CopyTrans frequently asked questions

  • My iPod is Mac formatted. Can I still use CopyTrans?
    Yes, you can. Make sure you run MacDrive before you run CopyTrans. Then, follow this procedure.
    If you don't feel like buying an additional product like MacDrive, you can back up your iPod to your Mac with Senuti. Then, you'll be free to format your iPod to PC. This will allow you to add music from either a PC or a Mac.

    To determine if your iPod is Mac or PC formatted, go to your iPod's Settings->About->Format.
    If you don't see "Format" and if "Model" is the last info shown on your iPod's display, you'll know it is Mac formatted.
  • I am a Mac user ; will I be able to use your products?
    If you are using a Mac computer, you will, unfortunately, not be able to use our products. You will have to use Mac specific programs.
  • Keep a Mac and a PC synchronized / Move music between a Mac and a PC!
    If your iPod is Mac formatted, start by reading the previous topic.
    • To transfer music from your iPod to your PC, follow this procedure.
    • To transfer music from your iPod to your Mac, use Senuti.
    • To add songs from either a Mac or a PC to your iPod, use iTunes.
  • Can I import songs to my Mac that were backed up using CopyTrans on my PC?
    This is possible as long as you made a Backup to folder.
    The .xml file generated by CopyTrans during the Backup to Folder contains a "path" for each song that corresponds to its location in the backup folder on the PC computer. When on a Mac, this path is different and iTunes can't locate your songs when trying to import them into your library.
    To correct this path, proceed as follows:
    • Add a song to your library (on your Mac)
    • In iTunes, click File->Export Library
    • Open the .xml file that this will generate in a text editor like Text Edit and copy the path
    • Open the .xml file generated by CopyTrans during the backup and replace (Cmd key + H or R) all the paths by the one you have just copied
    • Finally, import your backed up songs to iTunes as per these instructions.
    As this is a pretty tricky procedure, you can submit us the two .xml files and we will do the editing for you.
  • How do I synchronize my iTunes library and my iPod?
    Just follow these instructions.
  • How do I identify and get rid of duplicate songs?
    • In iTunes, click Edit->Show Duplicate Songs.
    • Right-click atop a field such as Name or Artist and click Date Added to add this field to iTunes.
    • Click atop the Date Added field to sort songs according to this criteria.
    • This will let you see the songs that were just added and get rid of duplicates easily.
  • What are the effects of checking the "Keep iTunes Music folder organized" option?
    When you check the "Keep iTunes Music folder organized" option, iTunes copies your songs into folders that correspond to the artists' names and subfolders that correspond to the albums' names.
    The songs that don't have Artist or Album tags are copied to the Unknown Artist and Unknown Album folders.

    Even though this option is useful for most people, if you wish to keep control on your songs' organization, you should better uncheck it.
  • What are the consequences of Automatic or Manual update modes for my iPod?
    Choosing "Automatically update all songs and playlists" is the most convenient option, as long as everything is going alright. It ensures that any change in your iTunes library will be updated in your iPod next time you connect it to your iTunes library.

    Still, if the contents of your iTunes library are damaged or wiped for any reason, such as an iTunes reinstallation, a new hard drive or a complete reinstallation of your Operating System, the Automatic update mode can be of great danger, as it can delete the entire contents of your iPod by synchronizing it with the damaged or wiped iTunes library.

    In case of a problem or if you are not sure what the latest contents of your iTunes library was, make sure you choose "Manually manage songs and playlists" mode to prevent a catastrophe.