Unfortunately, there isn't a way to recover the purchased music without buying it again.  This is why each time you purchase something, the option to back-up your purchases always pops up.  (At least in the newer versions.)

I would just say, let this be a learning lesson; be sure to back-up every week or so, or purchase a cyber "hard-drive" (a site that gives you a certain amount of Gigs, for a price) for storage. 

There is no obvious way, however, some people have had luck by contacting support and explaining your situation.  I always backup iTunes to an external drive.

Wouldn't it be great if the ipod sync worked both ways? Seriously, Microsoft's Zune can do a 2-way sync, why can't Apple? I mean, there's only one way to get music on the ipod - Itunes. Why not let us transfer the ipod back to the hard drive? Ugh..

This made me think of something...

You can back up your iTunes folder onto your iPod if you have enough G's that aren't being used.  If you go into your iPod through "My Computer," you can copy the iTunes folder onto the iPod through Windows Explorer. I did this once when I needed to completely reinstall my OS on my old pc.

 These copied files wont play, obviously, but at least you will have a back-up that you will be able to copy over onto your pc if the need arises.

I should try that. I know the old ipods could just be used as data storage, but I've got a Touch now and thought it didn't work that way anymore..

I don't see why it wouldn't.  The pc still reads it, and you are able to open it through Windows Explorer.  I haven't tried it with my iTouch either, though, so I could be wrong.

Do you need itunes to load music into your ipod, I though that an ipod is like a flash drive if which you just plug it in and it will just copy and paste your files into it, why not just copy and paste the files from your ipod in to the music folder, however, getting a backup drive is always a good idea

btw, i don't have an ipod, and i definetly don't like itunes and I don't use it (eat ram like mad), wmp ftw

The iPod can only play a certain kind of file.  When adding music from your pc, iTunes copies the file, and then changes it into the .xx that it can play.  (I can't remember the extension at the moment.)  If you just copy and paste directly, through Windows Explorer, the iPod won't correctly read those files because they wont be in the correct format. 

You can get music off your iPod using SharePod, it's a great app.

http://www.getsharepod.com/

ID, I'm going to try it and if it works you'll be my hero. My ipod has tons of stuff on it, but I had my library on my laptop that fried (way past warranty) so I haven't been able to update it since itunes' idea of "sync" means "delete everything that doesn't also exist on the PC".

This is one reason Ive not bought an Ipod or used Itunes. I have a Zune for reasons like these.

There are many programs available, some paid for, some free, that will transfer your iPod Touch to your PC hard drive I have used iTouch Copy very succesfully. Jim

i think the extention is .aac
 

I've backloaded my entire library from my iPod to replace my library more than once. No idea how, though - but I know it wasn't any sort of software. Google is your friend.

You can always do the ORIGINAL form of backup....by the fk'n CD and rip it, regardless of what happens to your computer, itunes or ipod you still have your music.

What's up with the DRM BULLSHIT??? I paid for the downloaded song I'll do with it what I want, including transferring it to whatever device I want in whatever manner I want.

itunes...one of the many reason I hate ipods, have never owned and never will. can't for the life of me see what my sister or anybody else likes about them.

the BIGGEST laugh of all...the suckers that paid $600 for the first iphone LMFAO...