Copying large files to an iPod formatted for Windows
If your iPod's hard disk is formatted to work with Windows, the size of largest file you can copy to it is 4 gigabytes (GB). If you try to copy a larger file, it won't work.
Products Affected
iPod
This is because the FAT32 file system--the Windows hard disk format used for iPod--limits files to 4 GB. This limitation does not apply to an iPod formatted for Mac, which uses the Mac OS Extended (HFS Plus) file system. Its file size limit is much larger, in case you were wondering.
If you're just trying to copy a file to iPod, try using some compression software to make the file size smaller than 4 GB.
If you have a song that's larger than 4 GB, here are a couple to things you can do:
You can read more about the FAT32 file system in the Microsoft Knowledge Base.
Related documents
61672: iPod: How to determine iPod's hard disk format
Important: Mention of third-party websites and products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance or use of information or products found at third-party websites. Apple provides this only as a convenience to our users. Apple has not tested the information found on these sites and makes no representations regarding its accuracy or reliability. There are risks inherent in the use of any information or products found on the Internet, and Apple assumes no responsibility in this regard. Please understand that a third-party site is independent from Apple and that Apple has no control over the content on that website.
If you're just trying to copy a file to iPod, try using some compression software to make the file size smaller than 4 GB.
If you have a song that's larger than 4 GB, here are a couple to things you can do:
- Convert the song to a compressed format (AAC, MP3) so that it is less than 4 GB in size.
- Reimport the song from the original source in smaller pieces (by tracks).
You can read more about the FAT32 file system in the Microsoft Knowledge Base.
Related documents
61672: iPod: How to determine iPod's hard disk format
Important: Mention of third-party websites and products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance or use of information or products found at third-party websites. Apple provides this only as a convenience to our users. Apple has not tested the information found on these sites and makes no representations regarding its accuracy or reliability. There are risks inherent in the use of any information or products found on the Internet, and Apple assumes no responsibility in this regard. Please understand that a third-party site is independent from Apple and that Apple has no control over the content on that website.