FAQs
From IPodWizard.net Wiki
Introduction
iPodWizard is a program for Windows that allows you to change a lot about the appearance of the firmware on your iPod.
(including fonts, graphics and text).
Below are some frequently asked questions about iPodWizard, and their answers.
The forum version of this page is located here, by the member fm. Note that the Wiki version will be more up-to-date.
Where To Begin?
What do I need to start?
A compatible iPod, iPodWizard, and, of course, a computer (Windows-based).
We also recommend the latest version of iTunes
If I modify my iPod, will it void my warranty?
Yes. Read more about this in our Disclaimer. Although modifying your iPod with iPodWizard will void the warranty, it is possible to remove any changes that you have done with iPodWizard by following this tutorial. There is no absolute way to permanently damage your iPod with iPodWizard if you modify just the graphics. Installing other (2nd/3rd party) firmware poses a risk.
Can I use iPodWizard on a Mac?
No. iPodWizard does not currently support Macintosh computers. You may want to donate to the cause, however. You can also go here to discuss/learn about alternatives for Macintosh computers.
Removing Changes
I want my iPod to have factory settings again, how do I do this?
Follow this tutorial.
NOTE: as of the iTunes 7 release, the updates are run through iTunes and previous updaters no longer work.
Themes
I got a theme, how do I put it on my iPod?
There's two ways: using the Updater (Not possible if you have iTunes 7 or higher) or modifying the iPod directly (recommended). Modifyng the iPod directly is the most common (and easiest) way if you have the latest iTunes. Changes made by iPW can easily be reversed to factory settings by restoring via iTunes.
Follow the 'How To Load A Theme' tutorial.
I've installed a theme, but all of the pictures are cut off and out of place. How can I fix them?
It's because the theme you put on was not made for the same version firmware that is on your iPod. With each firmware version, there are subtle differences in graphical indexes which causes the images to be put in the wrong place.
What you need to do is use the converter (5G/Nano only!), request the maker of the theme to port it over to a different firmware version, or downgrade/update your firmware to match the theme.
Firmware Editing
How do I change my font?
Follow this tutorial.
Common Mistake: For the 5G you need to go to OTF fonts section (Index 1).
Troubleshooting
I got the ! folder. What do I do?
Well you can go plug in your iPod on your computer and restore it back to factory settings or follow this tutorial or our Troubleshooting guides.
My iPod just froze, what do I do?
You can reset your iPod by holding the Menu & Center button on the iPod.
How come I don't see my iPod on My Computer or iTunes?
Wait for it to load, sometimes it takes awhile for your computer to recognize the iPod. If that doesn't work, force it to Disk Mode while your iPod is connected to your computer by holding down Menu & Center button. When it resets, press and hold the Center & Play/Pause until the Do Not Disconnect Logo appears on the screen.
Common Questions
Can I change the little blue bar (select bar) in the main menu of my iPod?
Yes. You may only change the top and bottom colors of the gradient, though. You cannot use an image as a selector bar. This hack also requires iPW v1.3 if you have not downloaded it already. You can download the selector bars, and find instructions here:
Video ( 5th and 5.5 generation iPods): iPod Video Selector Bar List
Nano (1st Generation): iPod Nano Selector Bar Hack
Can I change the background?
Yes, on certain iPods. You can change it on the 5/5.5 generation iPods and the 1st generation nanos.
It requires certain modified firmware which you can download here for the nano and here for the 5/5.5g.
Can I change the boot-up Apple logo?
Yes.
Recently Kingstone made it work on all the supported iPods. The boot-up Apple logo can only be changed using iPodWizard 1.3.
Just change pic #398 and pic #413 in iPodWizard to a boot logo of your choice.
Can I change the font colour?
Yes.
This hack can only be done on the iPod Nano 1G and iPod Video 5G/5.5G. Look in thread for information on how to do this.
The font colour hack is also included in the latest background hack file.
My iPod is plugged in but on iPodWizard it still says "No iPod Found On Computer". Why?
Try and close iTunes and any program that is using your iPod.
You can also try forcing your iPod to Disk Mode.
Sometimes you may have other USB drives plugged in your computer, try removing them and restart iPodWizard.
How do I put videos from my computer to my iPod?
First you need to convert the video to MPEG-4 (.mp4) or the H-264 (.mov) codec. Put it in iTunes, copy, paste to iPod. For DVD's you either need an iPod DVD ripper that automatically converts the DVD to MPEG-4 or a DVD ripper that rips DVDs.
A good, free DVD ripper we recommend is Handbrake.
How do I know what Firmware Version I have?
To find out what Firmware Version you have, go to your iPod>Settings>About>Version.
Why is my iPod not exactly the stated amount (GB)?
This reduction in usable drive space occurs with every storage device using a computer. This is the reason:
Storage devices can be measured in two ways. Their 'true' storage is in binary form (2^10 = 1024), but the computer measures it in decimal (10^3 = 1000) form.
1 GB in binary form:
1,024 MB
1,048,576 KB
1,073,741,824 B
1 GB in decimal form:
1,000 MB
1,000,000 KB
1,000,000,000 B
Take the decimal form of bytes: 1,000,000,000
Convert back to gigabytes via the binary method: ~0.931.
.:. 1 GB (Binary) = ~0.931 GB (Decimal).
For every GB, about 7.4% is lost..
