Using iPod as backup?

I just recently built a new computer, using the same hard drive i had but reformatting it with all the new components. I backed up all my files on the old version of the hdd, and i thought of using my iPod nano as a backup for all my music files, considering it held all of them already. This music in my iPod is all completely legally purchased, through itunes, in my name...however, after the reformat i cant seem to sync my ipod with itunes without clearing it out. I dont wish to clear it out, as i dont want to lose the music i already paid for. Is there an option to do transfer from my ipod in this situation?
Thanks in advance
Custom PC Windows XP

You can't sync your music back from an iPod to iTunes, the transfer of music is designed by default to be one way from iTunes to iPod. However there are a number of third party utilities that you can use to retrieve the files from your iPod, this is just a selection. Have a look at the web pages and documentation for these, they are generally quite straightforward.
iPod Access Mac and Windows Versions
YamiPod Mac and Windows Versions
PodUtil Mac and Windows Versions
iPodCopy Mac and Windows Versions
PodPlayer Windows Only
PodPlus Windows Only
There is also a manual method of accessing the iPod's hard drive on Windows posted in this thread: MacMuse - iPod to iTunes
If you are using the iPod in manual update mode, your iPod is safe from being accidentally erased when you connect to an empty iTunes after reinstalling your operating system. However if your iPod is set to automatically update you will get a message that your iPod is linked to a different library and asking if you want to link to this one and replace all your songs etc, press *No*. Pressing "Yes" will irretrievably remove all songs from your iPod. Your iPod should appear in the iTunes source list from where you can change the update setting to manual.
Alternatively, you can use a keyboard command to prevent your iPod auto-syncing with iTunes. While connecting the iPod to the computer on Windows hold down the Shift + Ctrl keys (on a Mac hold down the Option and Command (⌥ and ⌘) keys). This will stop the iPod from auto-syncing with iTunes and the iPod will appear in the source list. Wait until you are sure the iPod has mounted, and that it will not auto sync and then you can let the keys go. This may take between 20 to 30 seconds depending on your computer. Then go to Preferences>iPod and check the "Manually manage songs and playlists" box: Managing Your Songs Manually
Whichever of these retrieval methods you choose, keep your iPod in manual mode until you have reloaded your iTunes and you are happy with your playlists etc then it will be safe to return it auto-sync again.

Similar Messages

Pros/cons of using iPod as backup HD?

Ok, I'm the last person on the planet without an iPod, but thinking of getting one.
I'm wondering if I can get away with using an iPod for both music and as my backup HD (instead of using an external FW HD) for my primary HD (this would get me halfway to justifying the purchase ).
Anybody using an iPod for both music and as a backup HD for their primary HD?
If so, what's the good, the bad and the ugly?
In doing some reading here, I see that the iPod cannot (should not?) be partitioned, so that's one strike against it.
The process to put it into disk mode also seems a bit putzy compared to simply hooking connecting a FW HD to my PB and having it automatically mount.
Other thoughts?
Anybody using Carbon Copy Cloner to clone their entire HD to an iPod?
Anybody use an iPod to boot their Mac/PB? (Apple KB doc says it may be possible, but it's "unsupported").
Thanks

I use my iPod for quick backups. But I never trust it as my primary back up. One, the iPod is not designed for sustained read/writes because it is not adequately ventilated to keep it cool enough. Another reason not to use your iPod as a primary backup is that it can easily be stolen. But as for a back up device that works in a pinch, it can't be beat.
Grant

