Moving library from desktop to laptop

I have i-Tunes 7 on both my desktop and laptop; but my main library is on my desktop. I want to be able to move my library from the desktop pc to the laptop, INCLUDING playlists etc. I don't mind replacing the laptop library with the desktop library, as I can then re-import the tunes that were on the laptop library into it. Can you tell me how best to do this? I have a Lacie external hard drive with which to carry out the move (no DVD burner).
Thanks in advance to anyone that can help.

How to use your iPod to move your music to a new computer
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300173
iPod: Frequently Asked Questions
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60920
Patrick

Similar Messages

  • Move library from desktop to laptop

    Trying to move iTunes library from desktop to new laptop so I can sync to my new ITouch

    Probably the most straightforward way to get iTunes onto your second computer is to network it with the first one and copy your iTunes folder across. Start by consolidating your library. When you consolidate, any songs in the iTunes Library that are not in the iTunes Music Folder are copied to the Music Folder and the Library is updated to point to those new files. Files already in the iTunes Music Folder have no changes made to them: Copying all your iTunes files to one location - Windows
    Copying the whole folder brings with it the iTunes Music folder and also the iTunes Library (iTunes Library.itl in Windows) database file which holds all the information about your songs (Playlists, Ratings, Play Counts, Last Played, Date Added, etc). You'll get more information including the Folder/File structure in this article: What are the iTunes library files?
    When you copy the iTunes folder make sure you put it into the same location on the new computer. This has to be the exact same place, on a PC this is \Documents and Settings\Username\My Documents\My Music\. Everything has to be exactly the same on the new computer including the Windows user account name. When you open iTunes on the new computer it will be the same as on the original one Songs, Playlists, Play Counts, Ratings etc. You should also use the same version of iTunes on both computers.
    You can also use this method with an external hard drive, you drag the folder from the first computer to the external drive and then from the drive to the second computer.
    If you have any iTunes purchases in your library don't forget that you'll need to authorise your new computer to play them. Also if you are disposing of the old one remember to deauthorise it so you don't use up one of your allowances: About iTunes Music Store Authorisation and Deauthorisation

  • Using external hard drive - moving music from desktop to laptop

    I wish to use an external hard drive to move my library from my desktop to my laptop. However, I do not wish to load the library onto my laptop, I would like to keep the library stored on the external hard drive. Here is what I have done so far:
    - I followed the directions on this page: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1364
    - I downloaded the current version of iTunes onto my laptop and authorized this computer.
    - I connected the external hard drive to my laptop and turned it on. I opened iTunes > Edit > Preferences > Advanced and change the music folder location to the folder location on the external hard drive.
    None of my library has shown up in iTunes. I am positive that the library is on the external hard drive.
    What have I missed or what do I need to do to resolve this issue and run iTunes through the external hard drive on my laptop?
    Thank you so much for you help!
    Brian

    *Of course I am slightly confused by a few of the folders.....iTunes Library Extras, iTunes Library Genius, iTunes Library*
    None of those are folders, they are files. The iTunes Library is the main database file that contains the information on what you have added to you library, songs, locations, playlists etc: What are the iTunes library files?
    *There are still other files I am not sure about. They are:, Temp File.tmp 13.0MB, Temp File 6.00MB, Previous iTunes Libraries 75.9MB, iTunes Music (larger than 6.23GB), iTunes Music Library 20.9MB, (XML Document), Album Artwork 212MB*
    Apart from the ones obviously labelled File, the rest of these are folders
    Temp Files (no idea what they are temporary files of but they were created by Windows)
    Previous iTunes Libraries (a folder of libraries created by earlier versions of iTunes, can be used to roll back a version of iTunes when a particular new installation doesn't work)
    iTunes Music (the folder that your music and other media files, songs movies etc. are kept in)
    iTunes Music LIbrary.xml (a file that contains some of the information contained in the main library file and is used by other programs which interface with iTunes)
    Album Artwork (a folder that contains artwork downloaded from the iTunes Store)
    You'll get more information including the Folder/File structure in this article: What are the iTunes library files?

  • Moving iWeb from desktop to laptop

    I need to transition iWeb from my desktop iMac to my Macbook as I'm hitting the road for a few months. Ideally I'd like to be able to open a synced version of iWeb on both machines that let me use either to access and update the same website...
    But for now, I just want to drag the right files over to my laptop so I can open iWeb and hit the ground running. Anyone have the right answer? Thanks.

    If you have a .Mac account you can place the Domain file on your iDisk. When you wanna work with your web site you just open your iDisk and double click on the file. This way you can work on both your desktop and laptop with the site and you don't risk to lose your thumbdrive with the file in it.
    // Leif

  • Moving itunes library from desktop to laptop

    ok so i know there are some topics on this already but none have helped me yet..i just bought a new laptop..i downloaded the latest version on itunes on it today..and i do not know how to get all my music from my library on my desktop onto my laptop..is there an easy way to do this? and when i plug in my ipod to my new laptop..it will not play any music because it is already "synced to another library" referring to how my ipod is already synced on my desktop.. how do i fix this? i would appreciate any help i can get..thanks!

