging the music folder and playlist on my PC. (I am not going into detail here, I assume everyone checking this out is computer savvy)

I didnt change any of the settings, I just clicked start with quick format selected and of course everything got deleted off, which is normal.

I removed the iPod, put the iPod into Disk Mode, by pressing the menu/center button until the apple logo appears and then quickly pressing the center/play buttons until you see a check mark with a Disk Mode message.

Then connected iPod to PC

Started iTunes, sure enough iTunes recognized the iPod, but gave a message that the iPod is corrupted and needs to be Restored with updated software.

Clicked restore in iTunes, takes a couple minutes to update and voila.

I then dragged the music files I saved on my PC, with the playlist back onto the iPod through Windows, not in iTunes and everything is back to normal.

Please reply with success stories.

On a last note. I tried absolutely everything I could to get my iPod to restore and reformat through iTunes but to no avail. This was my very last option before I could accept defeat that my iPod was out of commission!

[Kevin 7]

Congrats! It is great to hear when an iPod problem is successfully resolved.

[onlinepersona]

Very well done Kewlrunning!!!
I can't even begin to say how many times I've had issues with my apple gear (ipod & iphones), so searched forums and found only a plethora of others inflicted with the same issue but NOT found a solution....
This is a first.
Kudos & Thank you~

[SLUSH2371]

Hey kewl thanks for the advice. I had to replace the system board and did not know what to do because it would not recognize. Thank god for google and your step by step

[Mark.emm]

Excellent advice was on hours trying to sort, finally I have cheers.

[ipod rescue]

Your title is a bit misleading.
You actually DID restore through itunes. you just formatted through windows.

Shame as I would like a way to actually install ipod firmware without the use of itunes.

[Kitsie]

I've been having this problem for years now!!! Each time I manage to semi-fix or do something or other but this was the first time I've found something that would work each time!!! I made an account just to tell you that you are the best ever and I friggen love you for this. <3 You've save me so much frustration and trial and error now!!!