Creating new library on new computer

i have a library of music, some 4000 or so songs on my ipod; work computer crashed and was able to only save about half my orignial library. Is there a way to take everything on my ipod right now, and move it onto my home computer. It would be such a pain to create a whole new library at home, considering i have a ton more music on my ipod than the original computer it was on since it crashed. Any help, more than appreicated - thanks, D

Check out the instructions/suggestions here.
Music from iPod to computer.
There's also another method. I've successfully tested this across several different Windows PCs.
Open iTunes and select edit/preferences/advanced/general. Put a check mark in the box marked "copy files to iTunes music folder when adding to library" and also "keep iTunes music folder organized", then click 'ok'.
Connect the iPod whilst holding down the shift/ctrl keys to prevent any auto sync, and if you see the dialogue window asking if you want to sync to this itunes library, click 'no'.
Then go to file/add folder, open 'my computer', select your iPod and click 'ok'.
The music files should transfer to your iTunes.
If this doesn't work (and it may not because officially it's not supposed to), there's Yamipod. This is a free program that transfers music and playlists etc from iPod back to the computer. However, it does not transfer playcounts/ratings etc.

Similar Messages

How to use used backed up itunes on new computer?

I've been searching and searching and I can't find a specific answer to what I need to do. This is what I want to do.
I have a Macbook pro and I want to create a new itunes library for my husband to use for his library. Easy enough, I found instructions on creating a new library.
My husband already has an extensive library on an old PC that is on it's way out the door. So I want to transfer his current itunes library to an external hard drive. Have instructions on how to do that!
Now all would be fine and good if I then just wanted to take his backed up itunes library from the external hard drive and import into his newly created itunes library on my computer..HOWEVER, I don't want all his music stored on my macbook's hard drive and I want his itunes library to remain on the external hard drive. I want to point that new library to the external hard drive, so whenever he adds to it, it is stored on that external hard drive.
How do I do this? When i initially create his library do I point it to the external hard drive. Then copy the backed up version into that itunes folder? Or can I point the library directly to the backed up version.
I'd appreciate any suggestions. I know I could probably figure this out by trial and error. But if someone has done this I'd really appreciate a straighforward appraoch.
Thanks everyone!

I use an excellent free application called Sharepod, http://www.getsharepod.com/about/ which will transfer all your music from your iPod to your PC, then you import this into iTunes. Just use the Backup iPod mode in Sharepod, and make sure it is pointing to the right destination folder. Test one track or album before you transfer everything.
After this is complete add all the transferred music to iTunes. If you use Automatic be careful because syncing this will then erase everything on your iPod and transfer it back again from your PC! If you manually sync no problem.
Be careful as an automatic sync to your new iPod will wipe it clean! BEFORE you connect your new iPod to iTunes go to iTunes and change this option to prevent this:
+Edit-Preferences-Devices-Uncheck "Disable automatic syncing..."+
Your other music that is on cd's, just copy them into your My Music folder and then add them to iTunes.
Good luck!
Greg

I have a new computer and have created another library. When i try to sync ipod it says i have two libraries and can only sync with one. How do i retrieve other library. My old computer is dead

I have a new computer and created an additional library. I need to merge the 2 so i can sync my ipod with new computer

How to use your iPod to move your music to a new computer

I have a nano 5th gen bought new. I no longer have the computer that I registered it w and created music library on. I want to allow my new computer and itunes to sync w my nano w/o losing the music on it. When I try it tells me i

I have a nano 5th gen which I bought new. I no longer have the computer that I sync'd it with and created library on. I have new computer and Itunes library which I want to sync w my nano and songs on it. When I try it tells me I will loose all the songs on my nano bc Im already sync'd on a dif library. How do I keep from loosing all my songs?

Your iPod is designed to sync with only one iTunes library at a time. If you try to sync it with a new or different iTunes library, it will erase what is currently on the iPod and replace it with what is in the new library.
See this older post from another forum member Zevoneer covering the different methods and software available to assist you with the task of copying content from your iPod back to your PC and into iTunes.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2452022?start=0&tstart=0
B-rock

I just downloaded i tunes to my new computer. I had an account on the old one. I received an error report - The file "I Tunes Library .itl" cannot be read because it was created by a new version of I Tunes. What does that mean?

