Backing up iTunes to an external hard drive

One more question from me. Previously, I'd used the official iTunes backup feature, through the "file" menu.
However, I've recently purchased a 500GB external hard drive, and I'd rather back up to there than have dozens of DVDs lying around.
How do I do this? iTunes only gives you the option, when you select backup, to insert a CD or DVD. Is it a matter of simply copying my iTunes folder over to that external drive?
If that's the case, then how would I "restore" it when the time comes that I need it? Simply by replacing the Library file on the C: drive with the backup version I had on the external drive? Because if I were to use the "restore" feature in the menu, I'm assuming it would want me to insert CDs or DVDs.
Apple really should make this easier.
Thanks.

I am working on trtansfering the itunes files and my music library to and external hard drive - XHD (WD, 750GB). I have transfered the files and the music library to my XHD but when I delete music selections from the cumputer c drive, the XHD updates it's files with the reduced music selection. I have also tried the to back-up the files by giong to start, accessories, system, etc, but I do not have an op[tion to back-up files. All that I have as faras options are the file and settings transfer. Please Help. -Hmanrose-

Similar Messages

  • Re: Best Way to (Continuously) Back up iTunes Library to External Hard Drive

    Hello friends :
    My iTunes music library is getting rather large and I feel it's time to "properly" back it up to an external hard drive.
    I understand that you can back up your iTunes music folder to an external hard drive by the simple old "click and drag" approach using Windows Explorer.
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    Hopefully, you know what I mean!  Thanks for your help.

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    Check this out -> Backup your iTunes for Windows library with SyncToy
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  • Backing up iTunes Purchases to External Hard Drive

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  • Back up iTunes purchases to external hard drive

    Can someone please tell me how to back up just my iTunes purchases to an external hard drive? I don't want to save my whole iTunes library.

    Well, I have Vista, but Im assuming the processes will be similar.
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    I keep my iTunes library on my computer's hard drive and also backed up on an external hard drive. I have added more music to my library since my previous back up, and I want to back up the new music to my external drive.
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    The first time I backed up my iTunes on an external drive, it took a 1 hour +. Do I basically need to start over on my external hard drive? Or is there an easier/faster way?
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  • How do I back up iTunes audio to external hard drive

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    Message was edited by: camoracer

  • Backing Up iTunes Library On External Hard Drive

    Iv'e just bought and installed a LaCie Hard Drive for my mac.
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    Yeah, that's my question too... My Linkstation LAN disk holds all of my iTunes collection, but whenever my computer goes to sleep and wakes up again, the mount to the LAN disk is broken temporarily, causing iTunes to constantly be reverting to it's default file location on the Macintosh HD (internal). This is horribly irritating. Every day, sometimes several times a day, I have to keep going back into the settings, changing it back, then manually copying all the file it accidentally put onto the internal drive back to the LAN disk, then going in and resetting the pointers on each individual file in iTunes to the external location. If I try using the consolidate library, for some reason it starts re-copying my entire 500+GB library from the beginning. Arghh. I want iTunes to stop defaulting back to the internal drive without asking me. Is there a way to set that?

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    How do I back up my entire itunes to an external hard drive and restore from same if necessary.
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    I reformed my PC and placed my Itunes on a external hard drive.  I have moved them back to the PC but can not open.  How are i get my Itunes working I can see them in my files but they are locked.

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  • HT201250 can i back up my iTunes on one external hard drive to another external hard drive through time machine?

    I have my itunes on an external hard drive which I use on my macbook. Can I back these files up through time machine onto a second external hard drive?

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    put all my itunes folder on external hard drive, now I want to put it back on the mac how do i do this.

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