My old notebook crapped out.  I don't want to reload all of my CDs onto the new notebook for my Ipod.  I tried a guide I read that showed copying files from Ipod to desktop and then copying into Itunes.  I followed the directions, but now it seems it won't let you do that - guessing a new version of Itunes.  I tried Sharepod, but then it seems as you can't use Itunes to move songs, you now need to use Sharepod.  I just want to get my library from my Ipod to my PC and then sink the Ipod to this PC.  Why the fuck does Apple have to be such assholes?  I own the CDs, I own the Ipod... why the damn hassles?

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Kept researching to find a solution that did not require the purchasing of new software, or putting a resident program on your Ipod.  Here is what I did.

Windows Instructions:

1.  Plug Ipod into computer

2.  If ITunes doesn't launch on its own, launch it.  ITunes will ask if you want to synch your Ipod to your new computer.  Choose NO!  If you answer YES your Ipod will be overwritten!!!!

3.  Select the Ipod in Itunes Source List, Click the Icon of the Ipod in the bottom right of the Itunes window.

4.  Enable the "Manually Manage Songs and Playlists" option as well as the "Enable Disk Use" option.  Click OK

5.  Double Click the My Computer option

6.  Select the Ipod in My Computer

7.  Choose Tools and then Folder Options in My Computer

8.  In Folder Options click View Tabs

9.  In the Hidden Files and Folders section click Show Hidden Files and Folders and then Apply

10.  Click the OK button

11.  Double Click the Ipod Icon in the My Computer window again

12.  You will now see several items you did not see before, look for the Ipod_Control folder

13.  Double click the Ipod_Control folder, you will see three folders: Device, iTunes and Music as well as a file called IPodPrefs

14.  Drag the Music folder to your hard drive (remember where you put it)

15.  Open Itunes and select the Library listing on the left side.

16.  Go to File at the top left and select Add Folder to Library

17.  Search for the Music folder you copied, open the folder and there will likely be several sub folders labeled "F01" "F02" and so on...  Select F01 and it will copy the music from that folder to the library.

18.  Repeat steps 15-17 for each folder until all are copied in.

19.  Test the ITunes and see if it will play the music.  If it does, proceed as follows:

20.  Click the little Ipod icon at the bottom right and switch back to automating updating.  It will then ask if you want to sync the new Ipod to this machine.  Say yes.  Your music is already backed up on your HD and this will overwrite the old library on the Ipod and give you an updated library synched to this machine.

Disclaimer - This worked for me on the latest version of Itunes that has been out for about one week.  Proceed at your own risk, but I accomplished perfect results following these steps.

I found anapod, is it worth $25?  How easy is it to use?  Does it have good documentation?  I prefer things that are highly automated rather than tweaking settings.

BTT for solution for us cheapos that don't want to buy Anapod...