Using an iPod as an external HD - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

KWSN · 11-08-2004, 04:48 PM

Here's the background: as those who frequent IRC know, my windows is totally fucked. Ctrl+alt+del doesn't work. Regedit doesn't work. Msconfig doesnt work. Everything is pretty much gone to shit. So I'm going to reformat and reinstall. However, theres a LOT that i have to back up before i can do that, and a lot of space on my iPod aside from all of my music (which is one of the things that i'd want to back up. I can't afford a new external HD so i was wondering if it's possible to use the iPod as one, for non-music files.

Now i'm relatively sure this can be done but there's a few things i need to know. First of all, anything special I need to do to the non-music files before i put them on the iPod? Also, once the reformat and everything is finished, how can i get the stuff back from the iPod onto the computer. Anything else i should know additionally?

Thanks for the help in advance. If this all works out it will calm my nerves DRASTICALLY.

zero2 · 11-08-2004, 08:11 PM

I think it can be done, however, your going need something other than itunes to do it.
When I typed in alternative to itunes, in google I found this thing called anapod explorer. http://www.redchairsoftware.com/anapod/ctable.php

The thing that really makes this standout is that it has windows integration, so Im guessing that when you go to my computer, the ipod looks like a physical drive. check it out and let us know if this works out for you.

rubicon · 11-08-2004, 09:28 PM

I can't speak from experience, however the iPod should easily be used as a hard disk. From a Mac perspective (I know you're using a PC) you can mount the iPod, store files, even install the entire OS and boot from the iPod. From the PC, you should be able to store data but there may be an app or setting on the iPod to identify it as a removable drive.

What you should research is using your iPod's music once you perform a re-install of Windows. You may need to backup your iTunes license information or "unregister" your current Windows/iPod before attempting to install a new OS. For example, I plugged a friend's iPod into another person's PC and the tunes were greyed out - it wouldn't let me play them or copy them. A clean install of Windows may give you the same problem.

Redlemon · 11-09-2004, 06:41 AM

I use it on my Mac, and it is pretty simple there. You should be able to plug the iPod in, and while in iTunes, go to Preferences > iPod and set the iPod to mount as a hard drive. It should then show up as an external drive. Just copy, you don't need to do anything special with the files.

KWSN · 11-09-2004, 04:50 PM

Having a little trouble with this.

I tweaked the iPod settings to "enable disk use," but that hasn't worked for adding non-music files. When "adding files to library" it won't add video files, so it seems, or let me add things straight to the iPod. Seems as though its different on a mac, redlemon, cause im not finding anything really similar to what you're getting Redlemon. Any PC help?

rubicon · 11-09-2004, 08:28 PM

Is the iPod showing up as a removable drive in My Computer? You'll need to copy files using the traditional method through Windows Explorer or My Computer.

KWSN · 11-10-2004, 08:13 AM

never thought of that. duhhhr

11-08-2004, 04:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
KWSN green	Using an iPod as an external HD Here's the background: as those who frequent IRC know, my windows is totally fucked. Ctrl+alt+del doesn't work. Regedit doesn't work. Msconfig doesnt work. Everything is pretty much gone to shit. So I'm going to reformat and reinstall. However, theres a LOT that i have to back up before i can do that, and a lot of space on my iPod aside from all of my music (which is one of the things that i'd want to back up. I can't afford a new external HD so i was wondering if it's possible to use the iPod as one, for non-music files. Now i'm relatively sure this can be done but there's a few things i need to know. First of all, anything special I need to do to the non-music files before i put them on the iPod? Also, once the reformat and everything is finished, how can i get the stuff back from the iPod onto the computer. Anything else i should know additionally? Thanks for the help in advance. If this all works out it will calm my nerves DRASTICALLY. __________________ Your arms are broken!

11-08-2004, 09:28 PM	#3 (permalink)
rubicon Stop. Think. Question. Location: Redondo Beach, CA	I can't speak from experience, however the iPod should easily be used as a hard disk. From a Mac perspective (I know you're using a PC) you can mount the iPod, store files, even install the entire OS and boot from the iPod. From the PC, you should be able to store data but there may be an app or setting on the iPod to identify it as a removable drive. What you should research is using your iPod's music once you perform a re-install of Windows. You may need to backup your iTunes license information or "unregister" your current Windows/iPod before attempting to install a new OS. For example, I plugged a friend's iPod into another person's PC and the tunes were greyed out - it wouldn't let me play them or copy them. A clean install of Windows may give you the same problem. __________________ How you do anything is how you do everything.

11-09-2004, 04:50 PM	#5 (permalink)
KWSN green	Having a little trouble with this. I tweaked the iPod settings to "enable disk use," but that hasn't worked for adding non-music files. When "adding files to library" it won't add video files, so it seems, or let me add things straight to the iPod. Seems as though its different on a mac, redlemon, cause im not finding anything really similar to what you're getting Redlemon. Any PC help? __________________ Your arms are broken!

11-09-2004, 08:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
rubicon Stop. Think. Question. Location: Redondo Beach, CA	Is the iPod showing up as a removable drive in My Computer? You'll need to copy files using the traditional method through Windows Explorer or My Computer. __________________ How you do anything is how you do everything.

11-10-2004, 08:13 AM	#7 (permalink)
KWSN green	never thought of that. duhhhr __________________ Your arms are broken!

11-08-2004, 08:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
zero2 Junkie	I think it can be done, however, your going need something other than itunes to do it. When I typed in alternative to itunes, in google I found this thing called anapod explorer. http://www.redchairsoftware.com/anapod/ctable.php The thing that really makes this standout is that it has windows integration, so Im guessing that when you go to my computer, the ipod looks like a physical drive. check it out and let us know if this works out for you.

11-09-2004, 06:41 AM	#4 (permalink)
Redlemon Devoted Donor Location: New England	I use it on my Mac, and it is pretty simple there. You should be able to plug the iPod in, and while in iTunes, go to Preferences > iPod and set the iPod to mount as a hard drive. It should then show up as an external drive. Just copy, you don't need to do anything special with the files.