Setting up a new PC can be frustrating. When loading new applications, backing up and transferring files between computers, and installing drivers, you may feel that getting a new PC isn't worth the hassle. Apple's iPod is known for its ease of use, so syncing your iPod to a new library on your PC should be no big deal. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

Understanding iPod Sync Process

When you add a song or delete a podcast, iTunes ensures that the library on your computer and the iPod are in sync. The music and other information stored on your iPod can only be synced to one computer at a time. This is considered your iPod "home" computer. Currently, you are managing the information on your iPod through your iTunes "home" library on your old computer. If you move to a new computer, your iPod is still tied to the "home" library on your old computer. You'll need to find a way to transfer the contents of the library from your old computer to the new computerto sync your iPod. When you plug in your iPod to your new PC, iTunes will display a message stating this "iPod" is synced with another iTunes library. Do you want to erase this iPod and sync with this iTunes library? An iPod can be synced with only one iTunes library at a time. Erasing and syncing replaces the contents of this iPod with the contents of this iTunes library." Say "No." If you say, "Yes", iTunes will delete all the files currently on your iPod and replace them with the contents of the empty new library. You'll be synced with the new PC, but your iPod will have no content on it.

Backing Up iTunes Library on Old PC

Before syncing your iPod, fill the library on your new PC with the contents of the iTune "home" library on the old PC, and reset the "home" library to your new PC. To do this, you first need to back up your iTunes library, playlists and iTunes store purchases on your old computer. To back up the files, use the iTunes "Back Up to Disc" option available in iTunes version 8.0 and above. You can find the "Back Up to Disc" option in the File menu under "Library." "Back up to Disc" will burn all your iTunes data to a CD or DVD. You can back up all data or just the library. Once you've made your selection, iTunes burns the data onto CDs or DVDs. If you have a large amount of data to backup, iTunes will prompt you to enter more discs until the backup is complete.

Transferring iTunes Library to New PC

Once you have backed up your iTunes library to CDs or DVDs, you can copy the iTunes library from your old computer to your new PC. To copy the library, open iTunes on your new computer and insert the backup disc in your new PC's disk drive. iTunes will prompt you to restore the files. Click "Restore" to begin the process. When the Restore process is complete, check that your library has been correctly copied. If your library looks OK, connect your iPod to your new computer. The iTunes will again ask you if you'd like to sync your iPod with the library on this computer. This time say, "Yes." iTunes will erase what's on your iPod, and sync it with the contents of the library on your new computer. At this point, the iTunes library on your new PC is considered the "home" library for your iPod. You can now use your new computer to safely and easily keep your iPod in sync.

Source:

Apple Support: Using iPod with Multiple Computers

Apple Support: How to back up your media in iTunes

More Information:

Apple iPod and iTunes