How to Use an iPod With Windows Media Player

Although Apple's iPod is configured to work directly with iTunes, many PC users find the iTunes program does not work well on their computers. On the Microsoft Windows platform, Windows Media Player is the preferred application for dealing with digital media files. Through the use of a plug-in, there is a way to configure WMP to work with your iPod. Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can use your iPod directly with Windows Media Player.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Connect your iPod to your computer and open iTunes. Select your iPod in the left navigation panel in iTunes. Click the "Settings" tab. Click to uncheck the box for "Open iTunes when this iPod is connected." Click to add a check to "Manually manage music." Close iTunes and safely eject your iPod.

2. Configure Windows Media Player to use MP3s. Open Windows Media Player and double-click on the "Rip" tab. In the drop-down menu, go to "Format" and select "MP3." Close Windows Media Player.

3. Download the MGTEK dopisp plug-in (see Resources). Save the file to a location on your computer. Once the file has finished downloading, double-click it to install the plug-in onto your computer.

4. Open Windows Media Player. Connect your iPod to your computer. You should see your iPod in the left navigation panel of Windows Media Player.

5. Click the "Sync" button on the top right of the player. A new window will open on the right. Drag and drop the audio files you wish to transfer to your iPod to the "Sync List" section underneath your iPod information. Click "Start Sync" to transfer the songs.

Tips & Warnings

• Apple's iPod can only read MP3 files and is unable to read the WMA (Windows Media Audio) file that is native to Windows Media Player. Make sure you convert your songs to MP3 format before transferring them to your iPod.

Resources

• MGTEK dopisp plug-in