Yet again, another iPod with new computer dilemma. Transfer?

Depending on what OS you’re running; there’s a few different programs you can use to get it all off. So far, with my similar problem I’ve been able to do it for free each time with some creative googling and using trials. You may have to take everything off 50 items at a time (then just click later on the prompt) but it’ll get the job done.
After losing my library 4 times I gave up on the headache and just update my external HDD with my music every few months, I believe I used “Music Rescue” for the mac OSX. (the trial that asks you to buy it every 50 items)
I’m super tired/stressed, sorry for awkward grammar.

Those indeed work. It can (in my three library loss experiences), however, be done for free and much simpler. Download iTunes. Don’t let your iPod sync. Access it as you would a flash drive. Then, finangle your settings to view hidden files and folders. Access iPod_Control, then Music, and voila. All those funny folders contain your music, which will you may then import into itunes, one folder at a time to prevent freezes. Once they are in itunes all your musical data will be there, song names, albums and all. (the songs too, of course.) In my experience, this will also rescue any podcasts/videos/movies/itunes-u you might have. Artwork can also be saved in this same way.

Ah, the collective of Fluther! If this works, I nominate you as Fluther Members of the Year!

@AustieZ Only thing with that is he has to have had enabled disk space/use (Can’t recall it’s exact term) on it beforehand. I was assuming the worst.

Oh- do be cautious as to what you download in attempts to solve this tragedy. It’s a common issue so there’s plenty of sites out there with stuff that’ll just load you up with spyware and the like.

True. A very good reason to keep disk use enabled!

Just transfer all the purchases off of your ipod and re-copy your cd’s.

@XOIIO The problem there is that if there are any non-iTunes purchases (I know most of my library didnt come from itunes) those songs are lost. Plus, if you have a lot of music, Cd’s are an uber pain to recopy.

Then that’s why you get an external hard drive and back everything up every week, then if your PC messes up just have it fixed and restore.

@AustieZ ‘s suggestion will work unless you are using an iPod Touch or an iPhone. The little buggers don’t show up on your hard drive, which is a huge pain. D:

Hopefully you’ve got the iPod classic! :D

Hey, where am I going to access iPod_Control?

Change your settings to “view hidden files/folders” then access your ipod just like you would a flash drive. it should be right there.

And thats just in the control panel settings, or what? I believe you, I’m just not what you’d call the best at this.

This website gives you step-by-step instructions on how to copy your files. I linked you to the step where you go into Terminal and change to show hidden files, but you may want to go back to Step 1 and go from the very beginning. It is, after all, a very good place to start.

Thank you to all and future posts for your help!

OH SH!T! I transferred all the songs manually, took the iPod out, put it back in, and the the library erased the iPod. Heres the thing THE DAMED SONGS WON’T GO ONTO THE IPOD! It says something like “The song ________, and others like it, could not be sinked because the original file could not be located.” ?????????????????? Help me please!

It means you have to go into iTunes and when you double click on a song, click locate and go to wherever the songs might be. If you can’t find the songs anywhere, you’re screwed.