How do I backup an older 3GS saving ipod library that I'm using temporarily and restore it later?

Question

Can I restore a different backup on the phone in the time I'm using it? My 3Gs went completely and unexpectantly dead and my brother had one I put my SIMM card in to use for awhile. I want to preserve all his music and data but in the meantime load my last backup on this phone so I have access to my information. I want to do this in a way to be sure to preserve his ipod music. Please tell me the right steps so I don't lose his data and can restore it when I give it back.  Thanks

Answer 1

iTunes places the backup file here:
Where iTunes backups are stored on your computer
The folder where your backup data are stored varies depending on the computer's operating system. Make sure the backup folder is included in your periodic data-backup routine.
iTunes places the backup files in the following places:
Mac:~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/
Windows XP:\Documents and Settings\(username)\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\
Note: To quickly access the Application Data folder, click Start, and choose Run. Type %appdata% and click OK.
Windows Vista and Windows 7:\Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\
Note: To quickly access the AppData folder, click Start. In the search bar, type %appdata% and press theReturn key.
Yes, if something happens to the iPod, you can restore the iPod from backup.
You can copy the iTunes library as a backup by:
iTunes: Back up your iTunes library by copying to an external hard drive
You can also save the iPod backup there incase there is a problem with the computer.
Using the information in my first reply you can backup to you computer and transfer iTunes purchases to your computer as wll as to hers. You do not need iCloud.
If you have non-iTunes music on the iPod you will need a third-party program to transfer/copy them to a computer. Some are discussed here:
newer copy