# iPod file recovery

- The gtkpod Manual
- Getting started

- 1.5.1. Checking iPod's Files
- 1.5.2. After a File System Error

## 1.5.1.Checking iPod's Files

For whatever reason -- it may happen that tracks are present in your iTunesDB that are no longer present on the iPod (dangling tracks), or that tracks are on the iPod but not in the iTunesDB (orphaned tracks). The function "Checking iPod's Files" under the "File" menu will identify both types and take the following actions:

- 1.5.1.1. Orphaned tracks
- 1.5.1.2. Dangling tracks

### 1.5.1.1.Orphaned tracks

A new playlist "[Orphaned]" will be created with all orphaned tracks in it. The only exception are orphaned tracks that would become duplicates (if duplicate detection is activated). Those are marked for deletion with the next sync.

### 1.5.1.2.Dangling tracks

These tracks will be marked for deletion with the next sync unless the original PC file is still available. In that case you can have them restored with the next sync.

## 1.5.2.After a File System Error

If iPod's file system gets corrupted and you need to reformat your iPod, there is a way to restore the contents semi-automatically if you have been using the "write extended information file" (iTunesDB.ext) options:

- If the directory structure on the iPod doesn't exist yet, load the iPod in gtkpod and have it created for you. Then unload the iPod again.
- Copy your backup files in .gtkpod/ (usually iTunesDB and iTunesDB.ext) to your iPod (usually <mountpoint>/iPod_Control/iTunes/
- On the iPod the files must be named iTunesDB and iTunesDB.ext.
- Load the iPod in gtkpod.
- Select the iPod repository and start "Check iPod's files" from the File menu.
- Unload the iPod (or save changes).

This should restore your iPod to what it was before, provided you didn't move or remove any of the original tracks on your harddrive, and the charset information was stored correctly.