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How do I re-configure my iPod? Everything was downloaded with Windows Vista. I want to use Windows XP.

This happens a lot with Mac/PC users - music is downloaded with one operating system, but then the user switches to another operating system, but the process should be the same for Vista and XP.

Repair the iPod

When you connect to iTunes, there is an option to repair the iPod. This is actually a bit misleading, and instead of repair, you are actually erasing everything on the device and starting over with the factory settings. Make sure that anything you want to save is backed up first, before you try any kind of repair. If this is a hand-me-down iPod and you don’t care about what is currently on it, go ahead and wipe it clean and start over.

Install the latest version of iTunes on the computer you are going to be using. Connect the iPod to the PC - hopefully iTunes will recognize the iPod.   On the first page, where you see information about the iPod, you will be able to click on the repair button and start the repair process to bring it back to factory settings.

Authorize the Computer

If you are using a new computer and want to synch your iPod to this new computer, you can go to the iTunes app on the iPod while it is connected to the computer and deauthorize it. First, make sure that your files are backed up to an external drive or CD ROM(s).  In the new operating system, download iTunes, setup the account and then import the files from the back up media. You can then go back to the iTunes store and “Authorize” the new computer.

In order to backup your iPod to a CD or external drive, go to Backup, then File and select Backup to Disc. You can also manage your music and video files from a third-party software system such as ephPod, which is a Windows application that is able to quickly transfer songs and libraries.

I cannot open videos that I have transferred from my Nokia mobile to my PC. What to do? Please help.

Watch Media Files from Nokia Phone on your PC

It should be possible to watch media files that you send from your Nokia phone to your PC - here are some steps to try to sort it out. The first thing that you need is a copy of the Nokia PC Suite installed on your computer. Depending on your Nokia phone model, you should have this program on a disc included with your phone. If you haven’t already done so, put the disc in your computer disc drive and follow the prompts to install the program. The Nokia PC Suite program will enable you to seamlessly transfer material between your PC and your Nokia phone, install new software for your Nokia phone and connect your PC to the Internet through your phone. For more general information about the Nokia PC Suite, check out this Nokia PC Suite information page.

Connect your Nokia Phone to your PC

Once you have the PC Suite loaded on your computer, you can attach your Nokia phone with either a USB cable or a Bluetooth connection. When the Nokia is properly synched you should see an icon in the panel on the bottom right of the Windows screen.

Open the Nokia PC Suite and Media Player

Click to open the phone device screen, and then choose the mode of transfer for the files. From the list called Select Mode, choose PC Suite. Now, using the All Programs list inside the Start Menu, choose to open the Nokia PC Suite Program. Once open, select the Nokia Multimedia Player.

Select and Play Media Files on your Computer

When the player opens you should be able to browse all the media files and video clips that are stored on your Nokia phone and play them on your computer through the Nokia PC Suite media player. Simply click File on the top left of the Nokia Player screen, then Open.

Provide More Specific Details

If you are trying to email the files from you phone to your computer, or if you are having trouble opening the files in a different player, the steps above might solve the problem. If not, you might want to write again and provide some more specific details about the file you are trying to open, including the file type and the player you are using and we can take it from there. Good luck!

MP3 Players for Nokia Phones

Depending on the model of your Nokia phone, there are some MP3 Player programs available online for download and purchase. For example, for the Nokia 9300 and 9500, there is the MP3Player application made by Viking Informatics. This program is available online for purchase for $11.95 USD. This is a popular download, with over 11,000 users, that works with Symbian Smartphones, supports Bluetooth and displays skins. This program plays MP3 files, MPEG 1, 2 and 2.5 and ABR and VBR files. The user interface is friendly and displays songs and artists, organized files into folders and offers time elapsed and remaining.

Download an MP3 Player

To download this player, here is a Softpedia link - but, as always, be careful about what you download and be sure to have an up to date and active anti-virus and anti-malware defense system ready to scan the program file. Once you go to the link and click the download tab, the installation will launch and a wizard will open to guide you through the process. There are also free programs available for download - but I can’t vouch for their safety or function. If you are interested in a free program, I might suggest that you spend some time browsing Nokia Media Player forums online and see what other users are recommending or warning against to narrow your options.

Find the Right MP3 Player for your Nokia Phone

If you have a different Nokia phone, you can perform a search for an MP3 player for your model. If the phone can support an MP3 player, you should be able to find a program to buy with relative ease. Once found, the steps to download and install should be provided by the site.

For More Specific Advice

The exact process and steps to install a program will vary depending on the model of your Nokia phone and the MP3 player you decide to buy. If you want more assistance, you can write again with some details about your phone and the MP3 player you are interested in and we can take it from there. Good luck!

I have an HP IPAQ Palm Reader that I am trying to connect to the Internet. The problem is I don’t have all the relevant information including the ISP number to set up modem connection. Any information you could give me would be appreciated.

The HP IPAQ Palm Reader is a terrific device that lets you connect to the Internet in order to access emails, browse the web, send texts, and use instant messaging services just to mention a few of the many functions it provides for its users. Setting up your modem connection is a bit of a conundrum the first time that you need to go through it. After all, it isn’t something that you do every day, so you can’t be expected to know exactly what to do without first finding out. Since you haven’t given me your model number, I’ve provided the steps for two common procedures that you might need to take below.

