How Do I Backup My iPod to My Computer?

Although the iPod stores all of your music, videos, audiobooks and podcasts, it is important to regularly backup your device onto your computer in order to prevent data loss in case of hard disk failure. In order to back up your iPod onto your computer you'll need to use third-party applications to copy the music from your iPod to your computer. To prevent violating the Apple terms of service agreement do not copy music that you did not purchase.

Things You'll Need

• Third-party software
• USB cable
• iTunes 7 or later

Instructions

1. Download CopyTrans 4. CopyTrans 4 is a shareware PC program that copies your iPod's music, videos and playlists to your computer or iTunes application. The program also retains your song's play counts and ratings, and is free to try. To fully access all of the program's features you must purchase a registration license for $19.99.

2. Download iPod Access. As a shareware application iPod Access is available for both PCs and Macs, and costs $19.99. Besides being able to copy all of your media, playlists and ratings from your iPod directly to your computer and iTunes program, iPod Access can also recover songs from a damaged iPod database.

3. Download 4Media iPod to PC Transfer. As the most expensive option, 4Media iPod to PC Transfer is $25.00 for a license and $29.00 for the iPod to Mac Transfer program. In addition to copying your music, videos and photos to your computer, 4Media also allows you to create and edit playlists in the program. The software also has a refined filter and quick search, which enables easy artist/song searches before transferring them to your computer.

References

• Copy Trans: Copy Trans 4
• Findley Designs
• MP4Converter: 4Media iPod to PC Transfer