New computer, ipod won't sync

My old iBook's hard drive had some water damage, so I got a new MacBook. But now my ipod won't sync with my new computer unless I erase what I already have on my ipod. How do I get all my non-purchases off my ipod before reformatting to my new computer?
MacBook Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Connect your iPod to your computer. If it is set to update automatically you'll get a 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. 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. Also when using most of the utilities listed below your iPod needs to be enabled for disc use, changing to manual update will do this by default. Check the "manually manage music and videos" box in Summary then press the Apply button: Managing content manually on iPod
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 music files and playlists from your iPod. I use Senuti but have a look at the web pages and documentation for the others too, you'll find that they have varying degrees of functionality and some will transfer movies, videos, photos and games as well. This is just a small selection of what's available, you can also read reviews of some of them here: Wired News - Rescue Your Stranded Tunes
Senuti Mac Only
PodView Mac Only
PodWorks Mac Only
iPodDisk PPC Mac Only (experimental version available for Intel Macs)
iPodRip Mac & Windows
YamiPod Mac & Windows
Music Rescue Mac & Windows
iPodCopy Mac & Windows
There's also a manual method of copying songs from your iPod to a Mac or PC. 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
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 , 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.

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http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2690
iTunes for Windows: "Unable to load data class" or "Unable to load provider data" sync services alert

New 5G iPod won't sync photos or video.

Hi,
I recieved a brand new iPod today and I attempted to sync it to my PowerBook. However, it kept freezing at certain songs, so in the end, I had to stop syncing every 100 or so songs and then restart syncing as to avoid freezes. This was after my entire library vanished and I had to reimport it all. Finally after 2 hours and 45 minutes I managed to get all my music on it. But... now I keep getting error messages when I try to sync photos and videos. The error message reads:
'The iPod "iPod" cannot be updated. An unknown error has occured (-208)."
I have tried reinstalling iTunes but no luck. I don't want to restore my iPod just yet because all the music is playing fine and I can still add/remove songs manually, but not automatically update. Plus I haven't either the time or energy to sit restarting and unplugging my iPod.
Is this simply a software issue, because the iPod is fine, it plays songs and can act as a hard drive for movie files, but just not upload video or photos that I can view on the iPod. This is even more stressful considering Apple lost my last iPod when I sent it in for battery issues, and I only recieved this new 5G iPod today after two whole months of waiting and hold music! If anyone can help me on this issue, it would be very, very much appreciated.
Thanks,
Paul

I have the same exact problem. I was on the phone with Apple for 8 hours and various people trying to solve this issue. Thing is, it will accept photos and videos from my old G4 iMac. (USB 1.1). It will not work with USB 2.0, or my new computer for that matter. If you open iTunes > Preferences > iPod -- then look at the tabs. There is no Photo or Video tab.. on my G4 those tabs are present, and videos/photos sync & copy just fine. Apple needs to hurry up and fix this... quite annoying. For now, I will have to use my older apple to get things going. Hope this helps.
Edit: By the way, I am using the newest version of iPod Updater (which doesn't work either), and iTunes 6.0.1 -- and if you do call apple for help, don't restore your ipod, it won't help anything... you'll just lose all your hours of work...

New computer, ipod won't download songs

I just got a new computer, and I downloaded the Pantera itunes essentials, but they won't go on my ipod. How do I fix this? Thanks.
Also I have some Maiden and Priest songs on my ipod that aren't on the new itunes, how do I get them on there? Syncing doesn't work.

OK, your seem to have a more basic problem. The touch and iTunes communicate via a piece of software called the Apple Mobile Device Services. It sounds like this is either not loading or is disabled on your computer. The best way to fix it is follow the directions in this technical article from Apple: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1567

New Computer--iPad Won't Sync

Frustration with a capital F.
A couple of weeks ago I bought a new desk top. All my iPods are doing fine with the transfer of my iTunes library to the new computer. I thought everything was fine with my iPad. It synced a couple of new TV shows and some music, but when I plugged it in tonight, after downloading iTunes 10. whatever, it wants to erase everything I have on it. It says it is synced to another library. I had problems with my iPhone also . . . .
How do I get my iPad to re-recognize the only library it has ever known and start syncing again?
Thanks!

You could restore it from a backup, assuming you have one from a previous sync

New replacement iPod won't sync. Error message

My 80 gig cassic lunched a motherboard. Purchased a new 160 classic as a replacement.
When attempting to sync, it looks like it has synced a hundred or so pod casts and then freezes up. An error window says "The xxx ipod cannot be synced. The required folder cannot be found.
Note: In three syncing attempts, only three podcasts have actually appeared on the new machine
Help will really be appreciated.

