iPod and iTunes FAQ
Compiled By Our Editors

Working with Audio Files

Q: How do I know if the audio files I already have will work in iTunes?
A: To see if your audio files are supported by iTunes browse to the audio files stored on your PC (most music files are stored in the My Music folder inside the My Documents folder). Click the audio file icon. Click File; then click Properties. The file type is listed under the General tab. The following file formats are supported by iTunes: MP3 Variable Bit Rate (VBR); WMA (unprotected); AAC (unprotected); AAC (protected); AAC (spoken word); AIDD and Audible.com spoken word formats 2,3 and 4.

Q: How do I import music to my iTunes library?
A: To move music files that are compatible with iTunes do the following:

1. Open iTunes
2. click the Library icon
3. Browse to the audio file stored on your PC
4. Select the audio file icon, then drag and drop it into the iTunes window. You can move multiple files simultaneously by pressing and holding the Cntrl key while selecting and dragging files.

When you move music from your PC into the iTunes Library, the quality of the sound can be affected. To maximize sound quality, change the Importing Setting to match the Bit Rate of the file you are importing. For better audio quality, the higher the Mono or Stereo kilobits per second (kbps) and the larger the file size. To change the audio Importing Setting in iTunes:

1. From iTunes, click Edit, then select Preferences.
2. Click the Importing tab.
3. Select an encoder name from the Import Using drop-down menu that matches the file type that you are importing.
4. Select the quality setting from the Setting drop-down menu that most closely matches the Bit Rate of the file that you are importing.

Q: How do I import Windows Media Audio (WMA) files into iTunes?
A: Import unprotected Windows Media Audio files in the same way you would import other music files. Click and drag the music files directly into the iTunes Library. ITunes does not accept music files protected by Windows Media Digital Rights Management (DRM).

Working with Music CDs

Q: Why aren’t my music CD song titles showing in iTunes?
A: You have to be connected to the Internet for iTunes to find song and album names for your music CDs.

Q: I’m unable to record songs to a CD with iTunes? What have I done wrong?
A: If you are having problems recording (burning) a CD with iTunes, check any of the following:

1. Make sure you have a compatible CD-RW drive. Check the Apple iTunes for Windows Support page for a list of compatible CD-RW drives.
2. Make sure the correct disc format is listed in the Burning tab of iTunes Preferences. Click Edit Preferences then click the Burning tab.
3. Make sure you have a CD-R or CD-RW that has at least 74 to 80 minutes of recording space, or try a different CD brand.
4. Quit other applications that might be interfering with the recording process.
5. If you purchased the music from the Apple Music Store, you can only record seven copies of the same playlist to an audio CD.

Q: Why do I have poor sound quality on the music CD I created with iTunes?
A: Sound quality can be poor for the following reasons:

1. The recording speed was set too high. Try adjusting the recording speed. Click Edit, Preferences, and then click the Burning tab. Select the speed from the Preferred Speed options.
2. Some external drives do not play copied music CDs properly. If the music CD plays erratically when played back in your external CD-RW drive, play it in the internal CD drive or a stereo CD player.
3. Formats affect the audio quality and size of the song file. Make sure you use a compatible encoding format for your audio CD.

Computer Questions

Q: Must I keep my music files on my PC once I download them to the iPod?
A: It’s best to make a backup of your music files onto a CD or DVD. If your hard drive is damaged or restored and you don’t have a backup of your audio files you will lose any music you purchased. The synchronization between your iPod and your computer is always one way - from iTunes to iPod. As a result, iPod should not be used as permanent storage.

Q: I can’t I share my iTunes playlist with other PCs on the same network?
A: Some built-in Firewall versions can interfere with iTunes music sharing. You can temporarily disable the Internet Connection Firewall. Warning: Disabling the firewall or opening ports in the firewall will expose your computer to security risks. You can open external and internal port numbers 3689 and 5353. Refer to the documentation that came with your firewall software for more detailed instructions for your computer.

Q: Can I use double-layer recording media with iTunes?
A: iTunes 4.5 does not support double-layer recording. If you use iTunes for double-layer recording, you must use RecordNow! to close the recording session.