I have no idea what I should have entered in those fields but you get it. God help me, I think I've dug a hole for myself. I've recently received an iPod shuffle for my graduation. And I read in the user's guide that the software is only compatible with Windows 2000 and XP. But did that stop me?! Of course not. So I put the CD-ROM in, followed the instructions and I was told to connect my ipod to format it. No wonder why it didn't work, right? So I went to the next step without having formatted my ipod, and thought I'd gotten over, but no, it turned out that iTunes wasn't able to install. Well fine. I came here for help, checked out Anapod, and saw their options. $20 for my shuffle. So I look elsewhere. I checked out http://www.republika.pl/mho/ipod/ and downloaded the USB driver for windows. Followed those directions. I probably should have read this: "If your iPod was never used before you can get "Drive not formatted" message. Don't try formatting iPod with Windows tools! To format iPod correctly you have to use Apple iPod Updater software. This software works only under Windows 2000 or Windows XP. So you'll have to find some Windows 2000/XP machine, install software from CD you got with your iPod (or download it from here) and Update (or Restore) your iPod. After that you can uninstall software and enjoy iPod under Windows 98." Questions that I have now: 1. Will the trial version of Anapod Explorer work with an iPod shuffle? 2. What the hell does that mean, fine some Windows 2000/XP machine and install my software? How does that help me?! 3. Do you think I'm stupid? Be honest, now. 4. Did I, excuse my French, f--- up my iPod shuffle? I really hope I didn't. Thanks in advance, Jess

"2. What the hell does that mean, fine some Windows 2000/XP machine and install my software? How does that help me?!" It means the software does not work on a Win98 machine. If you want to use the IPod in conjunction with a Win98 machine then you need to install the software. The only way to do that is to find a Win2K or WinXP machine that is capable of installing the software onto the IPod. Re: Q2 Trialware - My guess is...I doubt it since once you use it you would not need to make a purchase. Maybe the trialware works for like 15 uses or something like that. I can only guess. HTH Bryan

Okay, calm down dear. As bryan has said above, it is impossible to format your iPod under windows 98. You haven't f--ked it up, so you are okay. All you need to do is take your iPod shuffle and cd round to a friends house and follow the instructions to format it there. Once you have formatted you iPod shuffle, you can use it under windows 98. Get rid of the program you are trying to use. You can then upload files to your ipod using winamp (free from www.winamp.com) and an ipod plugin (works with shuffles too) - from http://www.winamp.com/plugins/details.php?id=138888 download and install those, then follow the instructions that come with it. You'll be up and running perfectly in no time. James

Thanks, guys, you're life savers. Or iPod savers. Either way, thanks.

My iPOD 40gb has been fomating with windows i know was bad idea, my brother doesn't give me attention about this, really i have no idea what i have to do now, someone can help into this problem to restore or to make any outher changes. Thanks for assistance Bogdan