Need to backup my iTunes prefs and user prefs to my iPod

[Dlatu1983]

I'm in the process of trading my LCD imac for a superdrive model. I have a ton of MP3's, and last time I got a new computer, I had to import my entire iTunes music folder, redo all the equalizer settings, and redo all the playlists. Also, I had to reset all my applicationprefs, etc. Is there any way that I can back all this up to my iPod? I can save my iTunes music folder, but what about the preferences, playlists, etc. Basically, I just want to dump as much of my current HD onto my new computer as possible. Since my HD is larger than my iPod, could I back the entire thing up to another computer? I have about 25 gigs used on my 40 gig HD. Can I use target disk mode to just dump every folder in my HD onto my sister's iMac, and then drag it all to my new one? Help me out here Thanks.

 

[thisbechuck]

Yes, target disk mode would be an option, however, there are ways to back up all your application prefs through your iPod.

Option 1--
In (Home):Music:iTunes, you will find "iTunes Temp" and "iTunes 4 Music Library" it is my belief that these two files are the ones that contain all the information about playlists, artist, song name, etc. Of course, you will then also have to copy the "iTunes Music Folder" for the actual songs. Then plug the iPod into your new computer, and replace the files and folders in the new iMac with the backed up files in your iPod.

Option 2--
Purchase "iPod.iTunes" (http://www.crispsofties.com/)
Make sure your iPod is set to "Update all songs/playlists", and let it do so.
Run iPod.iTunes on your new computer and let it transfer all the song/playlist information. I am not sure that this will also update equalizer information. My guess is that it probably wont.

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Lastly, under (Home):Libraryrefrences, you will find all of the user preferences for your applications. I'm not sure I'd recommend copying all of these and replacing the ones on the new computer, just incase you end up copying some corrupted info from a 3rd party app, but rather to go through and selectively copy the application preferences you want to a folder in your iPod, and then replacing (or adding) them to the preference folder on your new iMac. I think that should do it.