Windows

• 1). Activate iTunes on your computer. Click on "Edit" and "Devices." Click on the box that says "Prevent iPods, iPhones, and iPads from syncing automatically."
  
  
• 2). Download a copy of Winamp, compatible with all iPods. Plug in the iPod, and wait for Winamp to recognize it and begin extracting files.
  
  
• 3). Place the extracted files in a single location on the Desktop for quick retrieval.
  
  
• 4). Open iTunes again. Select your iPod. Click on the "Summary" tab. Select "Restore." This will restore the factory settings and remove all data from the iPod.
  
  
• 5). Retrieve the saved files from the desktop.
  
  

Mac

• 1). Download a copy of Senuti, a program that automates the backup process on iTunes with Macs.
  
  
• 2). Open iTunes. Connect the iPod. Under "Devices," select your iPod. Click on the "Summary" tab. Select "Restore" to begin the restoration process.
  
  
• 3). Open the folder Senuti created during the restoration process, and transfer that data back into iTunes.