- 1). Download and install iTunes onto your new PC from the Apple website (see link under Resources). Start iTunes.
- 2). Plug in your iPod using the white USB cord. iTunes will begin to sync. Press "Shift-Ctrl" or immediately close the window to interrupt the sync process. Minimize iTunes and create a new folder on your desktop by right clicking anywhere on your desktop, scrolling down to "New" and clicking on "Folder."
- 3). Click the Start button and "My Computer." Under "My Computer," go to "Devices with Removable Storage" and click on the iPod drive (usually an "F:" drive). Your music will not be shown. Go to "Organize, Folder and Search Options," and click on "View." Under "Advanced Settings," click "Show hidden files, folders, and drives," and click "Apply" and "OK." Now when you return to "My Computer," you will see the hidden files.
Note that Windows XP users must click on "Tools" instead of "Organize." - 4). Double click on "iPod_Control," then double click on "Music." Your music is stored here, although it is encoded. Go to "Organize," "Select All." All of your music should be highlighted. Drag and drop these folders into the folder on your desktop. This will take a long time depending on the amount of music you have stored on your iPod. Unplug your iPod if you wish, as your music is now stored in a folder on your computer.
- 5). Open iTunes and the music folder you created. Rearrange the two window panes so that you can see both panes at the same time on your desktop. Click "Music" in iTunes. Select "Organize" and "Select All" in the music folder. Drag and drop these folders into your iTunes music library. This will take a while depending on the amount of music you have stored. Once this is finished, you will see your music is no longer encoded and that all your music is now in your iTunes library.
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