iPod Photo 20GB Drive Replacement Guide - Step-by-Step

If you iPod Photo's 20GB hard drive starts acting up on you, it may be time to pursue an iPod Photo hard drive replacement. I recently had to do a similar thing (and replaced it with a 60GB version) and I ended up very happy with it! This guide will help you in a short period of time to replace that pesky 20GB hard drive.

Two thoughts on the upgrade - 1) It is so easy that you can do it in less than 10 minutes with the right tools, 2) It is nice to have a steady iPod Photo with the full 20GB availabel for music and photos! This article and guide will take you step-by-step through the tutorial to give you all the information you need to complete a successful hard drive upgrade or replacement in just 10 minutes. While this may not be the first tutorial on an Apple iPod Photo hard drive upgrade, it may be the easiest to follow!

What do I need?
1. First off, you need a replacement drive for your Apple iPod Photo 4th Generation 20GB drive. The original drive models are Toshiba hard drives the MK2004GAL and the MK2006GAL. They are available for approximately $50 on eBay for either the MK2004GAL or MK2006GAL Hard Drive They both are ATA-50 pin model and are directly compatible with your Apple iPod Photo 4th Generation, as all 4th Gen devices use the ATA-50 pin technology.
2. If you want to avoid scratching up your iPod Photo's case, make sure you have a non-marring pry tool, similar to the one I mention in this article. Alternatively, you can use a small screwdriver if you can stand the nicks and scratches.
3. Your iPod Photo's wall charger and cable. Once the device is reset, you will need it to get it back into working condition.
4. An exacto knife or sharp object to remove foam cushioning from your old hard drive.

Now that you are ready, here is the step-by-step tutorial. Was this guide helpful for you? If so, please let me know with a comment!

1. With your iPod Photo facing up and towards you turn it so the right side is facing you. Slide your non-marring pry tool in between the plastic front of your iPod Photo case and the back metal case. Once inserted as below, pull the bottom part of the case out and downward until the clips release. Moderate force was required with my iPod Photo.


2. Once the clips release the entire side of the iPod Photo case is released.


3. Rotate the right side slowly and carefully to separate the back case of the iPod Photo from the front. Do not pull apart as the lock and headphone connector from your iPod Photo is still connected between the cases.


4. On the bottom right of the iPod Photo is the battery connector disconnect this before removing any of the electronics in order not to damage your iPod Photo.


5. Now, separate the the ATA 50-pin hard drive connector from your iPod Photo. You should be able to perform this with your fingers, but gently prying and wiggling until it releases. Do not apply too much force or you may bend the pins.


6. Now remove the old 20GB drive from the iPod Photo. The plastic bumpers around the drive release very easily. To remove the foam cushion material, use an exacto knife or similar tool to cut the foam from the drive where it is glued. Rather than gluing the foam cushioning to my new drive, it stuck pretty well by itself.


7. Place the plastic bumpers on the new drive so they fit securely.


8. Reassemble your iPod Photo by placing the new 20GB hard drive back into the case - foam side down, then attached the ata pin connector to the new drive, connect the battery supply back to the iPod Photo, and finally snap the case back together.

9. Turn your 20GB with MK2004GAL or MK2006GAL Hard Drive replaced to your 20GB iPod Photo on and connect it via USB to your computer with iTunes running. You receive the message that the iPod Photo is in recovery mode and must be restored. Click 'Ok' to continue.


10. Go to the iPod Photo screen on iTunes and click on the button for 'Restore' to start the restore of the iPod Photo system software onto your new hard drive.


11. You will be prompted to confirm that you want to restore the iPod Photo with the message "Are you sure you want to restore the iPod Photo 'iPod' to its fatory settings? All of your songs and other data will be erased." Click on 'Restore' to complete the restore.


12. In my case, I had to update the software to iPod Photo updater version 1.2.1 Click on 'Next' to continue.


13. Click on 'Agree' to accept the terms of the license. The restore will now take place on the iPod Photo. iPod Photo now needs to be connected to an AC Adapter to start up.


14. Connect the iPod Photo to the AC wall Adapter for start-up.


15. iPod Photo correctly starts up with factory default settings. I choose the English language for my iPod Photo.


16. The iPod Photo shows the available space in the >19GB range, showing the completion of the MK2004GAL or MK2006GAL Hard Drive replacement. Now connect your iPod Photo back to your USB connection on your computer.


17. The iPod Photo now connects to iTunes and iTunes recognizes that the iPod Photo now has a 20GB drive and begins to sync information.


Congratulations, your iPod Photo MK2004GAL or MK2006GAL Hard Drive replacement on the 4th Generation iPod Photo is complete. Enjoy the reliable new drive!

