Computer Crashed: I need help badly!

Question

Ok so my computer crashed the other day. I still have all my songs on my iPod but not on computer. I had to reinstall iTunes and I know that if i plug it in for the first time it will update and completely empty my iPod. How do i make it not automatically update? or better yet, what is the best way to fix this whole mess without losing my songs...is there anyway to put them from my ipod onto a disk or a drive or anything just so I dont have to redownload and dig up all my old CD's to put them on there. Thanks.
Ryan
5th Generation iPod   Windows XP   Helpppppp!

Answer 1

There are a number of third party utilities that you can use to retrieve the files from your iPod. This is just a selection.
Senuti Mac Only
YamiPod Mac and Windows Versions
PodUtil Mac and Windows Versions
iPodCopy Mac and Windows Versions
PodPlayer Windows Only
iPodAgent Windows Only
There is also a manual method of accessing the iPod's hard drive posted in this thread: iPod to iTunes
When you connect, if you are getting a 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, click *No*. Your iPod should appear in the iTunes source list. Change the update setting in Preferences>iPod to "manually manage songs and playlists" Managing Your Songs Manually
If you prefer, you can also use a keyboard command to prevent your iPod auto-syncing with iTunes. While connecting the iPod to the computer on a Mac hold down the Option and Command (⌥ and ⌘) keys, on Windows, hold down Shift + Ctrl. 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 3 and 30 seconds depending on your computer. Then go to Preferences>iPod and check the "Manually manage songs and playlists" box.
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.
Just a last reminder, if you are getting a 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, click *No*.