This document is for original iPod (scroll wheel) being used with MUSICMATCH under Windows ME. If you need to update an iPod using Windows XP, Windows 2000, or a Mac, then click here.
Background
First, it is important to understand the difference between "update" and "restore."
"Update" simply updates the software that controls iPod and may also update the firmware for the hard drive. Update does not affect the songs and files stored on iPod's hard disk.
"Restore" erases the hard disk and restores iPod to its original factory condition. Because restoring iPod erases all of the songs and files on its hard disk, make sure to back up your songs and files first.
For instructions on how to restore iPod under Windows ME, see "Restoring iPod to factory settings".About the iPod Software Updater application
You use the iPod Software Updater application to update or restore your iPod. You can download it from the iPod Download page. From time to time Apple expects to release versions of this application that have newer versions of iPod software. These later versions may include new functions or improvements to existing features.
You can easily find out which software version your iPod has. If you are using Mac OS 9, the download can be found here.
How to update iPod for Windows
This procedure assumes that the iPod preferences are in their default condition, which means MUSICMATCH Jukebox automatically opens whenever you connect iPod to your computer.
- Connect iPod to your computer using the cable that came with iPod. MUSICMATCH Jukebox opens and updates iPod with your music library and playlists. The display tells you when the music update is complete. Don't confuse the music library update with the software update procedure in the iPod Software Updater application. The iPod Software Updater application does not update iPod with music files.
- Quit MUSICMATCH Jukebox.
- Open the Updater application. Click the Start button, point to All Programs, then point to iPod, and click Updater.
- Click Update. If the update button is dimmed, the software on your iPod is either already up to date or is newer than the version in the iPod Software Updater application. A progress bar appears. If you have iPod 2.0 software or later, you can stop here unless your iPod is not connected to AC power.
- When the software has been updated, a message appears in the Updater window asking you to unplug the cable from iPod. Unplug the cable.
- When prompted by iPod, reconnect the cable to the power adapter and to iPod so it's getting power.
iPod loads the new software. This takes about a minute.
- When iPod has finished loading the new software Updater's progress bar is completely filled.
- Click the close box in the iPod Software Updater to quit the Updater application.
Troubleshooting an update that won't work
If you can't install an update, reset iPod.
If after resetting iPod you still can't install an update, the software on iPod may be damaged. You may need to restore iPod.
The Mac version of the iPod Updater can only update Mac-formatted iPods, and the Windows version of the Updater can only update Windows-formatted iPods. To find out what format your iPod is, see "How to determine iPod's hard disk format."