Before you connect your iPod to your Mac, you must ensure that iTunes won't attempt to sync with your iPod. If it does, it might delete all of the data on your iPod. Why? Because at this point, your iTunes library is missing some or all of the songs or other files on your iPod. If you sync your iPod with iTunes, you'll end up with an iPod that's missing the same files your iTunes library is missing.
Disable Syncing
- Make sure your iPod isn't connected to your Mac.
- Launch iTunes, located at /Applications/.
- From the iTunes menu, select Preferences.
- Click the 'Devices' tab.
- Place a check mark in the box labeled 'Prevent iPods and iPhones from syncing automatically.'
- Click 'OK.'
Connect Your iPod or iPhone to Your Mac.
- Quit iTunes, if it is running.
- Make sure your iPod isn't connected to your Mac.
- Hold down the option and command keys (Apple/cloverleaf) and plug your iPod into your Mac.
- iTunes will launch and display a dialog box to inform you that it's running in safe mode. You can release the option and command keys.
- Click the 'Quit' button in the dialog box.
- iTunes will quit. Your iPod will be mounted on your desktop, without any syncing between iTunes and your iPod.
