HELP!!!!!!!!!!!

I had to restore Lap-top, to factory image!
(I know! no techies, are allowed to yell at me!)

I backed up all my info on an external hard drive...not a flash!
There were no documents, on this device, but several hundred pics, plus...wait for it......over 2000 songs for my IPOD! Yeah, Yeah,,,,I know! Ridiculous!

So, I hook drive into lap-top, and it transfers all songs back into itunes library, BUT! they are all compressed! They show up with an explamation point, so I have to go into documents, and drag over to be able to listen to them! OMG!

I am afraid to connect pod to computer, because you know that will just erase the state of the pod..and the music will not be audible.

It is a touch pod, so NO, manuel control, or disc device...
trust me, I get the whole ipod do's and don'ts, I have had to contact apple on several occasions, when the CHILD has hooked up...and we did not have a back up!

I hate calling themmmm!
If anyone understands this, and can help! I would greatly appreciate it!
I have all this new music, but cannot listen to it...
Is it in a zipped file...and if so...what is a zipped file?

Please, if you are fluent in this issue...I would be so thankful!
So, not a computer wiz!

Thanks,
Lady X

Hey X Zip File is a compressed file...There is a way to uncompressed this...I can share more later on...easy as one two three. addr68 xoxo

Well, Its an abundance of files...
OK...check with you later....
Frustration rising...be careful....
I may burn you with all the built up gamma's from a horrid week!

I still have my Newly designed lead suit...Remember, after mt Fuji blew I fell and couldnt get up. You were a good samaritan and help me.
Lead suit on...I'm ready, bring on those charged up gamas! :)