The gf's iPod is without a corresponding iTunes install after years of being overseas. Is it possible to retrieve the music that's on it to be stored on a Windows machine? Can this be done without iTunes? Finally, can anyone then recommend some software that isn't iTunes, that can be used to reload said music and plenty of new stuff as well?

There are quite a few apps that allow you to copy stuff on and off iPods/iPhones without using iTunes. I use iExplorer on the Mac which you might be able to find a Windows equivalent of.

Jon

That looks like a cracking piece of software. But is there no way without installing iTunes?

I've used senuTi before with great success. Used to be freeware but I think it's shareware now. Still worth paying for though.
https://www.fadingred.com/senuti/

Is the music all ripped from CDs or do you have any iTunes purchases? ITunes allows you to re-download previous purchases on other devices if you log in to the same iTunes Store account (Apple ID).

AFAIK it's not possible to manage your iPod without using iTunes.

Did she not take a backup of her previous iTunes library before coming back? If she had she could have just copied that to your windows machine (in the 'My Music' folder), download iTunes and authorise it on the PC.

It's all ripped. That's the problem.

Found iDump which very easily put all the music on my HDD (whether or not that works with newer devices I don't know - I'm dealing with a 2010 small pink thing with a screen)

Next plan is to use Media Monkey to reload what I want. I'll report back when I have some results one way or another...

Mediamonkey is awesome.

No iPod drivers required. No iTunes install required.

It just works and syncs and everything. Very happy.