Adam:
First thing to do is BEFORE connecting the ipod open up Itunes, click on “Edit” on the top, then click “preferences“, a new box opens up… the far right tab (should be) “syncing” open this tab up, and TICK the box that says “disable automatic syncing…..” now that will stop the ipod being wiped when you connect it.
Now you go to …: http://www.sturm.net.nz/website.php?Section=iPod+Programs&Page=SharePod and download Sharepod…follow the instructions on the page.(i think it is a free program), once you have installed it on your ipod, you can transfer anything from the ipod to your PC with ease. (you cannot run itunes the same time as sharepod, sharepod just won’t work) you’ll see your ipod as a new drive in “my computer” any time you connect it.
Don’t worry about the battery dying, the ipods contents will still be there.
Hope this helps.
P.S. if you are having some difficulties with sharepod opening in the form of it trying to load programs like a webcam program ?!? (for some reason it does this on mine…. no idea why) just cancel the other progs from starting… this glitch may just be some sort of conflict unique to my PC.. i really don’t know, but, i just cancel it (time after time!!!) and sharepod opens up.
BTW with sharepod you can plug your ipod into any PC and transfer files.
HTH
Scotty