How do i get my ipod to stop automatically updating without having to plug the ipod in?

Question

I recently had to have my computer wiped, so i lost all my itunes songs on my computer (but still have them on the ipod). I've re-installed the itunes program, but when you plug the ipod in it starts to automatically update which i dont want because itunes is currently blank. The only way to stop the ipod automatically updating is to go on edit, preferences, then ipod, but you cant access this until the ipod is actually connected and therefore automatically updating itself. I dont want it to do this so that i can connect it then transfer all the songs from 'my ipod' into 'library' and then put them back on my ipod before updating it again. Confusing i know, but i really dont want to lose all my songs as ive had my ipod for years and many of the songs are from borrowed/downloaded albums! Oh and i have a PC, not a mac..apparently this problem is solveable on a mac...damnit.

Answer 1

if you have a second computer, you are set. plug the ipod in on the one. the music will not erase as long as you don't normally update on it. after it is plugged in, make sure enable disk use is allowed (lower right hand of itunes library when ipod is plugged in, button with ipod shape on it, ipod settings, enable disk use. while your on that screen, click the manual box as well). noow that disk use and manual are enabled, disconnect the ipod. plug it into the computer that the music ws removed from. it may sound stupid, but since your ipod is in manual, it won't update. go to "my computer". click on the ipod drive (called what you named your ipod). once in your ipod drive, click tools, folder options, view. look at the second title hidden files and folders. click show hidden files and folders. watch as a new folder pops up. click on it. step a: a folder should say music (or something like that). click on the folder. it will give you random folders now. click on one to make sure it has music. if it does, go back to where you just were. if it doesn't, go back and try a different folder in step a. now that you've found you're music, copy all the strangely named folders, paste them where you want your music in your computer, then drag them into the itunes library.
long tutorial, but i hope it helps.

Answer 2

in simple terms plug your ipod in then, actual directly, whilst the call of your ipod looks, click on it and pass to the backside of the website. you need to be sure a option that has manually some thing and choose it. it would give up updating directly

Answer 3

if you just use the computer to charge it and are happy with the songs you have then fine.. you can use it for years without using itunes... if you want to change the songs then you will have to start again, as there is no sync'' in itunes with your ipod...
you can download the latest upgrades for the ipod as normal without affecting your songs... think about it, it cant update or wipe it from itunes, because there is nothing to update it with.. so maybe you can ignore the auto update bit...try to use it without itunes, unless you have to.. good luck..PS: if you get stuck.. email me and i will try to help..x