How do I stop iTunes from auto-launching when connecting iPod.

Question

I have found one method of doing this set out below.
You may want to stop iTunes from auto-launching whenever you plug in your iPod. To do this, open iTunes, and select the iPod in the left-hand Source window. Four buttons will then appear in the lower right-hand corner of the iTunes window. Click the left-most button with the iPod icon on it. This will bring up the iPod Preferences dialog. Uncheck the option labeled "Open iTunes when attached." You probably also want to prevent iTunes from trying to automatically synchronize your iPod when you connect by selecting the "Manually manage songs and playlists" option in the same Preferences dialog.
I am unable to find the iPod icon in the left hand Source window, maybe if I connect my iPod an icon will appear, but I don't want to do this in case stuff is transferred between the iPod and Comp or vice versa.
Sorry to be so long winded, but it was difficult to explain without being so.
If any one knows of another way to do what I am trying to do
Perhaps they would let me know.
ASP   Windows XP Pro  

Answer 1

okay. in a 7.0.x, we no longer get the "ipod options" icon when the ipod is plugged in and selected in the sourcelist (the area to the left of the iTunes screen). instead, the ipod options and preferences display for us in the main library screen.
"Open iTunes when this ipod is connected" is kept down at the bottom of the "Summary" tab. (scroll down to the bottom of that tab to see everything under the "Options" heading.)
"manually manage music" (or "manually manage music and videos" if you've got a video-capable ipod) is also kept down at the bottom of the "Summary" tab in the Options area.
for a technique for connecting the ipod without automatically syncing (if you have an automatic syncing option set on the ipod already), and then changing the options to "manually manage music", see:
How to keep iTunes from automatically updating your iPod
unfortunately, that document is also written for itunes 6.0.x or earlier. so in your case the instructions under the "Now that you're logged in as the Guest user, it's time to get back to iTunes and your iPod:" section at steps 4, 5 and 6 should read:
4. Scroll down to the bottom of the Summary Tab
5. Check the "Manually manage music" checkbox.
6. Click "Apply".