I just downloaded I Tunes to my new computer. I had I Tunes on old computer. When I clicked on the icon on desktop I received the following pop-up.
the file "I tunes Library .itl" cannot be read because it was created by a new version of i tunes. What does that mean?

See Empty/corrupt iTunes library after upgrade/crash.
tt2

Trying to Transfer iTunes to a New computer, but I get the error message The file "iTunes Library.itl" cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes --- HELP!

Trying to Transfer iTunes to a New computer, but I get the error message The file "iTunes Library.itl" cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes --- HELP

Did you downgrade iTunes? What version is listed in Help> About iTunes?
If you don't have iTunes 10.5.2, download it from here -> http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/
If you have iTunes 10.5.2, try re-creating your iTunes library.

HT1751 How do I delete a new itunes library I created on a new computer?

I'm not the most literate computer person in the world so please bare with me.
This is the scenerio that took place.
I purchased a new computer. I have my complete Itunes library on my iphone from my old computer and wanted to just transfer library from iphone to new computer by syncing phone to new computer.
I did this but there seemed to be some things missing on my new computers itunes library. I created a new library on my new computer which gave me 2 libraries. I basically did this to see if I could kinda just back up my original library in case I screwed up something. After I created new library, which is called NEW COMPUTER, I tried to get back to the old library to compare. Well now every time I open itunes on my new computer I cant figure out how to bring up the original library that I initially put on new computer.
I tried to uninstall itunes on new computer then reinstall and start over but for some reason when I open Itunes the new library I created is loaded.
All I basically want to do is transfer all my library items from old computer to new computer as easily as possible.

Here are the typical layouts for the iTunes folders:
The database that knows what tracks are in your library is the *.itl file.
The folder containing the database gives the iTunes window its name when you run it, so if your active library says NEW LIBRARY at the top then you are currently connected to ...\NEW LIBRARY\iTunes Library.itl.
Unlike most applications you can't just double click on an *.itl file to open it, iTunes will always open the last successfully opened database unless you hold down shift as you start to get the choose/create options.
Chances are your NEW LIBRARY has been created inside the normal iTunes folder. Once you've held down shift as you are starting iTunes, and have clicked choose, you probably need to find an up arrow button to move up one folder level to reveal the normal library.
tt2

I have my itunes account that was created on an old computer i have bought a new one and when i try and sync my phone it says it will update it with the library that is in my new computer which isn't any music. how do i get my music on the new computer?

I have my iphone that i linked with my old computer. I have since bought a new computer and when i log into my itunes account my music is not there. it is under my phone name but if i try and edit the playlist or create a cd off of my music list nothing happens. How do i get my music list back onto my main itunes page where i can edit it and create cds off of it. i have new songs that i have purchased on my phone that that if i sync my phone it will erase them. Any information that you provide will be greatly appreciated.
thanks

Read this on how to do that https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3141

TS2972 I have created a home share and want to transfer song from old computer to new. I see library on new computer, but dont know how to get it to stay there.

I have read all the material and still have not found a answer to my question

Copy the ENTIRE iTunes folder from the old computer to the new computer.

