Gail from Batavia

Q: Downloaded music will not save

I have an old IPod Nano and my separate downloaded songs/not purchased from Apple, that I once added to my IPod will not sync and save to the new ITunes. I have a new computer and already authorized it. Any suggestions?

iPod nano

Posted on Oct 1, 2016 12:34 PM

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Q: Downloaded music will not save

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  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Oct 1, 2016 3:10 PM in response to Gail from Batavia
    Level 8 (39,783 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 1, 2016 3:10 PM in response to Gail from Batavia

    The best way to transfer songs from old computer to new computer is to copy your complete iTunes library data from old computer to new computer.  That way, you get "everything" (including playlists, song ratings, play count, date added, etc.), because it's your old iTunes library on your new computer.  OR, restore your iTunes library data from most recent backup of your user data from old computer.  If you can do it that way, please post back for more info.  iPods are not designed to be your data backup.  Otherwise...

     

    By design, iTunes syncing is generally in one direction only, from iTunes library to iPod.  You cannot use iTunes to transfer your song files from iPod to computer.  However, there are third-party methods and utilities that can transfer from iPod to computer.  If you do an Internet search on something like "ipod music transfer," you should get some useful links, including an article by CNET on the topic.

     

    After song files from iPod are on your new computer's drive, add them to your new iTunes library.  Once your new iTunes library is complete, sync iPod to that library.  It's erased initially, but then reloaded from new library.