How to Use iPhone/iPod with Virtual PC

If you're aware of the bloat that comes bundled with iTunes, you probably do not want to install iTunes on your base Windows machine.  My work around was to use the Windows XP Mode - Windows Virtual PC, that comes bundled with Windows 7.  I already have Virtual PC setup, and there are plenty of tutorials online to help.  This tutorial will assume you already have that setup.

Using iPhone/iPod iTouch with Virtual PC

The following all occurs withing your Virtual PC window.

Install itunes.
Run itunes.

Within the Virtual PC options, go to USB drop down, and select iPod Attach/(or iPhone Attach)
Your system will create a USB Bridge (could take a few minutes the first time) to allow your Apple handheld to be detected in iTunes.  Your device should appear in iTunes.

If iTunes does not detect device, do a reset: try USB | iPod Release, then USB | iPod Attach.