Dealing with Shared Libraries after moving iTunes library to new Computer

I have recently purchased a MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch) with 2.8 GHz Intel Core i5 processor and 8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3 memory. Previously, I had my iTunes on a Dell PC computer. Using an external hard drive, I transferred my iTunes library over to the Mac. After trying to sync my iPhone 4 (iOS 7.1.2), I discovered that I wasn't able to sync my music. In my attempt to fix this, I tried several things. I actually purchased iTunes Match, hoping that this would somehow fix this problem, but it didn't work. I tried restoring my iPhone to factory settings after completely a backup. Again, this did not work. I have tried to delete my library and add it back following the specific instructions found on the Apple Support site (How to move your iTunes library to a new computer - Apple Support).
When my iPhone is plugged in and I click under iPhone settings Music, the only option I have to work with is iTunes Match is On and syncing voice memos. There is not the option to sync music library.
I feel that somehow I have created multiple libraries or messed smoothing up because I can't even transfer music on to my iPhone manually. It's like my iPhone won't recognize the library on my iTunes. I am using the 12.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Cozmic66 wrote:
I have recently purchased a MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch) with 2.8 GHz Intel Core i5 processor and 8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3 memory. Previously, I had my iTunes on a Dell PC computer. Using an external hard drive, I transferred my iTunes library over to the Mac.
Copy the entire /Music/iTunes/ folder from old computer to /Music/ on new computer.
Then launch iTunes.
This is all you need to do.
You do not need to add anything or import anything to iTunes.
When you have iTunes Match turned on, you do not sync music via the computer or iTunes.
You sync via iTunes Match.

New computer--do i erase ipod and sync with new itunes library?

I downloaded itunes on my ancient pc and that's where I synced my ipod. i finally put that pc out to pasture and now have a new laptop. i downloaded itunes to the new computer, and when i hooked up my ipod i got the message "the ipod is synced with another itunes library. Do you want to erase this ipod and sync with this itunes library?" So do I want to erase and sync or not? I'm scared I'm going to mess everything up if I erase it.
One more question: my daughter got a new ipod; once i figure out this syncing issue with my existing ipod, do I need to set up a new account for the new ipod, or can i sync it with the account i already have?
sorry for all the questions--I'm a newbie and want to get this right. Thanks for your help!

Hello. I recently had to restore my computer (as if it was new due to, to many viruses) Afterwards itunes was still there but the music i have on my ipod was not previously purchased through itunes but they were on my computer and placed in itunes library and sent to my ipod. Well after restoring my pc, itunes opened up when i connected my ipod and it asked me to update. So i updated to itunes 10. Now it is telling me that this ipod is registered to my fiance' and it is running off a different itunes library, and that I would either need to erase and sync to the new library in itunes 10, or transfer to itunes 10 library. I tried transfer and restarted itunes, but it just asked me the same questions again. It wouldnt let me create new place lists either. im scared to erase bc i have so many songs i wont remember what there all were to go back and download if it actually erases all my current songs or applications. I assumed when itunes updated to itunes 10, it would update with all my information. And although the ipod is registered in his name or however he did that, I also have sum form of account with apple/itunes because it uses my email address and my credit card during purchases for this ipod (his name is just there). i dont understand what I am suppose to do to fix this problem. These songs are still on my computer and the program where i downloaded them from but since i had to restore the whole computer, its like they are probably hidden files and arent being detected i guess. I really dont know. I have been reading and I see many ppl with the same issue. Any suggestions that wont cost me anything or a little of nuthing to resolve? I heard of Tansee Ipod Transfer but it charges you to move your files from your ipod, into a folder, to your computer, and then to be added to your itunes. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks...Lana

My songs have all been duplicated. All my music is on external hard drive and I want it to stay there. Am using a new computer and thought I'd done all the required things for my library to show on iTunes 11.

I'm using a new computer. All my music is on an external hard drive and I want it to stay there. Before installing iTunes on the new computer, I followed turingtest2's instructions as to the layout of all the iTunes folders (Itunes folder, Itunes Media, Music, etc...). I also followed his instructions as to get all my music in iTunes on the new computer (but keeping all the media on the external drive). Now my songs are all duplicated in my library (I normally have about 15,000 of them). They all play when I click onto them. Also, I've lost all my playlists, and all the songs in the library are now ticked. I've already spent hours trying to sort this out, but can't seem to find a solution. Help please!