    Click here and follow the instructions.
    (41804)

  • Tried to import iTunes library from desktop to laptop via Homesharing but everything didn't import.  How do I get missing content?

    The whole story: I tried to transfer my iTunes library via Homeshare from my desktop to my laptop but not all of my library imported.  Both computers are authorized and almost all of the 99GB of music was imported from my own cds. I couldn't tell what was missing and I figured a computer person would have an easy way to figure this out.  In the meantime, I added about 20-25 more cds to the library on the laptop.  I had a computer guy come out because I wanted to merge the two libraries so I can get rid of the desktop.  He dragged and dropped several folders onto the external hard drive and then dragged and dropped those into my music folder on the laptop.  Now I have a big mess!  I have tons of duplicates, but the entire library didn't duplicate so I am still not sure if all of my music made it over. He wants to delete all of the duplicates but I explained that I don't want to break up albums and I had already gone through the process of finding "exact duplicates" and deleting those on the desktop before I started all of this.  I talked to a Geek Squad guy at Best Buy who suggested I delete everthing from the laptop and start over.  He wants me to open iTunes on my desktop and select all, then drag that to a new folder on the external hard drive.  Then reinstall iTunes on the laptop and drag and drop that folder into it. I have no idea what to do at this point.  Any suggestions would be much appreciated.  Please know that I am not very computer literate so please type slowly so that I will understand ;-)  Thanks
    Sidenote:  I did sign up for IMatch and had Apple scan both libraries.  Not all of my music showed up there either.  I am missing entire albums, etc. and I have not reached the maximum limit, 25,0000 songs. Should I purchase TuneUp Media to fix any metadata once I get my complete library onto my laptop?  I just want my entire library together, in one place so that I can move forward and back it up properly. Thanks for any help.

    Delete whatever was imported to the new computer via HomeSharing.
    Stop using HomeSharing to move content.
    Copy the ENTIRE iTunes folder from the old computer to the new computer.
    Launch iTunes.
    Everything in iTunes on the new computer will be exactly as it was on the old computer.

  • HT3819 how do i get my iTunes library from my old laptop to my new mac (my purchases have moved across but not my own music files)

    How do I get my itunes library from my old laptop to my new imac? My purchases are showing on the new imac but not my own music files.

    iTunes: How to move [or copy] your music [library] to a new computer [or another drive] - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527 - a somewhat bewildering and not always easily understandable set of options.
    Quick answer if you use iTunes' default preferences settings:  Copy the entire iTunes folder (and in doing so all its subfolders and files) intact to the other drive.  Open iTunes and immediately hold down the Option (alt) key (shift on Windows), then guide it to the new location of the iTunes Library.itl file in the moved iTunes folder.
    For the record there's this reference for iTunes 11 but it really doesn't strike me as having the specifics you need. iTunes 11 for Mac: Move your library to another computer - http://support.apple.com/kb/PH12168 

  • I am attempting to transfer my library from one old laptop to a new one.

    Hi there. I am attempting to transfer my library from one old laptop to a new one. I have followed the advice about exporting and importing the xml file but all the playlists are empty?
    All my data is stored on an external hard drive which I had hoped would make the process easier. Just thought I wouldn't have to re-build all my playlists in the new library...

    These are two possible approaches that will normally work to move an existing library to a new computer.
    Method 1
    Backup the library with this User Tip.
    Deauthorize the old computer if you no longer want to access protected content on it.
    Restore the backup to your new computer using the same tool used to back it up.
    Keep your backup up-to-date in future.
    Method 2
    Connect the two computers to the same network. Share your <User's Music> folder from the old computer and copy the entire iTunes library folder into the <User's Music> folder on the new one. Again, deauthorize the old computer if no longer required.
    Both methods should give the new computer a working clone of the library that was on the old one. As far as iTunes is concerned this is still the "home" library for your devices so you shouldn't have any issues with iTunes wanting to erase and reload.
    I'd recommend method 1 since it establishes an ongoing backup for your library.
    Note if you have iOS devices and haven't moved your contacts and calendar items across then you should create one dummy entry of each in your new profile and iTunes should  merge the existing data from the device.
    If your media folder has been split out from the main iTunes folder you may need to do some preparatory work to make it easier to move. See make a split library portable.
    Should you be in the unfortunate position where you are no longer able to access your original library or a backup then then see Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device for advice on how to set up your devices with a new library with the maximum preservation of data.
    tt2

  • Transferring itunes from desktop yo laptop using usb stick?

    I am currently trying to move my itunes music from desktop to laptop using usb stick, i can get the music onto the usb stick from my desktop then try to cut and paste it to itunes music folder but it dosent show up in itunes itself, what am i doing wrong?

    Paste it into another location on the laptop, and then drag it from there into the open iTunes window. iTunes uses a database to determine what's in the library instead of looking at the content of the iTunes Music folder.
    (36433)

  • How do I move PSE 9 from desktop to laptop after I install new PSE11?

