[se4587]

I formatted my HD and reinstalled, so obviously my ipod isn't linked anymore and will ask me to link to this "new" computer. I know that I can copy all my music to the hd, install it into itunes, & link the ipod, but then it will just erase and then copy back the same music it just erased. Is there a way to avoid this whole erase-to-copy-back-data method?

[dtriska]

Nope, I don't think is a way around transferring everything to the iPod again. It only takes a few minutes, so it's not a big problem.

You can use PodWorks to automate the recreation of your iTunes library. The app recreates your playlists in iTunes, and transfers over song ratings, play counts, etc.

[se4587]

Thanks for the suggestion. Podworks worked great! I wish I knew about it the last couple times I reformatted...