theemsheather

Q: Syncing Original iPod to Laptop

I just factory reset my Dell laptop. I have heard that if you have a "brand new" laptop and try to sync your ipod with existing songs on it, your whole library gets deleted. How do I add new songs/sync my ipod now without wiping out everything I have on it? I believe I have the 4th or 5th generation ipod. Please help...

iPod classic

Posted on Sep 24, 2016 6:01 AM

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Q: Syncing Original iPod to Laptop

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  • by Kenichi Watanabe,Apple recommended

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Sep 26, 2016 7:35 PM in response to theemsheather
    Level 8 (39,158 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 26, 2016 7:35 PM in response to theemsheather

    Ideally, you should restore your complete iTunes data (including your library file and all media flies), instead of offloading only song files from an iPod.  This is better, because you get the same iTunes library (with supporting data such as playlists, ratings, play count, data added, etc.) on the new Windows installation.  If you can do this, because you have a data backup from before the "factory reset" of your laptop, please post back for more info.

     

    Otherwise, you cannot use iTunes to transfer song files from iPod to computer (except for songs purchased from iTunes Store).  By design, iTunes syncing is generally in one direction only, from iTunes library to iPod.  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 your songs files from iPod are on your computer's drive, add them to your new iTunes library.  When your iTunes library is complete, you can sync the iPod to it.  Your iPod is initially erase, but is reloaded from your new iTunes library.

  • by theemsheather,

    theemsheather theemsheather Sep 26, 2016 7:37 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPod
    Sep 26, 2016 7:37 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    I was unable to do anything before I factor reset because my computer was malfunctioning. Can I do a data transfer of my iPad now so my songs don't get wiped or should I just do the "iPad music transfer" search... thank you

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,Helpful

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Sep 28, 2016 2:23 PM in response to theemsheather
    Level 8 (39,158 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 28, 2016 2:23 PM in response to theemsheather

    iPad?  Why don't you just do that search and see what you get... 

  • by theemsheather,

    theemsheather theemsheather Sep 28, 2016 2:24 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPod
    Sep 28, 2016 2:24 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    Sorry I meant ipod. I will try do the search. Thank you