Can I use a Mac-formatted iPod on a Windows PC or vice versa?
Converting a Mac-formatted iPod into a Windows-formatted iPod requires the iPod to be “restored”, and doing so will erase the hard drive. Be very certain that any music, photos, videos, or data files are safely backed up before attempting to convert an iPod from one platform to another. Starting with iTunes 7, the software will allow you to use a Windows-formatted iPod on the Mac, but doing so is not supported. From the official Apple iPod FAQ: It is not possible to use an iPod formatted for Mac with Windows. This is because Windows does not support the HFS Plus file system and therefore will not see the drive. When you connect an iPod formatted for Mac to your PC, iTunes will prompt you to restore the iPod. For additional information, please refer to “Restoring iPod to Factory Settings” from the Apple Support Site. It likewise is worth noting that Apple provides no support for an iPod that has been reformatted for a platform other than the one originally intended.
Converting a Mac-formatted iPod into a Windows-formatted iPod requires the iPod to be “restored”, and doing so will erase the hard drive. Be very certain that any music, photos, videos, or data files are safely backed up before attempting to convert an iPod from one platform to another. Starting with iTunes 7, the software will allow you to use a Windows-formatted iPod on the Mac, but doing so is not supported. From the official Apple iPod FAQ: It is not possible to use an iPod formatted for Mac with Windows. This is because Windows does not support the HFS Plus file system and therefore will not see the drive. When you connect an iPod formatted for Mac to your PC, iTunes will prompt you to restore the iPod. For additional information, please refer to “Restoring iPod to Factory Settings” from the Apple Support Site. It likewise is worth noting that Apple provides no support for an iPod that has been reformatted for a platform other than the one originally intended.
