An unknown error occurred (1417)

Some iTunes 7 users have worked around this error by immediately disconnecting the iPod from the computer after hitting the "restore" button and then re-connecting the iPod.
Let us know what happens if you try this....a reminder: restoring the ipod will erase everything on the ipod...after a successful restore, you'll be able to copy the contents of your iTunes library back onto the iPod.

eMac Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Is your work computer a Windows PC? Do you have the same iTunes library on that computer as the Mac at home?
Remember, if you try this on a computer that does not have the library that's currently on the iPod, the restore may delete data on the ipod that won't be replaced when the restore is finished.

eMac Mac OS X (10.4.7)

I downloaded itunes 7.0 and all of my files are fine. but my ipod doesnt work any more. after i plugged it in for the first time with the new itunes the ipod just freezes and i get the sad face on the screen. i resored it and tried everything else but it still wont work. im trading in for a new ipod so i'm wondering if i should wait for the next version of itunes to plug it in. any comment?

Try the just-released iTunes 7.0.1 update, and see if things are better;
http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

eMac Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Here are the steps you have to follow:

1)Plug in your iPod and wait for iTunes to tell you an update for it is available.

2)Click the Install button on that dialog and keep an eye on your iPod.

3)When your iPod screen switches from the flashing "Do Not Disconnect" message to the Main Menu screen, unplug the iPod, wait a couple SECONDS, plug the iPod back in.

4)You should notice some slow-down in the progress meter and a new dialog box should come up and tell you your iPod is being updated and to not disconnect it until the update finishes.

5)That's it. Wait for the update to finish and iTunes will re-recognize it and show its new up-to-date status.