2 questions for all the iTunes PROS out there

Question

I currently have the latest itunes software. I have recently formatted my pc, and need to add all my songs back into the itunes library. I have over 7000 songs all in the general folder
"Music". I do to File->Add folder to library->Then select that folder. It works for a bit scanning though files asks me to convert some, then it just crashes..... It would take me soooo long to do this folder by folder, does any1 know what is going on?
Since i have formatted my pc, when i plug my ipod in it says that it has been synced up to another itunes would i like to delete it all, any way around this? Or maybe can i somehow sync my ipod to my itunes, thus fixing the problem in my first question?
Thx soo much for any help
Myles

Answer 1

"Since i have formatted my pc, when i plug my ipod in it says that it has been synced up to another itunes would i like to delete it all, any way around this?"
When your iPod is set to update automatically you just need take care when connecting back to your computer and an empty iTunes. When you get the message that your iPod is linked to a different library and asking if you want to link to this one and replace all your songs etc, press "Cancel". Pressing "Erase and Sync" will irretrievably remove all songs from your iPod. Your iPod should appear in the iTunes source list from where you can change the update setting to manual and continue to use your iPod without the risk of accidentally erasing it. Check the "manually manage music and videos" box in Summary then press the Apply button: Managing content manually on iPod
You can also use a keyboard command to prevent your iPod auto-syncing with iTunes. While connecting the iPod to the computer on Windows with iTunes 7 installed hold down the Control and Alt keys (or Shift + Ctrl keys in older versions). This will stop the iPod from auto-syncing with iTunes and the iPod will appear in the source list. Wait until you are sure the iPod has mounted, and that it will not auto sync and then you can let the keys go. This may take between 20 to 30 seconds depending on your computer: iTunes 7 Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows
"Or maybe can i somehow sync my ipod to my itunes, thus fixing the problem in my first question?"
If you have any iTMS purchases the transfer of purchased content from the iPod to authorised computers has been introduced with iTunes 7. A paragraph on it has been added to this article: Transfer iTunes Store purchases using iPod
The transfer of non iTMS content such as songs imported from CD is designed by default to be one way from iTunes to iPod. However there is a manual method of accessing the iPod's hard drive and copying songs back to iTunes on Windows. The procedure is a bit involved but if you're interested it's posted in this thread: MacMuse - iPod to iTunes
If you prefer something more automated then there are a number of third party utilities that you can use to retrieve the music files and playlists from your iPod. This is just a selection, you'll find that they have varying degrees of functionality and some will transfer movies, videos and photos as well. Have a look at the web pages and documentation, they are generally quite straightforward. You can also read reviews of some of them here: Wired News - Rescue Your Stranded Tunes
YamiPod Mac and Windows Versions
iGadget Windows Only
iPod Access Mac and Windows Versions
PodUtil Mac and Windows Versions
iPodCopy Mac and Windows Versions
PodPlayer Windows Only
CopyPod Windows Only
Whichever of these retrieval methods you choose, keep your iPod in manual mode until you have reloaded your iTunes and you are happy with your playlists etc then it will be safe to return it auto-sync again.