'it just works'...really?this works for the ipod imini and the process is the same for most ipods
make sure itunes is closed
press menu + select (hold down) (6 seconds)
then when the screen changes, press select and play/pause (6 seconds)
your ipod will now say disk mode
goto explorer, my computer, etc
right click and format...quick format with no changes and wait
now open itunes and it will not crash
restore the ipod by following the itunes directions
disconnect the ipod
close itunes
reconnect the ipod
restart itunes
make a new library and 'restore' if it requests you do so again
now drop and drag music into the ipod icon that shows up
voila