Hi. I'm new to iPods. My computer recently crashed and I was unable to
recover the data. Luckily, I have 2000+ songs saved on my iPod. I want
to upload the songs onto my new Dell laptop.

The thing is, I remember borrowing my girlfriend's iPod before I got
this one. When I plugged her iPod into my computer, iTunes
automatically erased all of her songs from the iPod and downloaded
mine onto the iPod.

I'm afraid if I plug my iPod in now, it will erase all my songs and
download the ten crappy songs that came with this computer onto it.

I'm just looking for an IDIOT-PROOF step-by-step set of detailed
instructions on how to MAKE SURE that I can get these songs onto my
computer. As I said, please assume I'm a moron. I don't want to take
any chances of losing my songs.

Thanks!!

There may be a better way, but this is an easy sure way to make sure
all your songs are safe... although it takes a little while.
1. Plug your ipod into the computer (Don't open ITunes, although it
justs asks you if you want to delete your songs and sync with this
computer (if it does this just click that you don't want to))

2. Go to start->settings->control panel->folder options->"View" tab
   mark "show hidden files and folders"
   Click Apply.

3. Browse to your ipod (my computer->ipod name)

4. Browse to "ipod control" folder

5. Browse to "music"

6. f0-fx all have your songs and you should be able to see them.
Transfer them all (drag and drop) to a folder on your new computer.

7. Disconnect ipod.

8. Drag all the music you copied to itunes

9. Now you can plug in your ipod and hit "yes" when they ask you to
sync with computer, because your itunes has all your old songs on it.
(and maybe the 10 that came with the dell).


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Alternative method:  Use this program (free for 15 days) which does
the same thing but easier, there are directions on how to use it on
their site:

http://www.ipodsoft.com/index.php?/software/ipodagent

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Good Luck!