Using iPod as backup disk for failing drive

I am an avid user of iTunes with multiple years of history behind me, and I have owned my own iPod since about February, and I have never been disappointed until now, but I feel this is more an ID 10.T error than anything else.
I have a big library, so much so that a regular iPod just wouldn't do it, I had to go for the biggest one available. With a library of 5,230 songs covering 31.65GB, I have a nearly irreplacable collection, and to my dismay, my internal disk is failing (thank you Maxtor...)
As a wise move, I synchronised my iPod with iTunes with the latest additions, and was horrified to find that iTunes had sleuthed an entire band (Motorhead! No!), three songs from another band (Jimi Hendrix, why all the good guys?!), and two lone songs had become victim to my series of bad sectors cropping up all over the place. While I was thankful that this had not altered my iPod listings (the tracks are still on the iPod, and are still playable), I am left with a situation.
If I want to recover these tracks, most of which were ripped from now long-lost CDs years ago rather than purchased over iTMS, how would I go about doing it? Obviously, restoring them on the failing disk would be absolutely fruitless, but there will come a time when I CAN afford to replace the disk, and when this time comes, the entire library will need restoring, and as an extra precaution, I want to have the library stored on my partner's PowerBook. Having turned off automatic synchronisation, under the fear that I would lose my tracks, I thought there would then also be a method for transferring all the data FROM the iPod TO a machine, but this does not appear to be possible, and one begins to ponder the usefulness and customer satisfaction of a one-way music player? Is there an option within iTunes I am missing or simply haven't found yet? Or does the problem lie deeper than I believe it to be? How am I supposed to get music off, and re-enable automatic synchronisation without vaporising my irreplacable music collection that already exists on my iPod?
Seriously, it took me many years to rip, and over five hours to transfer, do NOT tell me I'm going to have to vaporise it to do anything with it, as I've already lost a few ultra-rare tracks on the disk...
Any help that could be given is very much appreciated.
Custom Windows XP Pro

Now that your iPod is set for manual music management, does the iPod show up in Windows like an external drive? Do you see it listed either by name or by the generic "removable disk" under My Computer? Because once Windows recognizes it as a removable drive, you can open it and poke around for your files. First you need to expose hidden files using Windows' Tools•Folder Options•View settings. Then you'll see the folders in which the iPod stores all the stuff.

Using Ipod as backup storage for HDD Camcorder

Hi there. I recently bought a sony 30 gb hard disk camcorder (dcrsr50e). I´m going on a 3 month travel so 30gb wont be enough. I was wandering if it is possible to use the ipod as storage on the road (ie without bringing my laptop) like I use the photo converter for my pictures, since I´m backpacking and would prefer not bringing my laptop.
If not, do you know any other ways of backing up a hdd camcorder on the road
Thank you Stefan

Now that your iPod is set for manual music management, does the iPod show up in Windows like an external drive? Do you see it listed either by name or by the generic "removable disk" under My Computer? Because once Windows recognizes it as a removable drive, you can open it and poke around for your files. First you need to expose hidden files using Windows' Tools•Folder Options•View settings. Then you'll see the folders in which the iPod stores all the stuff.

Problem using iPod to backup files

Sorry to double post, but I just realized that I'd somehow managed to post this on the Mac forum.
Using WinXP Pro SP2, I connected my 60G iPod and checked Enable disk use. I then tried several times to transfer files to the iPod, but kept getting the following message:
"The disk in the destination drive is full. Insert a new disk to continue."
Checking the properties for the drive shows plenty of available space.
Any ideas as to what I'm doing wrong?
Also is it possible to use other than the FATS format on an iPod?

How many things do you have connected to usb?
Do you have alot of drive letters in "My Computer"
Windows may be confusing the iPod with a network drive, try changing the drive letter
Mac OS X (10.4.8)

IPod as backup for my photo and music library

May I use iPod as backup device for my photo and music library in case of my iMac failure? Is this tested and recommended solution?
Thanks, Jan

This is an extremely risky option because when (and not if) there comes a time to restore your iPod, which is a very common fix for iPod problems, then all the music/photos would be erased. If you no longer have them in iTunes (or any other back up), then all that music and other data would be lost.
What if the iPod were lost/stolen/needed repair? Again, the music would lost. I strongly recommend a different form of back up, and if computer hard drive space is in short supply, you should seriously consider an external hard drive. They are not expensive, and the cost is well worth it when compared to the loss of all your precious music and photos.
At the very least back up your music/photos to either cd or dvd before deleting them, particularly any purchased music/videos, as this would have to be bought again if it were lost. See this.
Backing up your media in iTunes.

