A few iPod to computer questions

[jilliebean]

My old computer's harddrive died, and it's basically trashed and gone. I got a new computer, and I'm looking for a way to transfer the music from my iPod to it. It is a PC, and it runs Windows XP. I have a few questions.


"How to copy songs from iPod to computer w/o the need of software

Windows version:

-go to my computer>
-tools>
-folder option>
-view>
-and check the box next to 'show hidden files & folders.
-Then connect the iPod
-when the iPod shows up in 'my computer'
-click open the hard drive and
-remove the music folder to your desktop
-then click open the music folder and
-You will see folders titled 'F00', F01, etc.
-The music files are inside. Drag-n-drop the folder onto the desktop of the computer. "


I would like to use the method described above, but before I do this, should I put in the disk that came with the iPod? Right now I have iTunes with an empty library, I'm concerned about it automatically sync-ing and deleting the music off my iPod. Should I uninstall iTunes first?

Or, do you suggest I download a program like EphPod? And if so, the same questions apply. (When do I put in the disk that came with the iPod, and will it auto-sync if I plug in the iPod?)

I just want to be sure that I'm not going to accidentally lose 3000 songs.

Thanks in advance!

[hotphil]

Yep, don't install iTunes before trying to copy the songs from your iPod or it may resync and wipe it.

[jilliebean]

So I should uninstall iTunes?

[hotphil]

Oh yes.