Nov102011

Why can’t I reformat my iPod Nano 5th gen?

Wing K. asks:

I bought an iPod Nano 5th gen from someone. It’s not recognized on my computer. I left it on and the battery drained. Now, I can’t reformat it even though I’m sure it’s fully charged back up. What can I do?


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  • FIDELIS November 11, 2011

    Hello, have you tried the troubleshooting assistant?

    http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/five_rs/nano5gen/#

  • Wing K. November 16, 2011

    Yes I have, doesn’t work at all.

  • Susendeep Dutta November 16, 2011

    Open iTunes and connect your iPod to PC.If iTunes says that “The iTunes can’t recognize your iPod software, you have to restore it.” then restore it.It may take time to download the firmware of iPod depending upon your internet connection.If it fails try one more time.It’s usually a case of hit and miss.

  • Wing K. November 18, 2011

    I have the most up to date version of iTunes on a macbook.

  • Wing K. November 18, 2011

    The macbook doesn’t even recognize it. Then when I try to charge it, it occasionally shows the apple but nothing happens despite any combination of buttons I push on it.

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