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This document provides the proper instructions for getting the music, movies, and photos off your iPod in the event of data loss. 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. While most back up solutions require the data to be in a stable condition, this isn't always the case. If your hard drive crashes and you only have your iPod, not all is lost. By following these steps, you can restore valuable data.
This procedure is meant for Mac users only. LTS also has a document geared toward PC users and can be found here. You will need to download an application called Senuti at this location (http://www.fadingred.org/senuti/). It is compatible with Mac OS 10.3 (Panther) or later.
We will use Senuti to copy the music and movies to the Music folder in your home directory. NOTE: this won't be the final location for the music, but is a big step in the right direction. After getting the files on your computer, we'll move them to the iTunes Music folder and then add them to iTunes. 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.
Go to the website linked to in the "What you'll need" section and download the installer by clicking on the Senuti icon at the right (iPod with green arrow). Double click on the installer and a new window will pop up with the same icon and the icon for the Applications folder. Drag the Senuti icon to the Applications folder and let go. Senuti will be installed.
This could be the most important step because your iPod might try to automatically update. If this happens, you could lose all your data. Be careful of what you click on. iTunes should pop up immediately and look like this:
Click No. If for some reason, your iPod tries to update anyway, click on the little x button next to "Updating iPod. Do not disconnect."
Double click on the Senuti icon now in your Applications folder. You should see a window like this:
The little window asks you to donate to the creator. This program is freeware, but a lot of effort and time went into creating this application. While it is good karma to donate, it isn't necessary. Once you've made a choice, click on "Edit->Select All" to select all the songs.
Click on the copy button on the right side of the window and wait for the files to be downloaded. This will take some time to download depending on how many files are on your iPod.
Open a Finder window and navigate to the Music folder. Select "Edit->Select All" to select all the folders in your directory.
Without deselecting the folders, scroll down until you see the iTunes folder. Hold down the Apple button and single click on the iTunes folder. You should now have all the folders except for the iTunes folder.
Click and drag the folders to the iTunes Music folder located in the iTunes folder. Finder should open the iTunes folder if you hold your mouse over it for a short period of time.
Open iTunes and select "File->Add to Library."
A new window pops up and should look like this:
Make sure the iTunes Music folder is selected and click on the Choose button in the right-bottom corner of the window. You have now added the music to your iTunes library. Copying the music and setting up the library may take time, but once this is done, you'll be up and running.
Your desktop should now have two Senuti related files:
Click and drag these files to your Trash to delete them.
You're officially done. If you have any further questions, please call the UNet Help Desk at 781-529-UNET.
