transferring songs from old iPod to new iPod

So I have a iPod Classis 40 GB

It's not an "iPod Classic" because that model comes in 80GB, 160GB, and the current 120GB. You probably mean an older full-size iPod, a 3rd gen or 4th gen.

I do not have the songs that are on my iPod on my computer because I don't want to clutter up my hard drive on my computer

That's your choice, but you risk losing all the work of ripping CDs and downloading songs if you lose your iPod or break it. Having the songs on the computer also allows you to quickly sync any new iPod, or erase your current iPod to restore it to original settings for trouble-shooting.

There is no service at an Apple Store or other retailer for transferring song files from one iPod to another. You have to use a third party utility to transfer the song files from iPod to computer, put them into your iTunes library, and then sync your new iPod.

I'm not familiar with Windows utilities (only the ones for Mac). There are basic free utilities; search in Google on "iPod transfer" for links. I use one that is not free ($25) but it does a good job, and it has a Windows version.

http://www.zeleksoftware.com/liberator.htm

I do not have the songs that are on my iPod on my computer because I don't want to clutter up my hard drive on my computer

I want to echo what a really, really bad idea that is. Corrupt iPods are a fairly common problem and a restore is required. That means everything on your iPod will be erased. What will you use as a back up to reload all those songs any other important data?

Anyway, here are some Windows programs that will transfer songs from your old iPod to your iTunes library and from there you can transfer them to your new iPod.

For iTunes version 7 or later, then you can transfer purchased iTunes store music from the iPod to an authorized computer by using the "file/transfer purchases from iPod" menu. Note that the maximum of 5 authorized computers applies here.

Find out how to do that here.

How to copy iTunes purchases from an iPod or iPhone to a computer.


For all other non purchased content (your own CDs etc), check out the instructions/suggestions here.

Music from iPod to computer (using option 2). This a manual method using "hidden folders" and although it works, it is a little more involved than other methods.

Much easier ways are to use one of the many 3rd party programs that copy music from the iPod to the computer.

One of the most recommended is Yamipod. This is a free program that transfers music from iPod back to the computer. However, it does not transfer playcounts/ratings etc.

Other free programs are Pod Player, SharePod and Floola.