Cannot open file:

[mandy]

SORRY IF THIS IS LONG WINDED.................
I have read through some of the FAQ's in the forum, but have not found what i am looking for - I bought an ipod and successfully had 300ish songs in my library. I gave my old computer to my neice so therefore had to reinstal the ipod library onto my new computer.

I pressed the wrong button when asked if I wanted to save my song library and said "no". I was left with an empty library. Although the songs was on my ipod, I couldnt get them downloaded onto my new computer. Recently Apple replaced my ipod as it was faulty - so now I have no songs on it.

I tried to use a flash card to copy the original songs off the old computer but it wouldn't work. I went on my old computer and sent the original ipod library by an attachment emailed to myself ( I think I zipped the file)

When i have opened my email to download attachment, a message comes up saying that 'windows cannot open this file: itunes library[1].itl' and windows needs to know what program created it. I have tried various programs, nothing happens. I have tried Microsoft windows file association too, this comes up as 'file unknown and does not recognise file type'

is there an easy ans as I do not fancy sitting at the computer looking for my favourite tunes as it took me days!
I am not really computer literate - so if you have an ans, please can you advise me step by step.
Thanx in advance
Mandy

[Staff]

I can't give you step by step as I don't exactly know.

First, the fact that Windows doesn't recognize the .ITL file implies that iTunes is not installed correctly on that computer. So, the first thing I'd do would be to reinstall iTunes.

Second, understand that the .ITL file is basically just a database that points to the music files. It is NOT the music files themselves. These are individual files on the iPod (or computer) stored in numbered directories. If you don't have those files (and it sounds like you might not from the description) then you don't have the music. And, if you don't have the music files located in the proper directories (folders) then the .IT file will probably not be of much help even if you get iTunes installed correctly and Windows recognizes the file.

Hate to carry bad news but from your writeup unless the old computer still has the files on it (and I'm not certain where iTunes stores the actual music files) then you may not have the music you hope you have.

[mandy]

Thanks for your reply Tom, you are probably right - maybe its time to up date the tunes anyways
Mandy