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Fire Incident at Apple Store in San Francisco - 2 Fire Department Engines!

I know that the Apple iPhone is really hot, but it looks like they were really on fire earlier today. At the San Francisco Apple Store at 1 Stockton had a 2-alarm San Francisco Fire Department response to a fire alarm including hook and ladders! The incident, which happened shortly before 11:00am on Sunday morning before the store actually opened.

Ashley and I happened to be walking by to pick up a couple of accessories for her new Apple iPhone 8GB. You can imagine our surprise and the commotion around the front of the Apple Store with the fire alarm blaring. We arrived shortly before the Fire Department made their appearance.

Fortunately, no Apple iPhones, iMacs, or iPods were harmed in the incident. While the store was completely evacuated and two separate fire departments showed up, it appears that the incident was a false alarm. Speaking with an employee a few minutes later revealed that this has happened a couple of times since the opening for no apparent reason.

However, you do know those iPhones are really hot, apparently flammable as well! Below is a video and a couple of quick photos I snapped during the Apple Store fire incident in San Francisco.

Here are a couple of video clips I shot. In the last clip, you can see the firemen leaving, plus the Apple Store employees entering back in so they can open back up and sell all the iPhones, iPod Touches, iPod Nanos, and iPod classics that they can along with a load of accessories:


Picture 1: Second Hook and Ladder arrives to the Fire Alarm incident at the Apple Store


Picture 2: Partial group of San Francisco Firefighters entering the Apple Store to check out the alarm and make sure everything is ok.


Picture 3: Apple employee talks with a Fire Chief about the incident and the progress inside.

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iPod Photo 20GB to 60GB Upgrade Guide - Step-by-Step

Recently, I have been further exceeding the 20GB storage limit on my 4th Generation iPod Photo (Model A1099). Each time I purchase a new CD the problem gets worse as you might imagine -- each time I have to add new artists or albums to my exclude list which somewhat defeats that point. I was at the point where over 2GB of music was excluded from my iPod Photo. Not to mention, that I cannot even use the photo capability on it!

Then two weeks ago, I decided to pursue an upgrade. After finally settling on a 60GB MK6006GAH Toshiba hard drive, I was well on my way. Well, on Friday I received the drive and today I finally had the chance to perform the upgrade.

Two thoughts on the upgrade - 1) It is so easy that you can do it in less than 10 minutes with the right tools, 2) It is wonderful to have 55GB+ available for music and photos! This article and guide will take you step-by-step through the tutorial to give you all the information you need to complete a successful hard drive upgrade or replacement in just 10 minutes. While this may not be the first tutorial on an Apple iPod Photo hard drive upgrade, it may be the easiest to follow!

What do I need?
1. First off, you need a replacement drive for your Apple iPod Photo 4th Generation 20GB drive. The original drive models are Toshiba hard drives the MK2004GAL and the MK2006GAL. If you want to upgrade to the 60GB hard drive capacity, then your are looking for the MK6006GAH model, available on eBay for approximately $90 with some warranty. The MK6006GAH is the ATA-50 pin model and is directly compatible with your Apple iPod Photo 4th Generation, as all 4th Gen devices use the ATA-50 pin technology.
2. If you want to avoid scratching up your iPod Photo's case, make sure you have a non-marring pry tool, similar to the one I mention in this article. Alternatively, you can use a small screwdriver if you can stand the nicks and scratches.
3. Your iPod Photo's wall charger and cable. Once the device is reset, you will need it to get it back into working condition.
4. An exacto knife or sharp object to remove foam cushioning from your old hard drive.

Now that you are ready, here is the step-by-step tutorial. Was this guide helpful for you? If so, please let me know with a comment!

1. With your iPod Photo facing up and towards you turn it so the right side is facing you. Slide your non-marring pry tool in between the plastic front of your iPod Photo case and the back metal case. Once inserted as below, pull the bottom part of the case out and downward until the clips release. Moderate force was required with my iPod Photo.


2. Once the clips release the entire side of the iPod Photo case is released.


3. Rotate the right side slowly and carefully to separate the back case of the iPod Photo from the front. Do not pull apart as the lock and headphone connector from your iPod Photo is still connected between the cases.


4. On the bottom right of the iPod Photo is the battery connector disconnect this before removing any of the electronics in order not to damage your iPod Photo.


5. Now, separate the the ATA 50-pin hard drive connector from your iPod Photo. You should be able to perform this with your fingers, but gently prying and wiggling until it releases. Do not apply too much force or you may bend the pins.


