How to factory reset an iPod 4th Gen (ClickWheel) 40 GB?

I hope it's OK to place this question in the Mac OS section. I'm asking how to do something to an Apple product but over Windows.

I have an older iPod which was given to me. I have managed to identify the model, it's called A1059 and I believe it belongs to the 4th generation of iPods. I want to completely erase everything and disassociate any accounts etc that it's currently set up with and then give it to someone else.

I have absolutely 0 experience with anything Apple, iPod etc. I do not own an Apple computer and have no access to one. I only have Windows computers.

I googled how to factory reset the iPod and after spending 30 minutes watching videos that all turned out to just explain how to reset the settings (without touching any of the actual content like songs or personal files), I learned there is no way to do this directly from the unit. Some users are saying the easiest way to erase songs is to download iTunes on a computer and then connect the iPod to it, and then erase songs.

Nobody really explains how to factory reset it. It also says you can plug the iPod into an Apple or Windows laptop and delete songs from there. I did plug it in and it does open up and I can see all the files and stuff, but I don't want to simply delete the songs, I want it back to the way it was when it was new. Otherwise maybe the next owner will somehow access the previous owner's stuff / iTunes account.

I was hoping someone here could tell me how to factory reset this iPod using a Windows computer.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4564261

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4564261

There is no "General" under settings. Also there is no "Reset" or "Erase All Content and Settings" under any of the various menues and submenues throughout the whole device, I've been through all of it.

All there is, related to resetting something, is "Reset All Settings" under "Settings" menu.

I also don't think this is called an iPod Touch. I googled that name and got some 4G product. This is thing I'm asking for help with is dirt old like 20 years old or something and holds 40GB of internal storage. Attaching photos of the product, I hope the links work.

Okay. The title says 4th Gen. Sorry.

Hi:

I own nothing fruit-flavored...

But, from the photos, the 40 GB capacity and the black/white display, it appears to be an iPod (Click Wheel). iPod (Click Wheel) models have a Click Wheel like the iPod mini, but are larger and the hold switch is on the top-right side. iPod (Click Wheel) models have a monochrome display. iPod (Click Wheel) is referred to as the fourth-generation iPod.

    Navigation: Click Wheel

    Capacity: 20 and 40 GB

    Model number and date introduced: A1059: July 2004

Scroll way down on this page to find the image & capacity that match yours.

You might also have luck with the SN (JQ451956PQ7)?

Perhaps that might help you to find instructions on how to wipe/reset it?

HTH

Well, darn it!

You already knew that. :-D

Sorry for the useless info....

Edit: Does this help?

https://www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/reset-ipod-ipod-scroll-wheel-ipod-touch-wheel/

Edited by MoxieMomma, 06 October 2023 - 11:20 AM.

Possible solution?

Edited by JohnC_21, 06 October 2023 - 05:49 PM.

Possible solution?

 

I ended up downloading iTunes and there actually was a restore function there, although it was located in a different place than in the tutorials I watched. Anyway, I got it formatted so it's all good now. Thanks John and everyone else!

Edited by MoxieMomma, 07 October 2023 - 06:33 AM.