text: how do i switch my ipod library to a different computer? i just got a new laptop to replace my four-year-old desktop.  all my ipod info is on the desktop, how do i switch it over?  do i need the cd my ipod came with?  i don't know if i have it.  can i just download itunes and go with it or is it going to be more complicated? you can't transfer an itunes library, but if you plug your ipod into your old computer go to edit --> preferences --> ipod --> manually update, then what happens is you can start plugging your ipod into the new computer and adding new songs while keeping your old ones. your new library will be shorter, obviously, but your ipod will be fine.