iPod Disk Mode on 4G and Two Computers

[MmmPancakes]

I have a 4g 20 gig iPod. The Ipod is synched with my Mac-Mini, which is where I store all my music. However, I want to enable disk mode so that I can transfer data files back and forth between my Mac-Mini and WinXP laptop (and other computers if necessary..

Here's the problem:

I enable disk mode on my iPod via the Mac Mini. I want to put laptop files on the iPod, so I plug it into my WinXP laptop. I am given a "removable drive" icon in Windows, but it won't open. I get an error message saying the disk needs to be formatted (to Fat32 I presume). I format it, but this erases the iPod data completely. When I unplug the iPod, I get the folder with an exclamation mark. In order to fix it, I have to hook the iPod back up to my Mini, and restore the iPod completely. This has happened several times.

I want to have the iPod synched with my Mini, but want to be able to tote files back and forth via Mac and WinXP environments. Any tips?

 

[PlaceofDis]

mount your iPod on your Mac, format the hard drive from disk utility to Fat32, and then load up your tunes and you should be able to use it on your PC as well

i could be wrong but this should work

 

[MmmPancakes]

thanks for the tip..still doesn't seem to be working, though.

 

[Mechcozmo]

What is happening is your WinXP computers is reformatting your iPod, wiping it clean so that it can read it.

The flashing folder is your iPod not knowing how to run, seeing as it was just wiped clean.

A solution:

Download the iPod Software Updater for Windows. Run it on your WinXP computer. Your iPod will now be formatted as FAT32.

You can now use the iPod in your Mac Mini, after you resync your music.

 

[MmmPancakes]

That did the trick!

Thanks for the help.