Using Ipod as a backup

I was concerned about backing up my music files when I realized that the Ipod itself was a handy backup. All of my music was on the portable harddrive known as "my Ipod". I went into the Apple store and wanted to talk to the technicians about using the Ipod as my backup harddrive. Man, was I surprised when they said, "oh, we can't talk about that". Great, I bought this fancy music playing thing and it becomes a great (and expensive) one way street. Then, the young technician said that there is a way to make the Ipod a "disc drive" he began to hold several things down on the wheel simultaniously that would allow me to write to my computer hard drive - thus makeing my Ipod a "backup". He was going so fast I could not catch it all. Plus, he said if you do that, something else happens.
Now, my CPU has crashed and I have $100s of dollars in music on my Ipod that I want to get back onto a new hard drive.
How is this done? Do I have to go to the "black market" to find this out?
Richard G.

Richard,
While you
i can
store a copy of your complete music files on the iPod if you have the space (in addition to the music stored there by iTunes), you have not created a true backup and are still at risk for data/music loss. I do not consider an iPod to be a music backup device unless that is all you are using it for (not sure why one would do this...).
A real backup is one that is
b independent
of its main source(s). This means both iTunes and the iPod. You need to have a separate backup source external to the PC or iPod: CD, DVD or external HD for a start. At a minimum, you need your music on your PC within iTunes, the iPod and one other medium. Many advanced folks here have multiple backups as none of the methods are completely fail-safe.
If you choose to delete your music from your PC (as some folks do), having two distinct backup sets is critical.
See: Buegie, "Best to Save iTunes Library Externally" #1, 04:39pm Sep 21, 2005 CDT for some backup ideas.
In the end, it's your data and time/money, so make the choices that fit your needs.

Using ipod as a hard drive backup?

I see that i can use my iPod to backup my photos but can i use it to backup my basic files? i have a ton of room and only 2-3 GB of files.
thanks!

Yes you can use the iPod for any type of files just like any other removable drive: Using your iPod as a storage drive

My ipod went to the ''connect to itunes mode'' and i want to use my itunes backup but how can i do that. also when the ''recover your ipod screen'' appeared i accidentally chose not to show it anymore.

My ipod went to the ''connect to itunes mode'' and i want to use my itunes backup but how can i do that. also when the ''recover your ipod screen'' appeared i accidentally chose not to show it anymore. please help i just had it for half a day.

See Here > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1808
You may need to try this More than Once... Be sure to Follow ALL the Steps...
Take your time... Pay particular attention to Steps 3 and 4.
Some users have reported as many as 8 or 9 attempts were necessary before success.
If the issue persists...
Then a Visit to an Apple Store or AASP (Authorized Apple Service Provider) is the Next Step...
Be sure to make an appointment first...

Is there a way to use ipod with new computer without erasing entire library

I'm not really tech-savvy, but I'm tossing my old computer and getting a new one - is there a way to use my ipod on my new computer without erasing my existing library? It won't let me make changes to my ipod and wants me to erase everything that is on there right now - HELP!

Connect your iPod to your computer. When you get the message that it is linked to a different library and asking if you want to link to this one and replace all your songs etc, press "Cancel". Pressing "Erase and Sync" will irretrievably remove all the songs from your iPod. When your iPod appears in iTunes enable it for disk use, this is required for most if not all the utilities listed below so they can access the files: Using your iPod as a storage drive
Once you are safely connected there are a few things you can do to restore your iTunes from the iPod. If you have any iTMS purchases the transfer of purchased content from the iPod to authorised computers was introduced with iTunes 7. A paragraph on it has been added to this article: Transfer iTunes Store purchases using iPod
The transfer of non iTMS content such as songs imported from CD is designed by default to be one way from iTunes to iPod. However there are a number of third party utilities that you can use to retrieve the music files and playlists from your iPod. You'll find that they have varying degrees of functionality and some will transfer movies, videos, photos, podcasts and games as well. Have a look at the web pages and documentation, this is just a small selection of what's available, they are generally quite straightforward. You can also read reviews of some of them here: Wired News - Rescue Your Stranded Tunes
TuneJack Windows Only
iPod2PC Windows Only
iGadget Windows Only
iDump Windows Only
iRepo Windows Only
iPodRip Mac & Windows
YamiPod Mac and Windows Versions
Music Rescue Mac & Windows
iPodCopy Mac and Windows Versions
There is also a manual method of accessing the iPod's hard drive and copying songs back to iTunes on Windows or a Mac. The procedure is a bit involved and won't recover playlists but if you're interested it's available at this link: Two-way Street: Moving Music Off the iPod
Whichever of these retrieval methods you choose, keep your iPod in manual mode until you have reloaded your iTunes and you are happy with your playlists etc then it will be safe to return it auto-sync. I would also advise that you get yourself an external hard drive and back your stuff up, relying on an iPod as your sole backup is not a good idea and external drives are comparatively inexpensive these days, you can get loads of storage for a reasonable outlay.

