New Computer <--Connect iPod Without Deleting Files

[booiminasheet]

Hello,

I recently just purchased a new laptop which i want to use my iPod on. The original computer which i used my iPod on is no longer working. My iPod is in windows format, as the old computer and the new one both run on windows, if that is any help. I tried looking for the answer to my questions for the past two days and I couldn't find it, so I figured I'd ask.

Basically, I would like to connect my iPod to my new computer WITHOUT deleting/clearing all my music files (2300). I do not need to move my iPod music to my iTunes library, I'd rather not, unless it's necessary, to save up free space on the computer. All I want to do is add music from new cds that i've already imported and songs from iTunes, and if it's also possible (I don't know) delete some songs that are on my iPod that I don't listen to.

Last night I used the installation cd that came with my iPod and installed the updater and iTunes, but i did not connect my iPod in fear of losing all my files. I've been reading different reviews/posts, some saying that they just connected and nothing happened, some that say i need to download certain programs and then at Apple i think they wrote that all i have to go is press Ctrl and something.

Also, since i installed the updater and iTunes, will the updater affect the iPod when I connect or should i uninstall it IF i need to download another program?

Could someone please help me? I think I'm making it more difficult that it really is. :confused:

[alienmeatsack]

What I would do is, open iTunes without the iPod connected, goto the Preferences > iPod and tell it not to automatically sync the files. This will ensure that when you connect the ipod that itunes will not try and do anything.

THe updater shouldn't erase or reformt the iPod, however, keep in mind that occassionally %$#! happens and its better to have a backup before doing anything to it. You can always cancel when it says there is an update for the iPod.

Next question... Is this music backed up somewhere just in case? If not, get yourself a util to let you do so. Trust me on this, I see too many people here who have all their music on their ipod with none of it backed up and they throw a fit when it's lost. Personally I think if you rely soley on your iPod to store your music, you deserve to lose it if something happens. Always always always back up your tunes to DVDs or CDs.

[booiminasheet]

Originally posted by alienmeatsack
Next question... Is this music backed up somewhere just in case? If not, get yourself a util to let you do so. Trust me on this, I see too many people here who have all their music on their ipod with none of it backed up and they throw a fit when it's lost. Personally I think if you rely soley on your iPod to store your music, you deserve to lose it if something happens. Always always always back up your tunes to DVDs or CDs.

thank you for the response...

yes, MOST of my music is backed up on cd. i burned all my songs that i either didn't own on a cd, or i borrowed from someone. so the majority of the music on my ipod is backed up. i was just hoping that it wouldn't come down to me importing everything again because it's time consuming...

can i ask you one last question -- would it be better for me to download some program like Ephload (sp?) and transfer my songs to my computer, and then connect to itunes? so then if it does get deleted, it would be easier to just move the files to itunes and update? actually, when i plug my ipod into my computer, won't the updater start automatically? so maybe that won't work...?

thanks again!

[snowdog99]

Originally posted by alienmeatsack
What I would do is, open iTunes without the iPod connected, goto the Preferences > iPod and tell it not to automatically sync the files.

Except, of course, that you cannot even see the iPod Preferences without the iPod connected.

[booiminasheet]

Originally posted by snowdog99
Except, of course, that you cannot even see the iPod Preferences without the iPod connected.

Any suggestions as to what i have to do as to not delete the files on my iPod?

[tankado]

you will need a third party software to do this.

I used Ipod Agent

p.s. it is expensive

[Fadingfool]

There is a method... Off the top of my head if you hold down the shift key before you connect the ipod then it shouldn't sync with itunes - don't quote me on this one though I'll search the net and get back to you......

Other than that you can just connect the ipod as an external drive and copy all the files onto your PC and then start itunes (then use the importer to look in the folder you copied all the files to).....

[Fadingfool]

OK can't find where I read the shift thing but on the mac if you click and hold on the ipod control icon (the one that looks like an ipod) as you attach the ipod it should not auto sync.

[booiminasheet]

Originally posted by Fadingfool
There is a method... Off the top of my head if you hold down the shift key before you connect the ipod then it shouldn't sync with itunes - don't quote me on this one though I'll search the net and get back to you......

Other than that you can just connect the ipod as an external drive and copy all the files onto your PC and then start itunes (then use the importer to look in the folder you copied all the files to).....

yes, yes i read that somewhere. i think there's another key i need to press as well so i can find that out, thank you.


now, when i plug my ipod into my computer and it connects with the updater that i installed on my computer from the disc that came with my ipod, will that delete my music files, or only when i sync with itunes?

thank you for all your help!

[Fadingfool]

It should only delete what was on there if you have the autosync on; what the autosync does is to compare the library on itunes with the ipod by effectively removing what was on the ipod and replacing it with what was in itunes.

[stinkyfeet]

Originally posted by alienmeatsack
What I would do is, open iTunes without the iPod connected, goto the Preferences > iPod and tell it not to automatically sync the files. This will ensure that when you connect the ipod that itunes will not try and do anything.


OMG is there something wrong with my verison of iTunes b/c i've tried doing that with my ipod but i can't get to choose that option when my ipod isn't connected. I've had to connect it and change the settings mad quick.:eek: