Things You'll Need:
- iPod sync cable
- Computer with iTunes installed
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Step 1
Familiarize yourself with Apple's digital music policy. Apple allows iPod users to only sync with a single computer. This can present a conundrum for the user who has an iPod full of music that can't be synched with any other computer. Basically, you must use one computer as your "master" when it comes to syncing your iPod.
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Step 2
Determine the reason why you are unable to sync your iPod with the computer that its music library resides on. Having a damaged iTunes library (usually caused by a corrupted hard drive) or no longer being able to access the computer are the two biggest reasons to have to restore music from an iPod.
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Step 3
Restore your iTunes Library file from a backup if you have one. Even if your music isn't backed up, you can sync as long as your iTunes Library document is intact. If you are running Mac OS X.5 or later, you have the option of backing up your entire hard drive (or selected folders) using Time Machine. If you can restore your iTunes Library, then you will be able to sync your iPod normally. However, if your iTunes Library isn't available, there are other options.
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Step 4
Surf the Web for a third-party solution to transfer the contents off of your iPod including all music (whether purchased through iTunes or not) as well as video content and photos. iRepo and TouchCopy are two such apps, but these types of software tend to come and go on a regular basis. While these solutions are perfectly legal, many of these products are freeware and are non-sanctioned hacks, so there is no recourse if things go wrong. But if all of the music on your iPod was purchased from Apple's iTunes Store, restoring it is a very simple process, as described below.
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Step 5
Configure your new computer to be authorized to play your purchased music by clicking on the "iTunes Store" icon in the left of the iTunes window and signing in by clicking on the "Account" icon in the upper right corner of the window. Then connect your iPod to the new computer, and select "Transfer Purchases" when prompted.
