HT201567: Using your iPod as a storage drive

Learn about Using your iPod as a storage drive
ekkhim

Q: I have been using my ipod as an external hard drive on my old widows laptop.  However, when I plug it into my new iMac, I am unable to access the files on the iPod.  Opening the ipod icon on the desktop opens up another file associated with the notes, etc

I have been using my ipod as an external hard drive on my old widows laptop.  However, when I plug it into my new iMac, I am unable to access the files on the iPod.  Opening the ipod icon on the desktop opens up another file associated with the notes, calender, photos, etc.  but not the files which I used on the windows laptop.  Does anyone know how to access the files on a Mac computer?

iPod classic

Posted on Oct 6, 2012 7:08 PM

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Q: I have been using my ipod as an external hard drive on my old widows laptop.  However, when I plug it into my new iMac, I am ... more

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  • by planb77,

    planb77 planb77 Oct 9, 2012 12:31 PM in response to ekkhim
    Level 7 (32,341 points)
    Oct 9, 2012 12:31 PM in response to ekkhim

    Do these files appear when you reconnect it to a PC again?

     

    What filesystem format is currently in place on the iPod's HD? Is it FAT32?


    B-rock

  • by ekkhim,

    ekkhim ekkhim Oct 9, 2012 5:40 PM in response to planb77
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 9, 2012 5:40 PM in response to planb77

    Filesystem is FAT32 and yes on a Windows computer all files and folders appear.  Only when I connect to any Mac the folders and files do not appear, but other folders associated with the calender, notes, music, etc.  all the stuff on the iPod.  Strange that I cannot even see the other folders.  Also on iTunes I do have "enable disk mode" checked.  Any ideas???

  • by planb77,

    planb77 planb77 Oct 10, 2012 8:22 AM in response to ekkhim
    Level 7 (32,341 points)
    Oct 10, 2012 8:22 AM in response to ekkhim

    So on the Mac, the Calendar, Notes, etc, folders still appear? 

     

    B-rock

  • by ekkhim,

    ekkhim ekkhim Oct 10, 2012 8:11 PM in response to planb77
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 10, 2012 8:11 PM in response to planb77

    Correct, on Mac computers only (all running Lion OSX) the iPods calender, notes, music, etc. folders appear, but the other folders with data, which were created on a Windows computer, do not show up.  Very strange, as if the folders can only be read on Windows and NOT a Mac computer.  When I open the iPod on a windows computer all the files are available, when I open the iPod on a Mac only the iPod specific folders appear and not the other folders that are available on the Windows computer.  Does that make sense?

  • by planb77,

    planb77 planb77 Oct 11, 2012 11:25 AM in response to ekkhim
    Level 7 (32,341 points)
    Oct 11, 2012 11:25 AM in response to ekkhim

    It does, but that's definitely strange.  Try showing all hidden files and folders on your Mac to see if that helps.

     

    To do this, head to Applications -> Utilties -> Terminal and type:

    defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles TRUE -> Press Enter

    killall Finder -> Press Enter

    Then navigate out to your iPod again via the Finder. Any luck now?

     

    B-rock