Converting my iPod Nano to FAT32 without loosing software

[will-sh]

I tried to convert my Mac iPod to FAT32 but I lost all the apple software so that when I tried to turn on my iPod I got that picture of a sad iPod telling me to got to apple suport. How do I stop this?

[saratoga]

I know the Windows method preserves the retail OS.  I don't know about the Mac based one.  

[will-sh]

I dont have a windows computer (well not one capable of running iTunes).

[dommo]

Try going to a friends house with a windows iPod? Then start the iPod in disk mode and do a restore using their pc and use your mac to put your music on by copying and pasting it into the iPod itself from my computer (or whatever macs call my computer). Should be fine after that...

PS - someone correct me if I'm wrong!