iPod, iPod Classic, and iPod Nano:

1. Launch iTunes and check to make sure you are up to date with the latest version of iTunes.
2. Connect your iPod to your computer with the USB or Firewire cable.
3. Once your computer detects your iPod, it will appear under “Devices” on the left. Click on your iPod to view the summary page.
4. Click on the “Restore” button and you will be presented with four options:
   • Restore
   • Use Same Version
   • Use Newest Version
   • Restore and Update
5. Although there are four options really there are two because the first two are essentially the same and last two are essentially the same.  The first two options will restore your  iPod with the same version of the iPod software that is currently on your iPod.  The last two options will restore your iPod leaving you with the newest version of the iPod software.
6. Once you have selected your restore option, iTunes will begin restoring your iPod and you should see a progress bar on your computer screen.
7. iTunes will now tell you to either disconnect the iPod and connect it to a Power Adapter, or leave your iPod connected to your computer depending on your model.
8. Now there should be an Apple logo and a progress bar on your iPod’s screen. Your iPod must stay connected to the Power Adapter or your computer while it finishes the restore process.
9. Once the restore process is complete, reconnect your iPod to your computer and you should see the iTunes Setup Assistant window. Now just set up your syncing preferences like you did the first time you connected your iPod to your computer.

iPod Shuffle:

1. Launch iTunes and check to make sure you are up to date with the latest version of iTunes.
2. Connect your iPod to your computer with the USB or Firewire cable.
3. Once your computer detects your iPod, it will appear under “Devices” on the left. Click on your iPod to view the summary page.
4. Click on the “Restore” button and you will be presented with four options:
   • Restore
   • Use Same Version
   • Use Newest Version
   • Restore and Update
5. Although there are four options really there are two because the first two are essentially the same and last two are essentially the same.  The first two options will restore your  iPod with the same version of the iPod software that is currently on your iPod.  The last two options will restore your iPod leaving you with the newest version of the iPod software.
6. Once you have selected your restore option, iTunes will begin restoring your iPod and you should see a progress bar on your computer screen.

iPhone and iPod Touch:

1. Launch iTunes and check to make sure you are up to date with the latest version of iTunes.
2. Connect your iPhone or iPod to your computer with the USB or Firewire cable.
3. Once your computer detects your iPod, it will appear under “Devices” on the left. Click on your iPhone or iPod to view the summary page.
4. Click on the “Restore” button.
5. If you have not Backed Up your iPhone or iPod touch recently, you may be presented with the option to do so before restoring your device.
6. iTunes will ask you one more time whether or not you want you want to restore your device.  Click “Restore.”
7. iTunes will now begin restoring your iPhone or iPod touch.  You should see a progress bar on your computer screen and on your device.
8. Once the restore is complete, your device will restart displaying the Apple Logo.
9. Leave your iPhone or iPod connected to your computer.  iTunes will now ask you if you want to restore your device to a previously saved back up.  Simply choose the back up you want to use from the drop down menu.  If you do not want to restore a previous back up, select “Set up as new…”
10. If you would like to set up your iPhone or iPod as a new device but want to save iTunes’ previous back ups, make a copy of the following folders in a new location:
    • Mac – ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/
    • Windows XP – \Documents and Settings\(username)\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\
    • Windows Vista – \Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\