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Apple iPod and iTunes Tips

All of the information, instructions, and recommendations on this Web site are offered on a strictly "as is" basis. Remember "Murphy's Law." Please take the proper precautions before attempting any of the tips or modifications listed here.

Contents

iTunes May Erase All The Songs on Your iPod

If you connect your iPod to a computer with a new installation of iTunes or a different computer that your iPod is not associated with, beware. When iTunes sees the iPod, iTunes will ask if you'd like to associate this iPod with this computer. Click No!

If you click yes, iTunes will delete all the songs on the iPod.

If you click no, iTunes will not delete the songs on the iPod.

If you have your iPod setup to auto-sync with iTunes, do the following:

• While connecting the iPod to the computer, hold down the Shift + Ctrl keys (on Windows) or CMD+OPT keys (on a Mac) while you are connecting your iPod to your computer. 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 3 and 25 seconds depending on your computer.
• Then you can right click on the iPod icon in iTunes’ source column and select iPod Options, then check the box that says "Manually manage songs and playlists." You can now manage your library without losing any songs on the iPod.

For instructions and a list of utilities that will allow you to copy music from your iPod to your computer, see:

• Copying Music From iPod to Computer
• Copying Content from your iPod to your Computer - The Definitive Guide

Using iPod as a Hard Disc Drive to Store Files

You can use iPod as a hard disc drive to store and transfer data files. When you use iPod this way, make sure to eject it before disconnecting it from your computer.

To use iPod has a hard disc drive:

1. Connect it to your computer.
2. Open iTunes.
3. Select iPod in the iTunes Source list.
4. Click the Options button.
5. Select "Enable disk use." Selecting "Manually manage songs and playlists" in the Options window also enables iPod to be used as a hard disk.

When used as a hard disk, the iPod disk icon appears on the desktop and in Finder windows, and in My Computer in Windows. Double-click the icon and drag files to or from iPod's window to copy them.

Tip: To transfer music files to iPod, use iTunes. You can't see the songs iTunes copies to your iPod in the Finder or My Computer. If you copy music files to iPod using the Finder or an Explorer window, iPod won't be able to play them.

You can't copy music files from iPod to iTunes, except by using special 3rd party software, such as EphPod and PodUtil.

See: Copying Music From iPod to Computer at iPodLounge.com

Artwork / Album Art / Cover Art

Where is the Album Art stored in iTunes?

How to Change the Quality / Bit Rate When Importing

1. In iTunes v9.x, go to: Edit > Preferences
2. On the "General" tab, click on the "Import Settings" button
3. Select the "Custom..." setting
4. Change to the desired "Stereo Bit Rate"

Configure iTunes to Automatically Delete Netcasts / Podcasts

Configure iTunes to automatically delete netcasts after you've listened to them.

1. Select the Podcast Library
2. Click the Settings… button at the bottom of the screen
3. Set "Settings for:" to Podcast Defaults
4. Set "Episodes to keep:" to "All unplayed episodes"
5. Click the OK button

How to Use the Sleep Timer to Automatically Turn Off the iPod

How to Use the Sleep Timer to Automatically Turn Off the iPod

1. Enable the display of Alarms on the Main Menu
   Go to: Settings > Main Menu > Extras > Alarms
2. Select the amount of time to count down
   Go to: Main Menu > Alarms > Sleep Timer > Select minutes: (15, 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes)