Changing iPod's master computer

I have an iPod whose master computer is my iMac. Now that I plug it into my MacBook, the MacBook doesn't recognize it, and the iPod just displays a "Do not disconnect" message until the laptop is off/sleeping, at which point the iPod works normally. How do I get the MacBook to recognize my iPod and become its master computer? I also have an iPod shuffle whose master is the MacBook--can a computer only master one iPod at a time??
Alternatively, I'd read online that iTunes 7 would allow us to sync an iPod with more than one computer's iTunes simultaneously. I have iTunes 7.0 on both my computers, but I haven't been able to do that with my Shuffle or 30GB video iPod. Am I doing something wrong?
My iMac has all the songs I want on my iPod, but the MacBook's USB 2.0 is much faster. I was actually hoping to populate the MacBook's iTunes from my 30GB iPod.
Posted part of this last fall but never got a response.
Thanks.

Did you try resetting the new iPod? It should simply show up in iTunes.
Put the hold switch to the OFF/White position. Now toggle it ON/orange then back off again. Then press and hold both the MENU and center buttons on the iPod and hold them for a good 10 seconds or so. Your iPod should reboot starting with the Apple Logo screen.
If it doesn't work the first time, give it a second or third go. Sometimes it takes a few tries.
Other helpful articles listed below.
Patrick
How to use multiple iPods with one computer
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300432
Using iPod with multiple computers
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61675
Managing content manually on iPod
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61148
iPod: Frequently Asked Questions
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60920

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How to change ipod from one computer to laptop

I got a new laptop but my ipod is synced with my old computer how do i go about this?

An iPod can only be synced with one iTunes library at a time. If you to try to sync it with a new one, it will erase all the current contents of the iPod and replace it with what is in the new iTunes library.
So as long as all of your iTunes content is in your new iTunes library you can go ahead and choose the Erase and Sync option when you connect your iPod or restore it.
B-rock

CHANGING IPOD TO DIFFERENT COMPUTER (WINDOWS)

I just got a new computer and I want to change my iTunes to that one from a different computer in my house. Is there a way to transfer all the songs and videos to the new computer?
Dell Windows XP

Check out these threads; they should help:
Buegie: Tranfering Music to a new Computer?
Hudgie: Migrating iTunes for Windows to a new PC
Forum Tip: Since you're new here, you've probably not discovered the Search feature available on every Discussions page, but next time, it might save you time (and everyone else from having to answer the same question multiple times) if you search a couple of ways for a topic, both in the relevant forums, in the User Tips Library and in the Apple Knowledge Base before you post a question.
Regards.

ITunes library on server, want to change "master" computer

I have a Windows machine and a Mac which I just recently got. I also have a Windows Home Server, which is where all of my music is stored.
Currently, I have the Windows machine set up as my "master", the iTunes library is pointed to the server, and it is set to automatically organize the library. I also sync my iPod to this machine. I also use iTunes on the Mac, but it is basically set to read only, it does not organize files or anything like that. Whenever I add new music from the Windows machine, I have to go and add the folder on the Mac to stay current.
What I would like to do is start using my Mac as the "master" computer. The library itself shouldn't move, but I want my Mac to control organization and to sync my iPod. I have a large library and spent a lot of time downloading missed artwork, so I would be upset if I had to rebuild my library in this process.
Would this be as simple as turning off folder organization on my Windows machine and turning it on on the Mac? Or should I export the library from the Windows machine and import it on the Mac? Any suggestions are appreciated.

