Syncing Help/Question

Question

I have an older Ipod shuffle that was synced to another computer.  That computer has quit working and a new one purchased.  Itunes was downloaded and when I try to add songs I get a message that states if I sync to this new computer all my songs will be erased.  Will I really lose everything?  How can this be prevented.  I have been able to purchase songs but they will not transfer onto my Ipod so they are just sitting in the library.  HELP!

Answer 1

The 1st and 2nd gen shuffle can only be associated with one iTunes library at a time.  When you connect it to a different iTunes library and sync, the existing content is replaced by content from that iTunes library.
If the songs on the shuffle are also purchases from the iTunes Store, you can re-download them to your new conputer's iTunes library at no cost.  To do this, run iTunes and go to the iTunes Store Home screen.  If you are not already, sigh in using the Apple ID used to make the purchases.  Click on Purchased under QUICK LINKS.  On the Purchased screen, you can find and download previous purchases (that are not already in your iTunes library).
For other songs, iTunes syncing is generally in one direction only, from the computer's iTunes library to the iPod.  You cannot use iTunes to transfer song files from iPod to computer, except for songs purchased from the iTunes Store.  However, there are third-party methods and utilities that can transfer from iPod to computer.  If you do an Internet search on something like "ipod transfer," you should get some links.  (The CNET article seems to be popular.)
Once the song files are on your computer's drive, you can add them to your new iTunes library.  After confirming everything is there, sync your shuffle as desired.