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This document provides the proper instructions for moving and backing up your data files to your iPod. Most people don't realize that their iPods are nothing more than external hard drives and they can be used to store data of any kind. If your hard drive is on the verge of crashing and you only have your iPod handy, not all is lost. By following these steps, you can restore valuable data after your hard drive is fixed.
This procedure is for Mac users only. LTS also has a document geared toward PC users and can be found here. You will only need your computer, iPod, and iPod connector cable to complete the procedure. No software is necessary.
We will enable your iPod to be used as an external drive, copy the files you want to the iPod, and then reversing the process by copying them back to the computer and restoring your iPod to its previous settings. NOTE: if you are performing this procedure because of a hardware issue, you should copy your files back to your computer after your computer is repaired. If at any time, you are unsure of what to do or something doesn't work as described, please call the UNet Help Desk at 781-529-UNET.
Open iTunes and select iTunes->Preferences. Select the iPod tab and check the box next to "Enable disk use" in the Music tab. It should look like this:
A window will pop up and warn you that by enabling disk use, you'll have to manually eject the iPod.
Click OK to continue. Click OK again to make the iPod an external drive. Doing this will NOT alter your music, movies, or photos in any way. You should see your iPod on the desktop.
Right click (ctrl+click) on the desktop and create a new folder.
Rename it to anything you want. This example renamed the folder "COPY."
Click and drag the files you want backed up to the folder.
It's as simple as click and drag. Just drop the folder in the iPod's home directory, which should look like this:
You should see a small window with a progress meter display. Once this is completed, your files are on your iPod.
Click and drag the iPod to the Trash to eject it properly. Simply unplugging the iPod can damage it and lose your data.
Plug the iPod in and double click on its icon in the desktop. A Finder window should open and you should see the "COPY" folder. Click and drag it to the desktop to copy the files to your computer.
Click and drag your files to their old locations on your computer.
Open iTunes and uncheck the box next to "Enable disk use" as we did in step 1 of the procedure.
You're officially done. If you have any further questions, please call the UNet Help Desk at 781-529-UNET.
