iPod in mac format, want to retreive files , only have PC

research +

That won't solve the problem; Windows can't read the filesystem without an HFS driver, as indicated below.

as indicated where?

Well, it was "below" when I posted it. :)

There are two separate problems here --

1) His PC can't even recognize the filesystem on the iPod because it's formatted for Mac (HFS+). I mentioned one commercial driver (MacDrive), Wikipedia lists a few alternatives.

2) You can't copy music off an iPod without using a third-party program, such as the iPod Rip program you mentioned.

It's probably worth pointing out that Apple has a tech note that says you can't use a Mac-formatted iPod under Windows at all, so in order to get iTunes to recognize it you will probably need to follow their instructions to "Restore iPod to factory settings" (after you copy all the music off). After you do that, you can use iTunes to copy the songs you want back on to it.

I wrote thelittleappfactory on this and here's their reply:

Unfortunately, due to Windows limitations, it is not possible to import music from a Mac formatted iPod to a PC.

However, if you have access to a Mac you could import the music to a PC with iRip by following these steps:

1) Firstly, if necessary, use iRip on the Mac to import your iPod's music there.

2) Reformat the iPod on the Windows computer (by clicking "Erase and Sync" - please note that this will erase all content on the iPod)

3) In iTunes, make sure that the iPod is set to "Manually manage music" and "Enable disk use" (make sure you click "Apply" in the bottom right-hand corner)