When I opened ITunes, what was once an almost 25gb library was reduced to 684 items, but all of it is still on the Ipod. How do I restore it to my computer?

Question

My wife purchased an external HD to which she moved my library for backup purposes, but now I only have bits and pieces of the library on my computer, with no rhyme or reason as to what is there.  Any ideas as to how I can get the library back on my PC or what may have happened?

Answer 1

might still be on the computer, first thing i would do is use the computers search function to see if one of the missing items is located on the computer, if it is then re-add the folders it points you to back into the library with "add folder to library" under the file menu
don't try to just sync the ipod as it will likely remove everything from the ipod
if the items are from the itunes store you can use the option labeled "transfer purchases" under the file menu to transfer them, if not, you will need to look into third party programs to transfer it, unfortunately itunes can't transfer it if it is not from the itunes store.  For these you can search online for "how to transfer music from ipod to computer" and you should get information, I believe there is another discussion that covers that here as well but I cannot find it at the moment.