[Rob661]

I recently got a 4G iPod 20G from an auction site. It worked OK for a couple of days and died showing sad iPd icon at start up.

Now, I'm thinking of replacing the HD to give it to a new life and I have a couple of questions:

- Is it possible to copy an iPod HD onto a non-apple HD(same size Toshiba one)? (I'm thinking of using my 3G iPod 15G as the original)
- If it can be done, how should I do it?

Thank you for your help!

[ghporter]

Apple doesn't make hard drives-and Toshiba is one of the drive manufacturers they use in iPods.

If you take out the old drive, you MAY be able to copy what's on it to something else, but if you're getting the sad iPod icon, I wouldn't bet on it.

Search the Internet for "replace iPod drive" and be amazed at how many sites tell you all about it, give you options to buy new drives (and batteries), and more.

[Rob661]

Thank you for the info. I searched for "replace iPod drive" and came up with the site below, which I think is cool;

Josh Highland's Blog / Journal / Whatever

I ordered MK2006GAL HD just now for about $90 on the internet and will try replacing it as soon as it arrives.

[ort888]

Does anyone know of any good deals on hard drives? I want to pop a new one in my busted 3G, but I don't want to spend a lot of cash to do it. Are there any good deals out there? Like in the $50 range?

IOgear 20GB 1.8" USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive Iogear GHD118U20

Could I pull the HD out of that thing and use it in an iPod?

[vmarks]

Chances are, yes that would work fine.

Once you pop it in, you need to use the ipod firmware updater to restore the ipod, which will install the ipod OS on it so it works properly.

I've swapped drives from early generation 10gb to 3G ipods and moved a 4G drive back to a 3G.

Just use that firmware updater, the iPod acts angry when it has the wrong version on it.

[Rob661]

Yesterday, the 20G Toshiba MK2006GAL arrived and I opened up my iPod case and replaced the HD.
It was much easier than I thought and my iPod has got a new life with the quieter HD.