expod 0.7.2 - I lost my iTunes library during a sync with my iPod Touch. I still have no idea how or why but the every media file on the external hard drive I keep that library on was erased (oddly, the folders remained - only the media files were removed; and the metadata was corrupted!) Keeping this as short as possible, the material on the iPod was the ONLY source for all my music, audio book, podcast and movie files.

I looked at the programs available, reading reviews, etc., and went with expod and it worked flawlessly. Every file on the iPod was transferred back to that external hard drive, in the exactly the same file heirarchy, in about 20 minutes (for about 26 GB). expod suggested the file string but if I'd wanted to change it the option was clearly offered and even I could have managed it. As it happens, the format was the standard iTunes uses and no changes were necessary.

When done, all I had to do was launch iTunes and click on a song link and the music played. Or the podcast, movie, etc. No hickups or issues at all. I give it five stars, unconditionally.

MacBook Pro 4,1. OS 10.6.2; iTunes 9.0.2; iPod Touch 1st gen., OS 3.1.2