How to Open My iPod Files for My Music
By Matt Skaggs
When you synchronize music to your iPod, you know it worked--you can listen to it anytime you want. But if you try to find those files using a PC, the process can be difficult. Sometimes it looks as though the music isn't there. This is because Apple keeps the music files hidden, but there is a way you can locate them. If your computer has crashed and you have lost your music, this may be one of few options available to locate that music, and it only takes a few steps.
Step 1
Open iTunes. You can do this by clicking the "Start" button in the lower-left of your screen and typing "iTunes" in the search box. Once you see it in the search results, click on it.
Step 2
Plug your iPod into your PC using a USB cable and wait for it to establish a connection. Once it's connected, you should see the name of your iPod appear in the left pane of iTunes.
Step 3
Turn on iPod disk access. This option is under the "Preferences" menu in iTunes, then the "General" tab, then "Enable disk access." You need to check the box next to the latter option then click "OK."
Step 4
Open the contents of the iPod in Windows Explorer. This is available through the "Computer" option under the "Start" menu. The iPod device will be displayed in the "Computer" window.
Step 5
Turn on the option to display hidden files and folders. This is under the "Tools" option at the top of the iPod Explorer window, then "Options," then "View," then "Show hidden files and folders." The final option is under "Hidden files and folders." Select that choice and then click "OK." You should now see more files and folders on your iPod.
Step 6
Double-click the "iPod_Controller" folder, then the "Music" folder. This is the location of your music files on your iPod, and you can navigate through this folder to view and edit these files.
References
Tips
- You may want to turn off the option to view hidden files after you've located your music. You just need to select the "Do not show hidden files and folders" option instead of "Show hidden files and folders."
Warnings
- You should never copy or transfer copyrighted files onto your iPod that without using iTunes or another trustworthy program.
Writer Bio
A lover of technology in all forms, Matt Skaggs began writing professionally in 2010, specializing in Windows computers and Android devices. His writing has appeared on many websites providing a plethora of technology information and tutorials. In 2008 Skaggs graduated from Bob Jones University with a Bachelor of Arts in humanities.