Eric,
iTunes does not really have the concept of a "master"; that is entirely in how you use it. If you have two libraries sharing the same content files, you can start treating one as the master (as you have been doing).
I'd suggest you turn off "Keep... Organized" on both machines. If one changes a filename or folder, which is what Keep does, the other will lose track of the file. I'd be surprised if this is not already happening in your current setup.
Regarding "Whenever I add new music from the Windows machine, I have to go and add the folder on the Mac to stay current," that will work. But, you can automate the process by running a program like iTunes Folder Watch on your "secondary" machine. It will detect when there is something new in the folder, and will add it to its library.
As far as your iPod knows, the two libraries have nothing to do with each other. So, as you already know, you should pick one to be the one to sync the iPod and stick with it.
Ed

My ipod touch has a old email account associated with itunes. I don't remember the password to the old account and when I enter my birthdate it locks up the ipod - is there a way to change my ipod through my computer

My ipod touch has an old email account assoicated with itunes. I no longer remember the password associated with this email and since it is gone I can't retrieve password by sending to email account. When I try to retrieve by hints it locks up when i enter birth month and day. Is there a way to change my Ipod through my computer? I have searched and can't find it. Thanks

How to reset the password and other items are here.
\Frequently Asked Questions About Apple ID
http://support.apple.com/kb/he37 You can do it through a computer. After resetting the password and other stuff, on the iPod go to Settings>Store and sign out of the account and then sign back in.

I have changed computers and my Ipod wants to esase contend and sinc. I don't have the music on the new computer thats on the ipod. How do i get the music off the ipod onto the computer. Tried a few things no joy. Help

I have changed computer and my ipos wants to erase and sync to an empty list on the new computer. i don't have the music thats currently on the ipod on the computer. How do I get it across? Tried through drive directory but it does not recognise all the music. My old lap top is dead, cant even boot it up. Itunes was one of the things I didnt rescue.. Any suggestions?

You'll need the help of some sort of third party software such as CopyTrans or Phone to PC.
Google for other possibilities.
B-rock

How do I change the "home based" computer for my IPOD to a new laptop?

How do I change the "home based" computer for my IPOD to a new laptop? When I plug in y IPOD classic, I get a msg asking me to erase the IPOD. What I'd like to do is make the laptop my "home base" vs. my desktop. I have had no success when using icons from ITUNES.

You need to move the iTunes library from your home computer to your new laptop first. From there you'll be able to continue syncing your iPod as before. This iTunes support article covers the different methods available for moving your iTunes library from one PC to another.
iTunes: How to move your music to a new computer
B-rock

CHANGING IPOD LINK FROM APPLE COMPUTER TO PC

MY IPOD WAS LINKED TO MY DAUGHTER'S APPLE COMPUTER. I FINALLY PURCHASED A NEW LAPTOP WITH WINDOWS XP. HOW CAN I ADD SONGS TO MY IPOD WITH MY COMPUTER WITHOUT LOSING THE SONGS MY DAUGHTER PUT ON FOR ME WITH HER APPLE LAPTOP?
IPOD MINI Windows XP

If your iPod is formatted for Mac it won't run natively on a PC because the Windows OS does not support the HFS Plus file system and therefore will not see the drive: How to determine your iPod's disk format
There are third party programs that will allow you to use a Mac formatted iPod on Windows. This is one for instance gets good reviews and has the functionality to let you copy the songs from the iPod to the computer. Once you recovered the songs you could restore the iPod on your PC and format it for Windows: XPlay 2
If the iPod is already formatted for Windows there is a manual method of accessing the iPod's hard drive and copying songs back to iTunes on Windows. The procedure is a bit involved and it won't recover playlists but if you're interested it's posted in this thread: MacMuse - iPod to iTunes
If you prefer something more automated then there are a number of third party utilities that you can use to retrieve the music files and playlists from your iPod. This is just a selection, you'll find that they have varying degrees of functionality and some will transfer movies, videos, photos and games as well. Have a look at the web pages and documentation, they are generally quite straightforward. You can also read reviews of some of them here: Wired News - Rescue Your Stranded Tunes
YamiPod Mac and Windows Versions
iGadget Windows Only
iPod Access Mac and Windows Versions
PodUtil Mac and Windows Versions
iPodCopy Mac and Windows Versions
PodPlayer Windows Only
CopyPod Windows Only
If your iPod is set to update automatically take care when connecting back to your computer and an empty iTunes. 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 "Cancel". Pressing "Erase and Sync" 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 and use your iPod without the risk of accidentally erasing it. Check the "manually manage music and videos" box in Summary then press the Apply button: Managing content manually on 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 again.

