Monday, August 20, 2007

Back up entire ipod to your Windows PC

ipod nano

Even though you can use third-party applications like iDump to selectively choose which tracks you want to import to your PC, there is another way to it - inconvenient but works to get ALL tracks.
On your Windows PC, start of by enabling hidden folders to be viewed.

Here’s how:

  1. Open your My Computer directory.
  2. Double click on your iPod.
  3. Go to Tools > Folder Options > View.
  4. In the Advanced Settings list, under Hidden files and folders, check the radio button for Show hidden files and folders. Then click OK.

Now, to import the tracks:
  • Go to iPod_Control > Music. You’ll see the iPod’s music organized randomly into a bunch of folders. Copy those into your PC.

    Although the filenames of the songs will be scrambled, their ID3 tags will be intact, so you’ll be able to navigate the songs as usual on your computer or another iPod.

To unscramble the filenames:
  1. In iTunes, go to Edit>Prefrences.
  2. Under the Advanced tab, under the General “sub-tab”, click Change to select the local folder where you have copied the music from your iPod.
  3. Check the box ”Keep iTunes Music folder organized” and click OK.
  4. Add all the recently copied music to you iTunes library.
  5. The process might take a while, and may require you to close and re-open iTunes to even get it started, but when it’s done - you will have a nicely sorted folder structure!

Filed under: Tech |  Apple |  How-To | 



Comments

1

F. |  Sun Sep 09, 2007 at 01.23 am

I knew there had to be a way to backup my iPod without using a third party app.!

Thanks for the tip smile

2

Ziad |  Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 04.51 am

My iPod is dying :( and I have to copy 32GB of MP3s in random names to my PC :S. The thought of doing this was a nightmare*not really a third party apps “fan"*… not any more :D
//Processing Album Artwork
Thank you

3

Shay |  Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 02.14 pm

Youre welcome!

Deep down, I believe Apple did it on purpose - giving a 2 year lifespan for each ipod sold. Just to make sure you buy the *new upgraded* release after your ipod dies.

I’ve given up on them.

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