Question : Problem: Can I restore my iPod's library?

I am working on my work PC, which runs Windows2003.  It had iTunes on it when I got here, but the former PC owner's library was resident.  It also has severe security settings that prohibit me from assigning a different drive, and or course, it always chooses the first available drive letter, which was what the other guy used.  So, in order to play my own iPod, I would first have to disconnect the F: drive, then plug in the iPod, and then it would "see" my library in iTunes.  Tonight, I plugged in my iPod before I disconnected the F: drive.  iTunes displayed the former guy's library, which has happened to me before, so I just disconnected the iPod using the "safely remove hardware" icon in my system tray.  When my iPod stopped flashing DO NOT DISCONNECT, it now shows HIS library and not mine.

I've done everything - rebooted, trying stopping the itunes service (it keeps saying access denied); I have checked a million times the sync settings on that SYNC tab in Preferences and it has said, from the beginning of time, disable all automatic syncing - meaning (to me) that I am in control of when it syncs.

At one point, in my frenzy to find my library, I "saw" a lot of my music in those cryptically named folders.  I think I was using Explorer to view the F: drive - which accurately shows the name I gave my iPod, but it's still HIS old library.

Please - if there is a GOD - would one of you please save me from having to deal with the technical support people.  My iPod is really my dearest friend and my sole companion.  I work nights and I am virtually bereft without my library.

Thanks for anything you can do to help me with this.

Tina

Answer : Problem: Can I restore my iPod's library?

hi tina, sometimes the hand is quicker than the brain, the flashing may have indicated the library of this other owner was still loading.
Your ipod itunes should be stored locally in your account.
 For Microsoft Windows XP and 2000 the iTunes folder is stored in
\Documents and Settings\[your username]\My Documents\My Music\
How to re-create your iTunes library
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1451
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1660
Did you ever make a backup?
How-To: Backup your Windows iTunes library
http://uneasysilence.com/how-to-backup-your-windows-itunes/

It might be a good idea to copy out the music of this other owner and merge it with yours, if you want to use any of it or delete his libraries all together and replace it with yours be done with that problem.
You may have to format the ipod now.
then plug it in correctly and upload once again from your own library.
Make his F drive your default so that this doesnt happen again.

See if these can assist you, it's important you know the tricks from others who have sufered the loss of their precious music with  Itunes proceedures.
By default iPod is set to "Automatically sync songs to my iPod" sometimes called automatic mode. In order to transfer music from multiple computers iPod must be set to "Manually manage music" sometimes referred to as manual mode.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1202
How to copy music from your iPod to your iTunes library
http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/ontherun/how-to-copy-music-from-your-ipod-to-your-itunes-library-5615

Good Luck hope these help fingers crossed.
Merete