My old computer has died, how can i get all my tunes on to my new computer and ipod?

Question

My old computer died and i can't get access to itunes on it. how can i get itunes on my new computer without wiping my ipod and having to start again from scratch?

Answer 1

If the computer isn't functioning because of a operating system issue, but the computer itself still works, then it's possible to boot from a operating system on a cd or USB stick and transfer the files.
If the boot drive physically works (and it hasn't been encrypted), the files can be removed if the computer doesn't work as well. (more on that later as it costs more money)
For the first option your going to need to create a bootable USB or CD. I'm going to go with the easiest, a 2-4 GB USB thumb drive (nothing else on it of course)
Visit this page and download the Easy USB Installer for Windows.
http://www.pendrivelinux.com/universal-usb-installer-easy-as-1-2-3/
Now from the first menu there you select Ubuntu 10.10 and check the box to download the ISO of Ubuntu Linux. Wait for it to finish.
Now #2 browse to the ISO you just downloaded.
Now #3 you select the EXACT drive letter of the USB (look under My Computer/Computer)
Leave "show all drives" and "persistence" alone. Check "format drive" (be sure the drive letter is correct!)
Click "Create"
Once you got that done, stick the USB in the back of the computer (if a tower) and hook up a external USB hard drive. (nothing else on it.)
Now you need to find the BIO's boot key for your problem computer, DELL it's F2 to enter the BIO's (list at link)
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixtheproblem/a/biosaccess_pc.htm
Navigate around in there and set the USB as the first boot option (or cd if you got a boot cd). Save the option.
Reboot the computer and it should boot off the USB. "Try Ubuntu/run from USB/CD"  Don't install.
Once your in Ubuntu, you can easily go to the Places Menu and Select Computer, see all the drives and access your ENTIRE iTunes folder. Transfer this entire folder to the external USB drive.
Also you can grab your pictures and anyrthing else while your in there.
Now the second option is potentially destructive, if the computer doesn't work at all mechanically. Disconnect any power from the computer. Then you can remove the internal hard drive, use a powered IDE/SATA to USB adapter and plug it right into your new computer just like a external drive. However I would do a malware scan first.
Lastly if you got your iTunes Folder onto the new computer (replacing the new iTunes folder with the old). You need to open the XML file in a Text program that has "Find and Replace" ability. So you can correctly fix the partial pathnames from the old computer to the new computer.
This little step preserves all your playlists.
Once you got your content over, you should File > Backup Library to disk and feed it DVD-R's or use a external drive.
As you know, the iPod only sync's content one way, to the iPod.  (exception for iTMS bought stuff on the iPod can be synced back into iTunes with the correct account enabled.)  You might need to check iLounge for current third party software that reverses all content form a iPod back into iTunes.
Finally if this is all above your head, have a professional do it for you. Apple will not re-issue downloads, backing up is your responsibility.
Hope that helps.