iPod classic how to recover lost files

Thank you for your response, turingtest. I am reading through the steps. Do I need to disconnect my iPod from my computer in order to put it in disk mode? I still have it plugged in with iTunes open. I'm afraid to unplug it since this happened. When I look at the My Computer folder for my iPod, it says "this folder is empty" - and yes I do have it selected to show hidden files. Under Properties, Used Space and Free Space both say Zero bytes, and capacity says Zero bytes. File system FAT32. Based on this, will it be worth it to put it into disk mode? Or should I just download a recovery program? Not sure exactly what to do and I don't want to make the problem worse.

Turingtest2, thanks so much for all of your help yesterday. I am planning to try the disc recovery tomorrow, but I have a couple more questions first. Do recovery programs such as Recuva alter the ipod in any way, or are they just reading what is on there and then making a copy to save to my computer? I am wary of doing anything that will alter the iPod and/or cause further damage. If it is not going to hurt anything, I thought I might try a couple of different programs to see how much I am able to save.

Also, should I have itunes open or closed during the recovery process (or does it make a difference?)

And, approximately how long does the process take? I can't remember for sure, but I believe I have about 80 GB on the iPod.

I got my iPod into disc mode, plugged it in, and was able to load up all folders in the iPod_control/Music folder (it listed folders from F00 to F49). I started to "copy all" from iPod to my hard drive, but midway through, it suddenly could not find folders F14 through F49 and said they were no longer located in that folder. (It did manage to copy folders F00 through F13). I disconnected the iPod, listened to several songs again, and the iPod itself is working fine - the music is on there. I am thinking it is the USB port? I have been using USB hub and not plugging directly into the computer - thinking I should try again without the hub? Any other suggestions I might be missing?

Also, I have not shut down my computer yet since this issue started a couple weeks ago (a friend of mine initially thought the music had gotten moved to somewhere on my computer and I didn't want to reboot or make too many changes and possibly lose files - but as the music is definitely on the iPod, I'm guessing rebooting the computer won't hurt at this point?). Do you think rebooting the computer might help, or would it not make a difference?

Ok thank you. How does Recuva differ from Stellar? I had seen another post mention Stellar iPod Recovery. Is Recuva a superior program?

Also, based on what I mentioned, regarding no files being visible and Zero bytes used, etc, did I inadvertently format the iPod?

Ok, thank you. I will try this out either tonight or tomorrow. I will let you know if I have any more questions.

Ok, I understand. To me it doesn't matter if the software is free or paid - I will pay money to have this data restored if necessary, it's very important to me 🙂

P.S. I guess my question is, when Recuva recovers a file to my computer, is it making a copy, or moving the original off of the iPod?

Ok - I am attempting this tonight and ran into a snag - I ejected the iPod from iTunes (in an effort to put it into disc mode), and the iPod will not dismount. It is stuck on "Do not disconnect." (When I ejected the iPod, iTunes attempted to sync with the iPod but fortunately was not able to - syncing would be bad right now because it would overwrite the iPod).

Is there another way to dismount the iPod?