reformatting my computer and itunes on manual mode

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reformatting my computer and itunes on manual mode

I need to reformat my computer and I want to save my files onto my ipod. i currently have it set on manual mode because I don't store my music on my computer, only on my ipod.

If I reformat my computer and reinstall everything, will Itunes be set back to automatic mode, so that when I plug in my ipod it will erase everything?

Or am i safe to uninstall everything/reformat, and then reinstall itunes and plug in my ipod and have everything still on my ipod?

thanks.

dell inspiron 9100, Windows XP Pro

Posted on Dec 8, 2005 11:11 AM

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Answer 1

Katrina S.

Level 7

24,131 points

Dec 8, 2005 12:16 PM in response to pearly

Remember to deauthorize your PC before you format it
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93014

And then follow the directions here about getting the iPod music back into iTunes
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=1248156&#1248156

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Answer 2

pearly Author

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Dec 8, 2005 12:51 PM in response to pearly

okay, i see that. I already have PodUtil on my computer, so are you just saying that once I reformat and then reinstall itunes that I should plug my ipod into my computer and NOT open itunes but open PodUtil and transfer it all back to my computer first?

I want to reinstall itunes and just be able to plug my ipod back in and have it set up like it is now.

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Answer 3

Katrina S.

Level 7

24,131 points

Dec 8, 2005 1:15 PM in response to pearly

I think you want option 2 from this post
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=797432#797432

Sorry, I don't have advice on PodUtil software, never having used it.

Maybe someone with more experience in that will jump in....good luck!

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Answer 4

pearly Author

Level 1

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Dec 8, 2005 1:23 PM in response to pearly

okay, i think this answers what I need to do:

after reformatting and reinstalling everything, open itunes and then open the preferences. this will keep the computer from seeing the ipod connection when I plug it in, that way if it were in automatic mode it won't clear my ipod to match the freshly installed blank itunes library. then ill have to either copy all of my music onto my computer hard drive, or once i plug it in, be able to switch it to manual.

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