HT5624 can you guys help me change my password to my ipod from my computer plz

Plz help me change my password to my Ipod from my computer and if you do thank you so much because I forgot my password to my Ipod... from Anthony Jines

Forgotten Screen-Lock Passcode
Connect the iOS device to your computer and try to make a backup
iOS: How to back up
Then restore via iTunes. The iOS device will be erased. Place the iOS device in Recovery Mode if necessary to allow the restore.
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: How to back up
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

When i hooked up my ipod to my computer and opened itunes it wouldnt connect to it. therefore i cant add music. why wont it show up, or sync? i just got the itunes update also so i dont know how to add music to my ipod if it changed.

when i hooked up my ipod to my computer and opened itunes it wouldnt connect to it. therefore i cant add music. why wont it show up, or sync? i just got the itunes update also so i dont know how to add music to my ipod if it changed.

Hello AnthonyHamilton,
The following article can help get iTunes to recognize your iPhone again.
iOS: Device not recognized in iTunes for Windows
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1538
Cheers,
Allen

How can I use two Ipods on one computer.

I was wondering if it is possible to use 2 Ipods on one computer without having to reload all of the music to the new library.

If you are adding a second iPod for your own use, just connect the new iPod to your computer and follow the on screen instructions. It will update from your existing library. Depending on the size of your library and the type of iPod you choose you can have it update all songs and playlists, selected playlists only or you can manage it manually
If the iPods belong to different users then there are actually a few methods for using more than one iPod on a single computer: How To Use Multiple iPods with One Computer
Just to summarise what's in the link above which is a little out of date:
Method one is to have individual Mac or Windows user accounts which by definition would give you completely separate iTunes Music folders and libraries.
Method two is to set your preferences so that any or all of iPods get updated with only certain playlists within one library:
Loading songs onto iPod automatically - Windows
Choosing the update option "Sync Music - Selected playlists" allows you to create a playlist specifically for each iPod and drag the tracks you want into it. If you tire of the list and want to change it, you just add or remove the songs you don't want. The ones you take out out remain in the library to be used by the other iPod. You can read more about playlists at these links:
iTunes: Creating playlists of your favorite songs
How to create a Smart Playlist with iTunes
Another option when using a single library is to set any or all of the iPods to manual update: Managing content manually on iPod

Old hard drive damaged; how to upload from iPod to new computer

The hard drive on my old computer was damaged. I had not backed up all of my iTunes library to either a DVD or external drive. My iPod classic has about 6,300 songs. I just purchased a new computer. Is it possible to upload all of the songs on my iPod to the new iTunes library on the new computer? I assume I will get a message telling me that the computer is not authorized. I am not all that tech savvy, so I don't want to hit "sync" and lose all my non-Apple purchased music. Thanks.