    Just received PSE 11,  want it on my desktop and then move PSE 9 from desktop to laptop?  It there a sequence that will prevent problems?

    First make a full backup in PSE 9 using the organizer's backup command, then install PSE 9 on the laptop and restore the backup there. If all is well, you can then deactivate PSE 9 on the desktop if you don't want it there anymore (not required, unless you've already installed it on a third computer). When you install PSE 11 it should find and update your catalog on that for you.
    If you don't use organizer, it doesn't really matter how you do it.

  • HT4927 I have just downloaded iPhoto from the app store. The photo library from my old laptop was backed up on an external hard drive and I retrieved the photos from there.  Now when I open the photos on my new Mac Book Pro, they are small - am I missing

    I have just downloaded iPhoto from the app store. The photo library from my old laptop was backed up on an external hard drive and I retrieved the photos from there.  Now when I open the photos on my new Mac Book Pro, they are small - am I missing something?
    I am using 10.8.2 Mountain Lion btw

    I dragged the Photo library icon from the backup drive on to iPhoto on the laptop
    That means you imported one Library to another.
    Never import one Library to another. Every version and thumbnail is imported like a distinct photo, you lose all your Albums, Keywords etc., the link between Original and Previews is destroyed, the non-destructive editing feature is ruined and so on. In summary: it's mess.
    So the reason you're seeing small photos is because you're seeing the iPhoto thumbnails from the back up library.
    So, what to do?
    Do you still have the back up? If so, trash this bunged up library and restore from the back up again. HOw to restore will depend entirely on how you made the back up, but no version of restoring includes importing the library.
    Regards
    TD

  • HT201272 how do i transfer my music library from an old laptop to a new laptop   BTW - i dont have the old laptop

    Hi - how do i transfer my music library from an old laptop to a new laptop??  BTW - i dont have the OLD laptop anymore - am i screwed??

    You cannot transfer anything from a device which you do not have, because you do not have it.
    It has always been very basic to always maintain a backup copy of your computer.  Use your backup copy to put everything on the new computer.
    If for some reason you have failed to maintain a backup, not good, then you can redownload some itunes purchases in some countries:
    Downloading past purchases from the App Store, iBookstore, and iTunes Store

  • Use my ID account on another computer (changing from desktop to laptop)

    If I want to change computer and want to bring my ID account over to the laptop how do I do this?

    Thanks Salah,
    I have installed it on my laptop and it seems to work.
    Roel
    Welcap Food Supplements
    [personal information removed by moderator]
    Date: Tue, 21 Jan 2014 01:49:22 -0800
    From: [email protected]
    To: [email protected]
    Subject: Re: use my ID account on another computer (changing from desktop to laptop) use my ID account on another computer (changing from desktop to laptop)
        Re: use my ID account on another computer (changing from desktop to laptop)
        created by Salah Fadlabi in InDesign - View the full discussion
    The license let you install sofware on two computers.
    Please note that the Adobe Forums do not accept email attachments. If you want to embed a screen image in your message please visit the thread in the forum to embed the image at http://forums.adobe.com/message/6034811#6034811
    Replies to this message go to everyone subscribed to this thread, not directly to the person who posted the message. To post a reply, either reply to this email or visit the message page: Re: use my ID account on another computer (changing from desktop to laptop)
    To unsubscribe from this thread, please visit the message page at Re: use my ID account on another computer (changing from desktop to laptop). In the Actions box on the right, click the Stop Email Notifications link.
               Start a new discussion in InDesign at Adobe Community
      For more information about maintaining your forum email notifications please go to http://forums.adobe.com/thread/416458?tstart=0.

  • Why can't I sync my iTunes Library from my second laptop to my iPod?

    I just synced my iPod to my iTunes library on my OLD laptop and then used Home Sharing to import that content to my new laptop.
    Then, I tried syncing my iTunes Library from my new laptop to my iPod and it said " This will delete all old music, videos & movies from your iPod and replace it with your iTunes Library" wich is exactly what I wanna do! So I clicked continue and it started syncing...
    During the middle of the process a pop up appears and says " Your iTunes LIbrary cannot be synced to your iPod because there is not enough room on your iPod (additionaly 2.33GB required) "
    But I thought it would erase my songs from my ipod ( approximately 2.40GBs) and replace it with the new ones from my library (2.33GB) ???? Why didn't it? What can I do to have my iTunes Library from my new laptop to my iPod Touch?
    ( I want my iPod to be able to sync anytime to my new computer because I'm getting rid of the old one.)
    Please help, thanks.

    So I copied everything in the iTunes folder from my old computer
    and sent it to an 8GB USB,
    which I'll insert into my new computer and paste the files on to /Music/
    Will that work?

  • I have consolidated files from my library from an old laptop onto an external.  How do I move them from my external to my library on my new laptop?

    I have consolidated files from my library from an old laptop onto an external.  How do I move them from my external to my library on my new laptop?

    Glad that helped.  Yes, I agree it's not self-evident if you've never seen it before.
    Enjoy your Apple gear!

Maybe you are looking for