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How to use iTunes on a Library PC for your iPod

Copy your iTunes Music Store purchases from a Library PC to your iPod!

Before starting...important notes:

iTunes?

iTunes is the free music library application from Apple. The version necessary for this document is iTunes 7.0.

How is the iPod formatted? Why is this important?

  1. iPods need to be formatted when they are first attached to a computer. This first computer is referred to as the “home” computer. The type of “home” computer (Mac or PC) determines how the iPod is formatted. Therefore, when secondary “away” computers are used, they must be the same type of computer (Mac or PC).
  2. The Library computers are Windows based PCs.
  3. Therefore, these instructions work for iPods that have been first formatted with windows PCs and not Macs.

How is the iPod music synced? Automatically or Manual?

  1. Most users set their iPod’s to automatically sync.
  2. If you use the Library PCs, you will need to change this setting to manual sync (instructions below) so playlists are not lost when an iPod is synced from a secondary or “away” PC.

Why will my iTunes music not transfer to my iPod?

You will need to “authorized” the use of a Library PC if you are downloading and transferring iTunes to an iPod. iPods are granted access to 5 computers at any given time but this is the maximum. It is important to de-authorized your iPod after using an “away” computer.

How to Start:

Opening iTunes on a Library PC:

Open iTunes > Start (lower left) > Programs > iTunes > iTunes
Windows will need to configure it. Click the following:
Agree, Next, either check or uncheck Add MPE and AAC flies, Add WMA files, Next, Next, Next, Finish.

Opening iTunes Music Store:

The iTunes application will offer to open the music store. However if it does open an Internet browser and type:

http://www.apple.com/itunes/store/ in the address/URL pane.

Then return to the iTunes application on the PC and click on iTunes store.

iPod:

Plug in iPod into USB port. Your iPod will display in the source pane (left panel).

Click on the iPod in source pane and select Summary.

Scroll down and click on “Manually manage music and videos”

Authorize Computer:

The Library computer will need to be authorized in order for iTunes to transfer music from the library to the iPod.

  • Click on Store in iTunes top menu bar.
  • Click on Authorize computer.
  • A login box prompt will appear.
  • Login with your Apple ID and password.
  • If you need to create an Apple account, click on Store, and click create account.
  • Click on Authorize.
  • The prompt will tell you how many computers are authorized. Click ok.
  • Remember to “deauthorize” after the iTunes music has been transferred to your iPod.

Sign in to iTunes Music Store:

In the top right corner of the iTunes Music store, click on Sign in.
Enter Apple ID and password.

Surf for music, buy music. This will download to the iTunes Music Library.

Transfer music to your iPod:

  • Create a Playlist in your iPod.
  • Select the music in the iTunes Music Library
  • Hold the mouse down and drag the music to the iPod playlist.

Things to remember:

  • Log out of your iTunes Music Store.
  • Deauthorize your computer.
  • Safely eject your iPod in the system tray (lower right corner).

Want to transfer your purchases to your home PC?
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=iTunesMac/7.0/en/2586x.html

iTunes 6.0

You can still do this in 6.0, however steps are a bit different.

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