How can I recover texts & contacts on iPhone 5c after syncing it with an old iPod touch backup?

I used to have an old LG flip-phone and an iPod Touch. I lost the iPod Touch about six months ago. This week I got my iPhone. I had to go to the Verizon store to have them take all the contacts off the LG phone and put them onto my iPod.
I had painstakingly pared down my iTunes music library to choice selection of checked items that were small enough to fit on the iPod touch. I didn't want to go through that process again, so I hooked my iPhone up to my computer for the first time, opened iTunes, and synced with the iPod touch backup on my computer. It would have been smart to have backed up the iPhone first, but I didn't. Since I couldn't text with the iPod Touch, it didn't occur to me that the existing texts on my iPhone would be overwritten.
Now all the media files and apps from my old iPod Touch are on my new iPhone 5. The new iPhone apps I downloaded yesterday are on there, too. But the contacts and texts have vanished.
To review: no iTunes backup of iPhone data. No iCloud backup, either-- I've never used iCloud before.
I downloaded Wondershare's iPhone Data Recovery program and used it to scan data on the device. The scan shows 0 contacts and only the 2 text messages that I've received this evening. Curiously, it does have my entire call history from the last week.
So is there any way to recover the texts from this last week?
This seems pretty hopeless but I thought I'd try. Thank for your help.

You are correct. There is no other way to recover this material, and yes it would have been a good idea to backup the iPhone prior to the restore. Remember that a restore to a previous date deletes everything on the device and puts it back to the state of things on the date you choose. The texts and contacts would be gone. Did you possibly sync the contacts with a supported application on the computer? That is the only other way to recover contacts. They are designed to be synced with a supported application on the computer, or with a cloud service such as iCloud, Google or Yahoo.

Resetting a used ipod 4th generation

I bought a used ipod 4th generation and want to reset it to original factory settings. I do not have the previous owners info and no way to contact them. How can I reset it.???

Place the iOS device in Recovery Mode and then connect to your computer and restore via iTunes. The iPod will be erased.
iOS: Wrong passcode results in red disabled screen
If recovery mode does not work try DFU mode.
How to put iPod touch / iPhone into DFU mode « Karthik's scribblings
For how to restore:
iTunes: Restoring iOS software
To restore from backup see:
iOS: Back up and restore your iOS device with iCloud or iTunes
If you restore from iCloud backup the apps will be automatically downloaded. If you restore from iTunes backup the apps and music have to be in the iTunes library since synced media like apps and music are not included in the backup of the iOS device that iTunes makes.
You can redownload most iTunes purchases by:
Downloading past purchases from the App Store, iBookstore, and iTunes Store
If problem what happens or does not happen and when in the instructions? When you successfully get the iPod in recovery mode and connect to computer iTunes should say it found an iPod in recovery mode.

Can I use iPod for time machine back up?

