rabbitrun223

Q: Use ipod as external hard drive?

My computer that all my saved music on it crashed and I was unable to recover anything from the hard drive. In the iTunes Help file, it states I can use my iPod as an external hard drive and transfer my library from my iPod to another computer. However, in the tutorial it says:

  • Copy files from your iPod to your computer: Double-click the iPod icon on the desktop and drag files from the window that appears.

The only problem is, there is no desktop icon to click. When I open the file explorer, it gives me files but no music files. I am using Windows 10 and the most current version of iTunes.

 

Can anyone tell me if this will work without trying a 3rd party software? I'd rather not buy/download something that may crash this computer too.

iPod nano, Windows 10

Posted on Aug 29, 2016 5:43 PM

Close

Q: Use ipod as external hard drive?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Aug 29, 2016 5:57 PM in response to rabbitrun223
    Level 8 (38,248 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 29, 2016 5:57 PM in response to rabbitrun223

    That method is for using the iPod like an external hard drive (with the iPod in disk mode), to copy your files from your old computer to a new computer.  It is not describing how to transfer song files that iTunes synced to your iPod to another computer.  iTunes syncs song files in a special way, to optimize the iPod's storage and performance.  Those files are hidden when viewed using a file manager (like Windows Explorer).

     

    If you want to transfer song files (synced there by iTunes) from iPod to computer, you'll need to use a third-party method or utility.  iTunes syncing is generally in one direction only, from iTunes library to iPod (except for songs purchased from the iTunes Store).  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.

     

    NOTE:  Songs previously purchased from the iTunes Store can be downloaded again at no cost

     

    Download your past purchases - Apple Support