How to Reset iPod touch to Factory Settings

The iPod touch is probably the best media player available in the gadget market. Its latest version has got a variety of features and interesting functions like motion gaming, communication, music, HD videos, video calling, and many more. There can be times when the iPod touch may give some frequent issues regarding smooth operation. When such a situation arises, it is appropriate to know how to reset it to factory settings. This resolves most issues faced. There are two methods of doing this; first with the Apple iTunes software and second by accessing the menu in the player itself.

Using iTunes

Restoring using the iTunes program is the most opted procedure for iPod touch troubleshooting. Remember that once the restore option is initiated, you will not be able to save the data. You will have an option to back up the data before the restore though. It is suggested that you use the latest version of iTunes for restoring the device, which is available at the manufacturer's website.

Accessing the Interface in iTunes
Connect the iPod touch to the computer with the cable provided, after which the Apple iTunes program will open by itself. If it does not, you will have to open it manually. Wait a while for the option 'Continue' to be shown on the screen, and then click on it. On the left hand side of the interface, you will see the iPod icon. Click on the 'Summary' option and then on 'Restore'.

Taking a Data Backup
This is when you will be asked if you want a data backup. Click on the 'Back Up' option in the message. After taking the back up, go ahead and click on 'Restore' tab. If you have a doubt that the problem was due to the data itself, you may choose not to do the backup. This is because there can be a possibility that the saved data can again cause complications in the newly restored iPod touch.

Re-setting the Restored iPod touch
After the restoring task is done, the iPod touch will reboot and you will see the Apple symbol in the startup process. If you have taken the data backup and want to put it back into the iPod touch, you will have to set it up again. You will be left with a window which will ask you if you want to set up as new or retrieve data from the previous backup. Choose the appropriate option you want and click on 'Continue'.

Data Backup Folders
If you want to know where on you computer the data backup is created, following are the links:

For a Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/

For a PC with Windows XP: \Documents and Settings\(username)\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

For a PC with Windows Vista and Windows 7: \Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

These are steps on how to reset iPod touch to factory settings using iTunes. If the above mentioned steps do not seem to work, you can reboot the Apple iPod touch a few times before restoring it in iTunes. You can even reset your iPod touch without connecting to iTunes. From the home interface, select the 'Setting' icon and then the 'General' tab, and then the 'Reset' option. Give it some time and the resetting will be done. After the factory settings are applied, you will have to make personalized settings on the media player manually. For more troubleshooting steps for Apple iPod touch, it is suggested to visit the website of Apple Computers. There's definitely a solution to every problem!