files going from pc to mac?

[Rob587]

I just purchased a 17" apple powerbook. I need to put some of the pics and music from my old computer(PC) onto the apple. I also own a 40GB iPod that is configured for windows. Is there a way I can transfer them through my ipods HD? thanks.

P.S. give me some good instructions cuz im a newbie with macs.

 

[mkrishnan]

I believe this works with windows, but I've never used an iPod on Windows.

Plug your iPod into the Windows computer as normally. While it is plugged in, in iTunes, go to preferences, and then the iPod pane. Then choose the general Tab within the iPod pane. The last option should be "enable disk use." Check this option.

You should now see the iPod as a removable disk in My Computer. Open it and copy your files to it (anywhere except the folders which already exist -- make a new folder or put them on the root of the iPod).

Now, eject the iPod in iTunes (very important -- DO NOT unplug the iPod when disk use is enabled unless you've done this).

Plug it in to the Mac. Again, in iTunes, go to preferences and then the iPod pane, and check the same box. Your iPod should now be on your desktop and you can open it and copy over the contents.

 

[Rob587]

will this work if my ipod is formatted for windows? will i need to install my ipod onto the mac first?(although, i dont see how I could because it would probally ask me to reformat the ipod to install it on the mac therefor erasing my windows files?)

 

[macbaseball]

My guess is that you should get all the files you need, including the mp3 files, and put them on your iPod. Then drag all of them off onto the Powerbook hard drive. Then reformat your iPod on the Mac. (Use the iPod software on your Powerbook). After you do that, import all of your files into iTunes on the Mac (The labels should be preserved) and then put them back onto your iPod. I don't know if this is the quickest or easiest way to do it, but I'm pretty sure it will work.

 

[DeSnousa]

Just enable disk use and copy the contents onto the iPod then do the same on the mac. I like to place my music over the iTunes dock icon where it will import it to your music folder. As with photo's, if you what it in iPhoto launch the app and go to file- import. If not just drag the folders wherever on the mac.

P.S The mac can read and write in windows format.

 

[debroglie]

My guess is that you should get all the files you need, including the mp3 files, and put them on your iPod. Then drag all of them off onto the Powerbook hard drive. Then reformat your iPod on the Mac. (Use the iPod software on your Powerbook). After you do that, import all of your files into iTunes on the Mac (The labels should be preserved) and then put them back onto your iPod. I don't know if this is the quickest or easiest way to do it, but I'm pretty sure it will work.

DON'T do this. When you reformat it, you will lose all of the files. Just format it for windows, put at the files on it, hook it up to your mac and pull the files off.

However, there must be an easier way to do it than using an ipod.

That being said, I avoid windows like the plague so I wouldn't know how to do it. Congrats and migrating to a Mac though!

 

[mkrishnan]

DON'T do this. When you reformat it, you will lose all of the files. Just format it for windows, put at the files on it, hook it up to your mac and pull the files off.

Second that. The Mac can read the Windows iPod but not vice-versa. You may get an option to automatically update the iPod based on the Mac iTunes library, though, which you should *reject*. You can either use one of the iPodrip kind of apps to rip the songs off it and put them into iTunes on the mac, or else do what someone else suggested and copy the song library to the iPod manually (the whole iTunes library folder on the win computer) and copy it into the Music directory in your home folder on the mac.

But like someone else said, easier ways do abound. The one I'd suggest is an ethernet cable between the two computers, or via a router if you already have one.

 

[hoya87eagle91]

you can try this:

http://images.apple.com/business/mac_pc/pdf/cable_guide_10.3_UK.pdf

I will try ethernet and let you know.

 

[patrick0brien]

I will try ethernet and let you know.

-Rob587

I agree with hoya87eagle91, try ethernetting them together - fewer steps.

 

[redeye be]

yep, network would be the way to go (UTP or faster Firewire).
Look at this sticky for the config.

Good luck

 

[j26]

I used the ethernet connection when I was transferring from my pc laptop. It was no problem.

Do it that way if you have an ethernet cable lying about.

 

[hoya87eagle91]

YES -THIS WAS GREAT! THIS WORKED! AND IT WAS FAST!

http://images.apple.com/business/mac_pc/pdf/cable_guide_10.3_UK.pdf

I picked up a $10 crossover cable at Radio shack. By following these simple instructions, I was able to see my shared PC files on my Mac in minutes, and I transferred huge photo and itunes collections in about fifteen total minutes. Thanks so much to the author.