Hey there again, here's another answer.
Be very careful when connecting an iPod full of music to an empty iTunes library.There is very real risk of permanently losing all the music.
To prevent auto sync, before you connect the iPod go to the iTunes preferences and select "devices", then select "disable automatic syncing for iPhones and iPods".
An alternative method is to connect the iPod whilst holding down the 'control+shift' keys and do not let them go until your iPod appears in iTunes.
If you see a message that your iPod is associated with a different library and asks if you want to link to a new one, make sure you press "Cancel".
If you should click on "Erase and Sync" will erase all the content currently on your iPod and it will be replaced with the content of the iTunes library you just connected to.
When you've pressed cancel your iPod should appear in the iTunes source list under "devices" and allow you to change the update setting to manage the iPod content manually, and that will let you use your iPod for the time being without the risk of accidentally erasing the contents.
Then do any of the following to transfer your music from iPod back to the computer/iTunes.
For iTunes version 7 or later, then you can transfer purchased iTunes store music from the iPod to an authorized computer by using the "file/transfer purchases from iPod" menu. Note that the maximum of 5 authorized computers applies here.
Find out how to do that here.
How to copy iTunes purchases from an iPod or iPhone to a computer.
For all other non purchased content (your own CDs etc), check out the instructions/suggestions here.
Music from iPod to computer (using option 2). This a manual method using "hidden folders" and although it works, it is a little more involved than other methods.
Much easier ways are to use one of the many 3rd party programs that copy music from the iPod to the computer.
One of the most recommended is Yamipod. This is a free program that transfers music from iPod back to the computer. However, it does not transfer playcounts/ratings etc.
Other free programs are Pod Player, SharePod and Floola and iDump and iPodRobot.
If you want to recover just the structure of playlists from the iPod (and not the actual song files themselves), there's iRepo for Windows. which I understand has this feature along with all the standard features for these programs.
iPodRip also has the feature enabling you to reconstruct playlists.
There is also CopyTrans. This does preserve ratings/playcounts etc if those are important to you but this program is not free. It also supports video transfer.
More information is contained here.
Copying content from your iPod to your computer - The Definitive Guide.

Question regarding using two separate IPODs on same computer

I recently bought my husband an IPod since he loved mine so much. I already had ITunes on my computer (obviously), so I had him signout and then establish a separate account under his name before attaching his IPod to the computer. Once on ITunes, my library remained in the que even under his new name. He was thrilled because it saved him the issue of having to mess with downloading songs. He deleted off some songs, added others, and moved things around. Now, no matter what name you log-in under, the same library and playlists come up. Is there a way to fix this, or avoid it from here on out? I want MY LIBRARY back.

It sounds like you're talking about logging into your separate iTunes Store/Apple accounts which will only affect which of those accounts is charged for purchases.
It does not change Libraries or anything of that nature so, unfortunately, unless you made a back-up copy of your iTunes Library file before your husband started making changes, your LIbrary - as it was - no longer exists.
As for the future, you may want to have a look at this article in the Apple Knowledge Base and let us know if it brings you any combination of joy and/or satisfaction.

Need advice on multiple iPods on one computer

I have found the article on running more than one iPod on a computer. The directions seem simple. I just wanted to post my situation and ask an additional question.
My wife's laptop recently died but we were able to save the hard drive. So her iTunes library should still be there in tact (everything else is). With the current state of the ecomony we are trying to save money and have her "share" my laptop. Is there a way to copy over her library from that hard drive without screwing up my library?
In looking at the instructions for running multiple iPods on one computer, option 3 seems like the best method for the time being. I also have an HP Smart Media Server that has an iTunes system for sharing but I have not had the time to explore that in much depth and have not found much in the documentation that comes with the server. I would greatly appreciate any advice you may have.

Yes, if you are both on your laptop with one windows user login, method 3 can work.....but it can also be really confusing.
You will both have to train yourselves to ALWAYS do the itunes shift-start before opening itunes, every time. Your ITL file is on the laptop and hers is on the salvaged hard drive. I assume you put it in an enclosure and it's connected via USB?
You might also need to check the preferences every time.
For instance if you want your new additions to go to the laptops's hard drive. She wants her podcasts to go to the salvaged drive. You'd have to change your preferences every time using method 3.
You might want to get he media server going before too much longer! And switch to Method 1 with a shared folder on the server.

Can u have multiple Ipods on one Computer?

I have a iPod and would like to get my husband one but I want to make sure that we can have two ipods connected to the same computer. We use the same computer at home. I have my ipod dock connected now, would I need to add a dock for his or can he use mine? Do I have to change any settings to allow more then one ipod to use the same library?
Thanks
Springer

"How to use multiple iPods with one computer" http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300432

Changing iPod's master computer

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