Please Help!! I can rip cd to Nano but can play files only on my computer.

Question

Hello. I have a new iPod Nano and a new Philips compact stereo which can rip CDs directly to mp3 players. When I follow the procedure, all goes well, but when I try to replay the tracks on the iPod, they don't appear in any of the folders. Then, when I connect the iPod to my computer, the files appear and I can play them through the computer itself. I contacted Apple and they say that only music directly from iTunes is compatible. I need to know either how to convert the files to be compatible with iTunes or to get the iPod to accept these files as ripped. I hope I have used the correct terminology to describe my problem but if not, let me know and I'll try to clarify what's happening.
The Apple support person I spoke with told me to check this forum for help. She figured someone out there has been able to do this successfully. Thanks for any assistance.
HP   Windows XP  

Answer 1

You can play standard MP3s on your Nano... but you MUST use iTunes to MANAGE your music. You don't have to use any special "iTunes compatible" format. What it sounds like you did was simply drag the music files directly to your Nano... or ripped them directly to your Nano using it as an external drive. The software in the Nano will not allow you to do that. When you connect it to your computer, your computer sees it just as an external drive and will let you play the files just as you would on any external drive. You should copy the files to your iTunes library... or just let iTunes manage your music for you. You will then be able to sync your music to your Nano. Basically, you have to use iTunes to put your music on your Nano.
Message was edited by: JoeyR
Looks like Rich beat me to it... but I'm glad my post was pretty much along the same lines as such an esteemed poster!