So I received a question via private message on FaceBook regarding transferring music from an iPod to another computer and thought it would be a great opportunity to answer this question on the blog, since I assume other people may have the same question. So let’s get to it…

The Question:

How can I transfer my music from my iPod to another computer? For some reason or another, my laptop crashed. I’m trying get my music onto my desktop…Do you know how?

The Answer:

Luckily, this is not an issue and is simple to do!  Plus, this is exactly what your iPod was made for (besides playing music). There are various solutions, but I have detailed the FREE solutions. Because quite frankly everyone likes free, right? Anywho…

Manual Transfer: (FREE and not dependant on third-party software)

What you will need:

• iTunes 7.0+
• iPod/iPod Touch (apparently)
• A computer that can run iTunes 7.0+
• Sync/Charge cord (white cord that charges your iPhone or iPod)

Instructions:

1. Make sure to install iTunes 7.0+ on the computer you wish to transfer your music.
2. Open iTunes on your computer and if this is your first time opening iTunes on this computer, make sure to run through the “iTunes Setup Assistant” first.
3. Connect your iPod or iPod Touch to your computer.
4. Note: If you already have music installed on this computer, MAKE SURE you perform a backup, BUT DO NOT allow iTunes to “Auto-Sync” or “Associate this computer with your iPod “. This will delete the music you have already in iTunes which you should consider your hard copy.
   
5. Now it’s time to actually copy the files:

On a PC:

• If your iPod was automatically detected, click on “iPod” (will appear in your “My Computer” folder).
• You should now see a folder within your iPod.
• Drag this folder over to your “My Music” folder on your PC hard drive. This will take a while as it is transferring your music to your desktop.
• Note: If your PC does not detect or show the folder, unhide the files.
• To unhide the files go to Tools -> Folder Options -> View, and then check (enable) the option “Show hidden files and folders.”

On a Mac:

• Click on “iPod” (will appear on your desktop once your iPod is connected).
• You should now see a folder within your iPod.
• Drag the iTunes folder from the iPod to the “Music” folder.

Note: The above “Mac” directions are for those who have older versions of iTunes and/or iPod. Currently with our iPhone, we simply connected the iPhone with the sync cord and the Mac detected it. Once the iPhone was detected it showed a list of songs and all you have to do is check which songs you would like to transfer. So apparently iPhone/iPod transfer to Mac is much easier!

Now just open iTunes and BAM it’s there!

Also note, that this technique works to transfer your movies and video as well.

Secondary Method: Automated Rip (FREE and Paid ,  dependent on third-party app. Best for iPhone to PC transfer. EASIEST METHOD!)

This method will automated the entire thing for you. Simply download a third-party app and let them do the dirty work for you.

• PC iPod Rip Solutions
• Mac iPod Rip Solutions

Ok guys that’s all I have, until next time! If you have any questions or suggestions for another blog post, simply enter it in the comments below.

Ashli Norton of SimpleLeap Software

Here are some other post you may enjoy:

• September 30, 2009 -- Cram for iPhone is Free Now (kinda)
• May 26, 2009 -- Top 10 iPhone Questions Answered – Part 2 of 2
• April 21, 2009 -- How-To: Update Your iPhone Software
• January 25, 2010 -- Mac 101: Speed up your Mac – Repair your Permissions

Tags: computer, files, iPhone, ipod, mac, move, music, transfer

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 14th, 2009 at 11:22 pm and is filed under How-to, iPhone 3G/iPod Touch, mac. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.