Do I need to "install" CD on another computer to use an iPOD as source?

[wm_cheng]

Hi all,

I've set up the iPOD on the home computer with autosync. But I would like to use the iPOD as a source at the work computer already running iTunes (which I intend to delete all existing songs). Do I have to install the ipodservice.exe on any computer which I intend to hook up the ipod, or will iTunes automatically recognize the iPOD without using the install CD first?

[bobb-mini]

Doesn't iTunes installs ipodservice by default?

[bbqhog]

Are you trying to move music FROM your ipod to your work computer?

[snowdog99]

Originally posted by bobb-mini
Doesn't iTunes installs ipodservice by default?

That's what I thought.

wm_cheng, I assume you mean you want to play music off the iPod through the work PC, not actually transfer it onto the HDD of that PC. You'll need to set your iPod to manual update (do it on your home PC), not only will this prevent any problems with the other PC deleting all the music but it makes it possible to play from the iPod through iTunes.

[wm_cheng]

I've been using iTunes on the work computer for months now - I just didn't think it would install the ipodservice.exe when I installed it previously before I had an ipod. Now that I have an ipod, I just want to use it as a source to listen to at work and was wondering if I had to re-install iTunes or ipodservice (I thought it was two distinct installations; one for the ipodservice driver interface for iTunes and the other is iTunes itself). I do not want to copy the ipod music to the work computer, just listen through it.

[wm_cheng]

OK it just seems to recognize it - I don't need the CD install again. A box pops up that asks if I wanted to pair the iPOD up with this work/laptop's library and I answer no - then it appears in the source - all seems ok.

However, all the songs are greyed out and connot be played. Do I have to import them into the laptop library to play them? I don't want to copy them to the laptop - just stream from the connected iPOD.

Thanks,
Wm

[snowdog99]

Originally posted by wm_cheng

However, all the songs are greyed out and connot be played.

Like I said, you have to have the iPod set to manual syncing to play from it through iTunes. The songs are greyed out because its set for autosyncing.

[wm_cheng]

Thanks snowdog99,

That did the trick, setting it to Manual sync. All the songs are now playable through the iTunes on my work/laptop. I just missed your earlier thread.

However, how can I get it to autosync with my home desktop? It manual syncs with both my computers; home and work. So what happens, when I add a new song or change some ratings or add a new playlist at home, do I have to right-click to "update" the iPOD or set the iPOD to auto in the settings? Or do I set to auto whenever there's a change, then set it back to manual before I disconnect it from the home before I connect it up to the work?