windows files in ipod?

Question

I have a huge library of MP3s that came from a source other than the itunes store. i have one file labeled mp3s. within this file is probably about 40 sub files labeled and organized by artist. within those files are somewhere around 200 other files that break said artist down by album. those files contain my mp3s. all organized and ready to be found whenever i want.
now, these mp3s are not labled in the properties under any specific title, subject, author, artist or album per se. what would be my best course of action to move these files to my ipod and still have them organzed this way? i understand i cant simply drag and drop them as i would be able to do with most any other mp3 player. i have also tried to drag and drop into itunes and it puts all the songs into one unmanageable list. do i have to manually create 200+ playlists just to have my songs organized? please say it aint so! i just want my music organized on my mp3 player my way! is that too much to ask!?!? help!

so i have to change the ID3 tag on all 4000+ songs?

Answer 1

Start itunes
Go to Library
Now from File (on the top menu), go to import Folder
Follow directions to point to the TOP folder where your music is.
Itunes will scan and add all MP3s in that folder and its subfolders. It will automatically get the metadata and organize the songs.

Answer 2

Well, I will recomend to you what I recommend to others and that is to use XPlay NOT iTunes. With XPlay, you can drag and drop songs into your iPod as well as out of your iPod back to your computer. Make sure you properly ID3 tag your songs so that they will be properly categorized on your iPod. I use Winamp to maintain my library as well as Rip CD's and to do all my ID3 tagging....