How easy is it to transfer data to the IPad, even if it wasn't purchased through ITunes?

I have a library of music for example, on my PC that wasn't purchased through ITunes. I'd like to be able to transfer this to the IPad.

This is what you can do to sync your music on multiple computers. Don't know if the apps will be the same.

[GUIDE] - for PC

Assuming you have authorized both computers with the same account:

Navigate to your "Music/iTunes" folder. You will need to get a copy of the string value located next to the "Library Persistent ID" from the "iTunes Music Library.xml" file from your main computer (edit with notepad). Then go to your second computer and make a backup copy of the following files (in case we need to revert back or a stuff up occurs - always good to backup!):

• "iTunes Music Library.xml"
• "iTunes Library.itl"

Make a note on the string value (ID) for the second computer (you will need it later). Now change the string value on the same .xml file with your main computer's ID that you copied earlier.

Now download a program called "HexEdit". Open the file "iTunes Library.itl" using HexEdit. Click on the "Find" option, make sure you click the "Hex" radio button, then type in the second computer's ID (spaced out by two characters at a time) e.g. "70 8A E5 6T FF" etc.. Click "Ok" and change the values to the main computer's ID (again spacing out two characters at a time). Save the file, and overwriting the existing.

Open up your iTunes and plug your iPad in. Click on "Manually manage music and videos". You shouldn't get a prompt anymore to
"Erase your iPad" message

NOTE:
I don't know for sure if you could just copy your apps files from your main computer "Music/iTunes/iTunes Media/Mobile Applications" to the second computer in the same directory path.

Originally Posted by ramirezf

I am using the same username for login into itunes store and it doesn´t work (it keeps telling me that if i syncronize with this computer it will remove my previously installed apps).

You can, what I did was to backup everything under /music/itune/itune media and copy to your new computer under the same folder..

When you use itune to sync, it will state that your ipad is sync with another company and files on ipad will be erase... NO WORRY, since you have already backup and duplicate every files and apps from the other computer to your new computer, it will be replaced with the same files and apps..

NOTE: It works for me every time (I have 2 laptops and 1 pc) but do it at your own risk.. suggest you google and verify all other methods and then try it..

Originally Posted by ramirezf

You can, what I did was to backup everything under /music/itune/itune media and copy to your new computer under the same folder..

When you use itune to sync, it will state that your ipad is sync with another company and files on ipad will be erase... NO WORRY, since you have already backup and duplicate every files and apps from the other computer to your new computer, it will be replaced with the same files and apps..

NOTE: It works for me every time (I have 2 laptops and 1 pc) but do it at your own risk.. suggest you google and verify all other methods and then try it..

ok, it worked for me the first time. copyed all files from "main PC" to"2nd PC" and sync... done!

now I have a 2nd silly question ...

what if, in the meanwhile, I add files or apps directly on ipad (such as podcast or Ibooks.)

As they are on the IPad, will they be sync on both PC or do I have to sync with one of the 2, then copy the related file in Itunes from PC1 to PC 2 to be "safe"?

merci!

Originally Posted by felicat

Originally Posted by ramirezf

You can, what I did was to backup everything under /music/itune/itune media and copy to your new computer under the same folder..

When you use itune to sync, it will state that your ipad is sync with another company and files on ipad will be erase... NO WORRY, since you have already backup and duplicate every files and apps from the other computer to your new computer, it will be replaced with the same files and apps..

NOTE: It works for me every time (I have 2 laptops and 1 pc) but do it at your own risk.. suggest you google and verify all other methods and then try it..

ok, it worked for me the first time. copyed all files from "main PC" to"2nd PC" and sync... done!

now I have a 2nd silly question ...

what if, in the meanwhile, I add files or apps directly on ipad (such as podcast or Ibooks.)

As they are on the IPad, will they be sync on both PC or do I have to sync with one of the 2, then copy the related file in Itunes from PC1 to PC 2 to be "safe"?

merci!

Yes, your ipad will sync with whichever PC you choose.. but just 1. You have to duplicate the files again if you intend to switch PC again..

Hi there. I'm new to Ipad, and I'm having problem similiar with this thread starter, so I thought I'd post it here.

I just bought a second hand/used Ipad from a friend of a friend (to keep things simple, let's just say Mr.X). This Ipad was synced to his PC, using his apple ID of course. Now when I want to purchase new apps from Itunes, it asked me to register or use existing apple ID.

The problem is I can't get in touch with X anymore, so I can't transfer purchase from his apple ID or login with his apple ID. If I understand correctly, if I create new apple ID, purchase an app and sync it, then all the existing apps on my Ipad will be wiped out? There are many great applications on the Ipad that I hate to lose.

Are there any way around this problem, or am I stuck with only two options (continue using the ipad as it is now, or wipe out all data, and start fresh)?

Thanks in advance.

Yes! Wooo hoooo ! It worked. Thanks.
I have my iPad 2 about a month and am loving it. Can't wait for iOS 5.