How to I transfer my music from my iPod classic to iTunes on my PC?

Question

Reformatted HD and installed new motherboard in PC.  Lost iTunes music library and music lists.  My iPod still has everything on it.  How do I transfer the music saved on my iPod back to iTunes on my PC.

Answer 1

First, you need to prevent automatic synchronzation with a blank copy of iTunes.  While connecting the iPod to the computer, click "cancel" when iTunes presents the dialog box offering to synchronize to the iPod. Or hold down the Shift and Ctrl keys in Windows. This should stop the iPod from auto synching 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 25 seconds depending on your computer.
You can then copy music that you purchased from the iTunes Store back to iTunes directly (use the Transfer Purchases From iPod command under the iTunes File menu).  If you want to copy back other tracks, the easiest way will be to search CNet or another software compendium for "iPod". You'll find a number of utilities, some free, that can transfer your tracks and your playlists from your iPod  back to your PC.
It's also possible to do this manually, but the procedure is rather involved. If you're interested, though, see this article in the iLounge:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/copying-music-from-ipod-to-co mputer/P1
and an older but still useful Discussions thread:
MacMuse: Computer crashed
Hope this helps.