I can not sync my ipod with my itunes library unless i do a restore. When I begin the restore, I'm told that all my data will be erased. Will I be able to backup my data first, then, after the restore, can I reload my old data?

Question

If I restore my ipod, will it prompt me to backup my existing data? When I begin the restore process, it tells me that all data will be erased. I'm trying to download my library to a different ipod.

Answer 1

It has always been very basic to always maintain a backup copy of your computer for just such an occasion.
Use your backup copy of your computer to put everything on the new one.
It sounds like you have failed to do this, which is not good at all.
You will have to transfer your itunes purchases from your iphone.  Authorize your computer for your itunes account 
About iTunes Store authorization and deauthorization
Open itunes, plug in iphone, do NOT sync, click File>Transfer Purchases
When you do sync you will lose your pics ( photo library - synced from your old computer), your itunes content ( music, apps, videos,etc) , your contacts and your calendars.  So do NOT sync yet.  This is why a backup copy is so important.
Enter one unique contact and calendar entry on your computer.
When you first sync, you should get the option to merger the data.  Choose it.
If you want your pics, then you will need to e-mail them to yourself before you sync.  They will not be of the original quality as they are reduced when synced to iphone.
When all is as goos as it can be, then backup your computer, and always maintain the backup.