How to Recover iTunes Library from improper back up

The story: My hard drive was failing. I panicked and backed up using SuperDuper to an external USB drive. Apparently my internal drive was already damaged enough that SuperDuper couldn't complete the back up. It got about 60 of 80 gigs. I ended up having to zero out the internal drive and reinstall all our software. I have pretty much all the critical files back (it's amazing how much useless junk winds up on computers,really) except the iTunes libraries for each user.
When I look at the external drive I can see the iTunes files for each of the four users on the system. The problem is when I attempt to access the files, I get a message that says I'm not authorized.
I've got two questions:
1. Is there a way around this authorization thing? Some shareware or something?
2. If my kids dock up their iPods to charge them (the iPods still have the music on them) will the computer "sync" the iPod to the now empty library that's on the computer?

*If my kids dock up their iPods to charge them (the iPods still have the music on them) will the computer "sync" the iPod to the now empty library that's on the computer?*
If the iPods are set to update automatically you need to take care connecting to an empty iTunes. You can use a keyboard command to prevent an iPod auto-syncing with iTunes. While connecting the iPod to the computer on a Mac hold down the Option and Command (⌥ and ⌘ Apple) keys together. This will stop the iPod from auto-syncing with iTunes and it 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. You should then be able to change your settings: iTunes for Mac - Keyboard Shortcuts
Once the iPods are connected it might be a good idea to change them to manual updating at least until you have your library back in shape. The content of iTunes and the iPod are not syncronised in this mode so the two can be different, you can get details here:
Managing content manually on iPod
iPod - Syncing Music
Something else to be aware of when using an iPod in manual mode is that the "Do Not Disconnect" message will remain on the display until you physically eject the device: Safely Disconnect IPod

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Ian Thompson4 wrote:
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bilunpe wrote:
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Hi 45atopp,
Thanks for visiting Apple Support Communities.
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http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4527
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How to Recover iTunes Library from improper back up

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