Recovering my PC iTunes Library following a PC Crash

Question

Following a recent disasterous crash on my PC and my need to reinstall Windows XP I have lost my whole music library.
Fortunately I automatically synced the Library to both my iPod and iPhones so am still able to enjoy.
However I had no back up saved so my PC is bereft of all my music.
I had assumed that following the next sync all my music would be reocovered on the PC.
As my library comprised mostly albums from CD's and music captured from tapes and vynil it is both highly valued and not easily replaceable. Has anyone found out how to recover from this situation.
I would prefer to use an Apple approved solution. Help please.

Answer 1

My wife experienced the exact same problem, except she only has an iPod.  The library that existed on her old system is toast and every time she tries to sync with her new 'build' it says she'll loose all her music if she continues.  I did some poking around and found some information (that while maybe not approved) will let you get the music off the iPod. (I haven't been able to get it to work on my iPhone, but then I don't really need it to.)
Music on the iPod is stored in a hidden location on the device.  To access this 'location' you'll need to modify your folder settings.
For Windows Users:
Set your iPod to be used in Disk Mode by going to the info page in iTunes while your iPod is connected.
If iTunes asks you to sync select "Cancel" as allowing the sync to continue will erase all the music on your device.
Once you've verified that the iPod is in Disk Mode, open the "Start" menu and select "My Computer."
In the window that opens, select "Folder Options" from the "Tools" menu.  For Windows 7 users click Organize and then choose Folder and Search Options...
On the "View" tab of "Folder Options," scroll down (if necessary) and select the Radio Button next to "Show Hidden Files and Folders," then click the "Apply" button to save your choice
Now Select the "Apply to Folders button and then click OK to close the window.
In the "My Computer" window, search for your iPod.  You may have to press the F5 key to refresh the window.  The drive letter for the iPod will vary depending on how many other devices you have in your system.
When the iPod appears, double-click on it's icon to reveal its contents.
You should see several folders.  One of them should be named "iPod_Control." It will be a lighter shade than the other folders (indicating that it is hidden.)
Open this folder and look for another folder named "Music."
Copy the "Music" folder to a location on your hard drive.  You can just "left click and drag" the folder to your hard-drive icon and release the mouse.
The time it takes to copy the folder will depend on the size of the music repository on your device.
When the copy is complete, re-open iTunes, and select "Preferences" from the "Edit" menu
Open "Advanced" tab, and check the box to "Keep iTunes Music folder organized."  This setting will make iTunes copy music files to your library when they are added and keep them organized
Finally, from the iTunes "File" menu, choose the option to "Add Folder to Library".  You will see a dialog box that prompts you to navigate to the "Music" folder you copied. When you are there, select the folder and click "OK".  The transfer of the music files from your iPod will begin and now you're on your way to restoring your library
For Mac Users:
There are free programs available for download at www.podtomac.com that allow you to transferring your iPod / iPhone content a breeze.
Cheers