How to Move Audiobooks From an iPod to a Computer

Moving audiobooks from an iPod to your computer is a bit difficult. Apple iTunes does not want you to move audiobooks from an iPod to a computer, so you do not have the option to do it easily. Luckily, it is not impossible to save your audiobooks. Follow these steps to move audiobooks from an iPod to a computer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Connect your iPod. This should launch iTunes automatically. Should it not, open iTunes.
2. Click your iPod icon. From the summary page that appears, check "Manually Manage My Music" or "Enable Disk Use." Both will get the job done.
3. Close iTunes. Keep your iPod connected.
4. Open "My Computer." This is for PCs only. For Macs, the "iPod" icon will appear on the desktop.
5. Find your iPod under "Removable Storage Devices." It should be the next drive letter and it should have the name you gave it when you first set it up. Double-click it.
6. Click "Tools" then "Folder Options." Under the "View Tab" find the option under "Advanced Settings" for "Show Hidden Files and Folders." Select it and click "Apply to All Folders" and then "Apply." Click "Okay."
7. Click on the hidden folder that appears. On most it will be named "iPod Control."
8. Click the "Music" folder. Here you will see a couple folders where the music files are saved. Browse through here, previewing files or reading the ID3 tags to find the audiobook you are looking for.
9. Copy the file. Either drag and drop the file to another folder on your hard drive or right click it and select "Copy" and then paste it into a different folder.
10. Add the file to your library. Open up iTunes and select "File" then "Add to Library." Browse to the file you just saved on your hard drive and select it.

Tips & Warnings

• The filenames will be random numbers and letters. It may be easier to copy and paste all the music files and have iTunes sort them out later.
• To prevent your iTunes from deleting any files, keep your iPod in manual or disk mode.
• You can damage your iPod by changing the structure of the folders. Do not delete anything using disk mode.