How To Transfer Songs from Your iPod to iTunes

One of the problems iPod users are faced with when using a new computer is transferring their song files from their iPod to the computer. Whether it is to archive your iPod songs on a new computer or to create a backup file, there is a way to copy your songs to your computer and import them later to iTunes without a third party software.

1. Create a new folder on your desktop or other drives. This is where you’ll copy your song files to. So name it “iPod songs” or whatever you wish to label the new folder.
2. Use your iPod USB Cable to connect the iPod to your PC. The wider end connects to the iPod and the narrower end connects to your computer’s USB input. Once connected iTunes may start if it is configured to do so. When iTunes asks to sync your iPod cancel it, do not let it sync
3. Go to the My Computer folder and search for your iPod device. It will be listed along with your other hard drives.
4. Click your iPod device to open its contents. Select and click your iPod or right click select “open” or “explore.” Several folders will then appear.
5. Look for the folder labeled “iPod_Control” and click to open. If you do not see the folder labeled “iPod_Control,” go to your menu bar at the top and click “tools.” Under “tools” click “folder options” on the dropdown menu, and then click the “view” tab. You'll see the “hidden files and folders” heading, put a check mark beside the “show hidden files” option. The “show hidden files” option will reveal all folders that are invisible.
6. Navigate to the folder labeled “Music.” Once you’ve opened the “iPod_Control” folder you will see the folder labeled “Music.” You can now copy the entire “Music” folder by right clicking and selecting copy then paste inside the new folder you created in step 1. You may choose to only select certain songs to copy. In this case open the “Music” folder and find the songs in the folders labeled F00, F01 etc. or use Search to find the exact location of the song.
7. Go to the new folder where you pasted the copy of the “Music” folder. Open the new folder and you’ll see the copy of the “Music” folder, right click and select properties, make sure the options “hidden” and “archive” is unchecked. Click Apply, you might be asked if this will apply to all folders or just this one, choose “just this folder” then click ok.
8. Open iTunes application. In iTunes click the “file” tab on your menu bar, select “Add folder to library,” browse for your copy of your “Music” folder and select it and click OK. You have just transferred all the songs in that folder to your iTunes library.

Your iPod functions like your hard drive, so moving or copying files from your iPod follows the same procedure as you would from one hard drive to another.