Setting up Modem Connection

Follow these simple directions in order to set up your IPAQ’s modem connection:

1. In order to obtain your ISP number, all you need to do is contact your Internet Service Provider and tell the representative what you need it for. She will give you the correct number to use. Do this before you take any other steps.
2. Make sure that you have the appropriate modem card by checking the documentation for your IPAQ.
3. Insert the card into the proper slot on the IPAQ.
4. Access the “Today” screen and select “Start.”
5. Using your stylus, select “Settings.”
6. Select “Connections.” This step brings up the option that you need in order to connect to the Internet.
7. Access the drop down menu in order to select “Internet Connections.”
8. Using the stylus, select the “Modify” button. Drag down and select “New.” Please note that this option might include other words such as add or create, depending on your model of IPAQ.
9. At this point, you get to name the connection. Next, select the type of modem that you are using. Plus, you must also enter the transfer rate for the modem.
10. Enter the number for your Internet Service Provider and select “Next.”
11. Personalize your settings for the number of rings that you prefer to occur before allowing the modem to hang up along with any other options that you want to use.
12. Select “Finish” in order to save the settings for your modem connection.

Setting up Modem Connection: GSM/GPRS

Many of the newer models of Palm Readers use GSM/GPRS capability. You will need to use this set of directions if this is the case.

1. Make sure you check the documentation for your IPAQ and obtain the appropriate modem card. Insert the card into the proper slot on your IPAQ.
2. Access the “Today” screen and select the “wireless icon” in the lower right-hand side of the screen.
3. Select the option for “Settings” which should appear next to the phone/Bluetooth icon.
4. The GSM/GPRS data should appear. Now, select your “Country” as well as your “Service Provider” from the drop down menu list that is available.
5. Select “OK.”
6. Your system should begin and complete an updating process. Once it takes you back to the Phone/Bluetooth settings, select “OK.”
7. You should now be back at the “Today” screen. Select “Start” and “Internet Explorer” in order to see if you have connected properly.

I’m trying to create a ring tone. Every time I try to load it to the phone, I get an error saying “MP3 codec may be inappropriate or missing, any ideas? I’m working with a Motorola w385.

Motorola MP3 Codec Problems

Apparently this is a fairly common error for users trying to load ring tones to Motorolas. The first thing that comes to mind is that the file might not actually be saved in MP3 format. If your audio clip is saved as an MP4 or WAV file, it might not be compatible with the Motorola software.

About Microsoft Codecs

It is also possible that you are missing a codec - depending on the program you are using to upload the file, it might make a difference. Codecs are tiny programs with coding and decoding sequences that allow your computer to open and save different file formats. Here is the link to the Microsoft Codec Installation page, which might be helpful in updating or installing new codecs.

Update your Software for Compatibility

The codecs required to encode and decode MP3s are generally standard with computers that support Windows XP and Vista, but some manufacturers don’t include the relevant software. To begin, you should make sure that all your relevant audio programs are up to date. If you run Windows Media Player, make sure that you have the most recent version. Many users report this problem solved by updating WMP and getting the latest software that way.

Checking the Status of your Codecs

Here’s how you can check your codecs and find out if you are missing something that you need to upload your MP3.

1. Click Start, then Control Panel
2. Choose Sound and Audio Devices and then select the Hardware tab
3. Click to highlight Audio Codecs, then click Properties
4. From the Properties tab, click to highlight the Fraunhofer MPEG Layer 3 or IIS Codec and choose Properties
5. This should display information about your codec
   1. If it says “decode only,” then you are missing the MP3 codec that you need to encode the file to transfer it and updating Windows Media Player might solve the issue
   2. If not, here is a link to the Fraunhofer website and a codec download page that might have the encoding codec you are missing

If this doesn’t solve your codec problem, the next option is to search for the appropriate encoder codec online. You might have some more specific success by contacting Motorola or perusing the Motorola user forum online and asking what has worked for other users. The solution will likely also depend on your operating system, as some codecs are XP compatible and others are programmed for Vista. Good luck!

I have a 3g iPhone, when I plug it into my PC it shuts it down. I have moved my PC to another part of the room and since then I haven’t been able to plug it in. I have checked that all the cords are in the same place as before and they are.

Check your Cables and Connections

I don’t think that your iPhone issue is related to moving your computer. It sounds more like an operating system or software compatibility problem, but a great place to start it by triple checking your computer cables and connections and make sure that the power source is stable. You should also check the USB port that you are plugging the iPhone into by connecting a different device and making sure that it works properly. Since iPhones sync with other Mac products, make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes, if you use it.

Change the Drive Assignment

The iPhone can cause problems for some operating system, including Windows XP because the operating system recognizes the device but can’t communicate with it properly. Some users report success after changing the drive letters. I’m not sure why, but this seems to help the computer with the device.

1. Click Start, choose Control Panel, and then Performance and Maintenance
2. Choose Administrative Tools, then click twice to open Computer Management
3. On the left side, select Disk Management
4. Right click the drive you want to change, then click Change Drive Letter and Paths
5. Click Change, then click to select Assign the Following Drive Letter
6. Choose the drive letter that you want to use, then OK
7. Choose Yes to confirm the change
8. Try the iPhone again

Update or Disable Webcam Software

If this doesn’t work, there is another fix you can try. If your computer is equipped with a built in webcam, it could be conflicting with the iPhone. The first step is to go to the website for the manufacturer of the camera you have and look for new drivers. Also, it’s sometimes installed rather than built in camera software that is messing with the Windows operating system, so look for any camera or webcam software you have installed in All Programs search for updates. If this doesn’t work, the next step is to try disabling your built in camera, or removing the added software, and removing the corresponding registry entries. 

Get a Powered USB Hub

The only other thing that comes to mind is the power supply. Some users report computers crashing when an iPhone is connected if there isn’t enough power going to the system. In this case, the computer shuts down to protect itself. The fix for this is simple enough, but will cost about 5 dollars. All you need is to get a powered USB hub - one with an external power supply so that it isn’t taxing the computer - to connect between the computer and the iPhone and you should be in business.