Have you assigned a permanent drive letter to your ipod?
Help article http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1493

Put Library on New Computer, Music won't Sync

I copied my library from my old laptop to my new one, authorized my account on new laptop, got the new update for my iPod touch, synced it and nothing. Didn't restore the touch, erase the items already on it, nothing... i need help asap

i feel stupid i found out how, lol

IPod Won't Sync After Moving Music to New Computer

With the help of someone here, I moved my iTunes Library from my old computer to my new one. It didn't work exactly like it was supposed to. All of my music is on my new computer and in my iTunes library, but my playlists, counts etc. are gone. Whatever - I'll deal. Now, though, my iPod won't sync with my new computer (which I did authorized). The "Do Not Disconnect" sign never goes away after I connect my iPod. Thoughts?

*I'm afraid to plug in my iPod in fear of it erasing my playlists...*
If your iPod is set to update automatically you need to take care connecting to a different iTunes. You'll get a 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 the iTunes source list change the update setting to manual, that will let you use our 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
You can also use a keyboard command to prevent your iPod auto-syncing with iTunes. While connecting the iPod to the computer on Windows with iTunes 7.3 or later installed hold down the Shift + Ctrl keys together. 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: iTunes - Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows
*but should I plug it in to restore playlists??*
Your playlists won't be restored by simply connecting your iPod to iTunes.

I have a new desktop computer and my IPod won't sync?

I have a new desktop computer and my IPod won't sync. How can I make my IPod sync with the new computer?

You can only really sync with one iTunes library/computer. See:
Syncing to a "New" Computer or replacing a "crashed" Hard Drive: Apple Support Communities

I just installed itunes 12 and now when i plug my ipod into my computer it won't sync I have tried different ipods still nothing

i just installed itunes 12 and now when i plug my ipod into my computer it won't sync I have tried different ipods still nothing

Syncing to a "New" Computer or replacing a "crashed" Hard Drive: Apple Support Communities

I just downloaded the new version of iTunes and my iPod won't sync?

I just downloaded the new version of iTunes and my iPod won't sync?

Installing iTunes does not cause content to magically appear on the computer.
Your media is only where you put it.
iOS devices are not backup devices.
Copy the media from the old computer to the new computer.

My macbook won't let me download the new version of itunes and my ipod won't sync without the new version of itunes

My macbook won't let me download the new version of itunes and my ipod won't sync without the new version of itunes. Please help!!!

Are you running Snow Leopard or later?
Upgrading to Snow Leopard
You must purchase Snow Leopard through the Apple Store: Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Apple Store (U.S.). The price is $19.99 plus tax. You will be sent physical media by mail after placing your order.
After you install Snow Leopard you will have to download and install the Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1 to update Snow Leopard to 10.6.8 and give you access to the App Store. Access to the App Store enables you to download Mountain Lion if your computer meets the requirements.
     Snow Leopard General Requirements
       1. Mac computer with an Intel processor
       2. 1GB of memory
       3. 5GB of available disk space
       4. DVD drive for installation
       5. Some features require a compatible Internet service provider;
           fees may apply.
       6. Some features require Apple’s MobileMe service; fees and
           terms apply.

I recently got a new computer and it wont sync with my ipod. How can i get my music and stuff on my computer

I recently got a new computer and it wont sync with my ipod. How can i get my music and stuff on my computer?

iPods and other iDevices are not backup or storage devices.
Copy the ENTIRE iTunes folder (and all other desired data) from the old computer to the new computer.

HT1338 my 5th generation ipod won't sync anymore to my PowerMac G4. It worked fine, but when I installed a new hard drive it won't work anymore.

my 5th generation ipod won't sync anymore to my PowerMac G4. It worked fine, but when I installed a new hard drive it won't work anymore. I've re-installed iTunes, the latest version for Tiger, I've reset and restored my iPod. The ipod shows up fine in the source banner and I can transfer files to it, however when I unplug the iPod the files are not there.

Maybe try to repair the iPod's HD using Disk Utility located in the Applications -> Utilities folder. If that doesn't help, try a low level reformat of the drive using the same application. Make sure you choose Mac OS X Extended (Journaled) as the file system format.
B-rock

HT1386 I have a new computer and need to sync my iPod touch. I get a message that says "All existing apps and data will be replaced." Does this mean progress in the games will be lost?

I have a new computer and need to sync my iPod touch. I get a message telling me that all existing apps and their data will be replaced with apps from this iTunes library. Does that mean I lose all game progress?

XansMamaw wrote:
... Does that mean I lose all game progress?
Yes.
What you need to do is Transfer the iTunes Library from your Old computer to your New computer...
Copy your ENTIRE iTunes FOLDER to an External Drive... and then from the External Drive to your New Computer..
Backup iTunes to an External Drive
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1751
An Added Bonus is that you will have a Backup of iTunes.

New computer, ipod won't sync

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