6. Now remove the old 20GB drive from the iPod Photo. The plastic bumpers around the drive release very easily. To remove the foam cushion material, use an exacto knife or similar tool to cut the foam from the drive where it is glued. Rather than gluing the foam cushioning to my new drive, it stuck pretty well by itself.


7. Place the plastic bumpers on the new drive so they fit securely.


8. Reassemble your iPod Photo by placing the new 60GB hard drive back into the case - foam side down, then attached the ata pin connector to the new drive, connect the battery supply back to the iPod Photo, and finally snap the case back together.

9. Turn your 20GB upgraded to 60GB iPod Photo on and connect it via USB to your computer with iTunes running. You receive the message that the iPod Photo is in recovery mode and must be restored. Click 'Ok' to continue.


10. Go to the iPod Photo screen on iTunes and click on the button for 'Restore' to start the restore of the iPod Photo system software onto your new hard drive.


11. You will be prompted to confirm that you want to restore the iPod Photo with the message "Are you sure you want to restore the iPod Photo 'iPod' to its fatory settings? All of your songs and other data will be erased." Click on 'Restore' to complete the restore.


12. In my case, I had to update the software to iPod Photo updater version 1.2.1 Click on 'Next' to continue.


13. Click on 'Agree' to accept the terms of the license. The restore will now take place on the iPod Photo. iPod Photo now needs to be connected to an AC Adapter to start up.


14. Connect the iPod Photo to the AC wall Adapter for start-up.


15. iPod Photo correctly starts up with factory default settings. I choose the English language for my iPod Photo.


16. The iPod Photo shows the available space in the >55GB range, showing the completion of the upgrade from 20GB to 60GB. Now connect your iPod Photo back to your USB connection on your computer.


17. The iPod Photo now connects to iTunes and iTunes recognizes that the iPod Photo now has a 60GB drive and begins to sync information.


Congratulations, your iPod Photo upgrade to 60GB from a 20GB 4th Generation iPod Photo is complete. Enjoy all the new space!

‎ Read more of this post!

iPod 20GB to 60GB Upgrade Guide - Step-by-Step

Recently, I have been further exceeding the 20GB storage limit on my 4th Generation iPod (Model A1099). Each time I purchase a new CD the problem gets worse as you might imagine -- each time I have to add new artists or albums to my exclude list which somewhat defeats that point. I was at the point where over 2GB of music was excluded from my iPod. Not to mention, that I cannot even use the photo capability on it!

Then two weeks ago, I decided to pursue an upgrade. After finally settling on a 60GB MK6006GAH Toshiba hard drive, I was well on my way. Well, on Friday I received the drive and today I finally had the chance to perform the upgrade.

Two thoughts on the upgrade - 1) It is so easy that you can do it in less than 10 minutes with the right tools, 2) It is wonderful to have 55GB+ available for music and photos! This article and guide will take you step-by-step through the tutorial to give you all the information you need to complete a successful hard drive upgrade or replacement in just 10 minutes. While this may not be the first tutorial on an Apple iPod hard drive upgrade, it may be the easiest to follow!

What do I need?
1. First off, you need a replacement drive for your Apple iPod 4th Generation 20GB drive. The original drive models are Toshiba hard drives the MK2004GAL and the MK2006GAL. If you want to upgrade to the 60GB hard drive capacity, then your are looking for the MK6006GAH model, available on eBay for approximately $90 with some warranty. The MK6006GAH is the ATA-50 pin model and is directly compatible with your Apple iPod 4th Generation, as all 4th Gen devices use the ATA-50 pin technology.
2. If you want to avoid scratching up your iPod's case, make sure you have a non-marring pry tool, similar to the one I mention in this article. Alternatively, you can use a small screwdriver if you can stand the nicks and scratches.
3. Your iPod's wall charger and cable. Once the device is reset, you will need it to get it back into working condition.
4. An exacto knife or sharp object to remove foam cushioning from your old hard drive.

Now that you are ready, here is the step-by-step tutorial. Was this guide helpful for you? If so, please let me know with a comment!

1. With your iPod facing up and towards you turn it so the right side is facing you. Slide your non-marring pry tool in between the plastic front of your iPod case and the back metal case. Once inserted as below, pull the bottom part of the case out and downward until the clips release. Moderate force was required with my iPod.


2. Once the clips release the entire side of the iPod case is released.


3. Rotate the right side slowly and carefully to separate the back case of the iPod from the front. Do not pull apart as the lock and headphone connector from your iPod is still connected between the cases.


4. On the bottom right of the iPod is the battery connector disconnect this before removing any of the electronics in order not to damage your iPod.


5. Now, separate the the ATA 50-pin hard drive connector from your iPod. Y