I have several iPods that I don't use, and would like to use them as time machine back up drives, for multiple computers.
They are 30gb iPod videos. I am aware they aren't as reliable as an actual external hard drive and that this much read/write can cause the iPod to burn out, but for these purposes I don't care.
I have 300 computers that I want to restore to one master, as they are all used for the same purpose, but currently they all have OS 10.5.x of varying versions. I currently use a time machine backup on an external hard drive to restore the systems, but I have 15 iPod videos, and I would like to use 2-3 of them, to speed the process up.
I use carbon copy cloner once I get a system restored, to restore the stations around it, but time machine is about 15% faster than using CCC, so I would like to use these iPods to increase my ability to restore these systems on a regular basis without having to buy external hard drives or enclosures to make external HDs.
I have tried:
Erasing the iPod in disk utility.
-It will erase the volume as HFS+ (extended journaled) but it won't erase the main device as it shows in Disk utility, it consistently stays as Fat32.
--Same idea if I recreate the partition. I tried GUID partition scheme, Apple Partition Map and Master boot record, but all produce the same result.
I also selected the iPod and attempted a zero-out of the whole iPod using the security options in disk utility. The system still will not let me use it for time machine.
Has anyone been able to use an iPod for backup? Are there any other techniques anyone can suggest to get this iPod to work?
Thanks for your help.

And to clarify, originally I made sure disk usage was enabled on the iPod.
I have also tried dragging and dropping the contents of a time machine backup to the iPod, but it's still not seen as a backup volume. I suspect there are some hidden files that enable a volume as time machine capable. Any ideas on how to maybe copy the hidden files or any other methods that might work?

Help with used iPod I just got - syncing and uploading a LOT of CD's

Hello All:
So I just brought a used iPOD on Ebay, and i'm totally new to using them. I believe it's the 6th generation classic, 80GB, black. I have two questions.
1) I get the message in itunes that only one library can be synced, do I want to erase the ipod and upload the library thats on my laptop. I assume this is some kind of copyright thing, and that theres no way to save the songs that are on the iPod to the laptop, since they were loaded onto the iPod by the previous owner?
2) I have about fifty CD's here I want to load onto the iPod. In my mind, i'm thinking I want to backup the iPod with all 50 CD's onto an external USB hard drive. I don't really want 80GB of data on the laptop internal hard drive that I use all the time. I poked around with iTunes for about a half-hour, and I can't see how to load CD's onto the iPod without loading the CD's onto the laptop internal hard drive and then syncing the iPod to load the CD's onto it. Forgive my ignorance, but is it possible to load CD's directly from the laptop CD-ROM drive to the iPod without going onto the laptop internal har drive first, and/or can I use iTunes on the laptop with an external USB hard drive and/or then go from the external hard drive to the iPod or from the iPod first to the external hard drive to backup the iPod?
THANK YOU,
Lee Bernhang

I FIGURED IT OUT!!!!
what i did was plugged my iPod back up, then when iTunes pops up, drag your 'music' section to your iPod. (you have to be in your library, not in the iTunes store)
mine synched automatically, and i had no problem ejecting it or anything.
no error messages either. and all my music is now on my iPod!
thanks to my dad. (: lol. hope this helps someone!

How to update new iPod to iOS 5.1 then restore from previous iPod's backup

If I want to restore my 'new' (refurbished) iPod from a back up of my old one, I need to get iOS5.1 on this one.
I can't restore it right now because I don't have the computer it's synced with, and I was planning on getting iOS 5.1.1 on my old one before it broke.
This is what I think I should do (when I have the right computer):
Update software to iOS 5.1
Restore from backup.
Update software to iOS 5.1.1
right?
The only thing is, I will have to set up my new iPod 'as new iPod' to update the software because the option isnt there until your iPod is set up in iTunes (keep in mind, I'm not using the computer with the iTunes I will be syncing it with for the rest of its life). Will this change anything?
And should I wait to do all this until I'm on the computer with the normal iTunes I'll be using, or does it not matter because I was planning on restoring it anyways?
Pleaaasee hellppp!

I don't have my old iPod, just the refurbished one, but I backed up my previous one beforehand when it was connected to my computer.
On my new one, I need to update it to iOS 5.1 to to be able to restore it from a backup of my old iPod because that's they system the old one was using, and I also want to update it to iOS 5.1.1, which I can't do right away or I still won't be able to restore it. I figured I would have to:
1. Update Software of new iPod to iOS 5.1
2. Restore new iPod from backup of old one.
3. Update software to iOS 5.1.1
Am I right?

Using iPod as backup?

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