Hi turingtest2,
Thank you for replying. I've been looking at your posts about setting up iTunes using an external drive. A bit of background info. My old computer broke down, so I got a new one from work. I've always kept my music files on my external drive (I have around 170GB of music). I didn't follow the suggestions in the "migrate iTunes library" post because my old computer died on me. However, I've looked at your posts about lay out of the iTunes folders. Before connecting to iTunes on the new computer, I had reorganized my iTunes folder on my E: external drive, and created an iTunes folder which contains an iTunes Media subfolder. The music files are in a Music folder, which is in the iTunes Media folder. I've also put the following files in my iTunes folder: iTunes Library.itl, iTunes Library Extras.itdb, iTunes Library Genius.itdb, iTunes Music Library.xml, as well as sentinel. I then followed the advice you gave bmw99 on 2 Nov 2013 at 9.58 (sorry, can't copy the exact answer).
Just to clarify: I'd like to keep all my music media on the E: external hard drive (the computer hard drive is too small), and I'm aware i might never have my playlists back, and that all the songs in my library might be ticked. However, I don't want my library to be duplicated.
I'm at work at the moment, but will be back home in about 10 hours, so I can be more specific about folders / files names.
I'm glad you picked up my message and greatly appreciate your help.
Patrice

I HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRING MY ITUNES/IPOD TO A NEW COMPUTER WHICH HAS ALL WORKED EXCEPT MY OLD LIBRARY, PLAYLISTS ETC SHOW UNDER MY IPOD ON THE NEW COMPUTER BUT NOTHING IS IN THE NEW LIBRARY - HOW DO I GET IT THERE?

How do you get everything off the ipod into Library on new laptop & free up the space that was used when transferring (using ipod as hard drive to move over to new computer)? Also when try to sync music a box pops up saying are you sure as everything on the ipod will be removed & replaced with the items in the library but at the moment there's nothing in the library so don't want to lose everything?! Thanks for your help

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

Iweb installed on a new computer but i have this error message: Can't open file "~/Library/Application Support/iWeb/Domain.sites2."

I have just installed ilife on my new computer from my disk. I have several backups of my webpage from my old computer. Everything would be great if I could just run the program. When I click the icon for iWeb I get the following message: Can’t open file “~/Library/Application Support/iWeb/Domain.sites2.”
Somebody please help! I desperately need to update my website.

In Lion the Library folder is now invisible. To make it permanently visible enter the following in the Terminal application window: chflags nohidden ~/Library and hit the Enter button - 10.7: Un-hide the User Library folder.
To open your domain file in Lion or to switch between multiple domain files Cyclosaurus has provided us with the following script that you can make into an Applescript application with Script Editor. Open Script Editor, copy and paste the script below into Script Editor's window and save as an application.
do shell script "/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.iWeb iWebDefaultsDocumentPath -boolean no"delay 1
tell application "iWeb" to activate
Just launch the application, find and select the domain file you want to open and it will open with iWeb. It modifies the iWeb preference file each time it's launched so one can switch between domain files.
You can download an already compiled version with this link: iWeb Switch Domain.
WARNING: iWeb Switch Domain will overwrite an existing Domain.sites2 file if you select to create a new domain in the same folder. So rename your domain files once they've been created to something other than the default name.
OT

I got a new computer, told it library was on external hd, no problem. A lot of artwork was missing though (NOT manual artwork, only previous artwork I'd asked itunes to find). I ran 'get artwork' but it's only asigned artwork to the1st song in each album

So, I got a new computer. As my itunes library has gone through a few in its time, it lives permanently on my external hard drive, as this generally makes moving to new computers hassle free. I told my freshly intsalled itunes on my new computer where to find the library and it got all my songs, movies etc no problem. However, some albums were missing artwork (NOT any of the albums I had ever manually added artwork to, thank god, these all seemed to be intact, jut ones where itunes had previously got artwork for me). I asked itunes to get missing artwork, as is par for the course. This it did, but it has only installed artwork for one song per album (generally the first song, or the lowest numbered track for incomplete albums, as far as I can tell).
It does not acknowledge these songs as missing artwork when I create a smart playlist but, erm, they are - the artwork doesn't show up on the display in the bottom LH corner or in the info tab. WHY? When I've added new albums 'get artwork' has always added artwork for EACH song on the album in every previous itunes I've ever had. I don't get it at all.
I appreciate it might be irreperably messed up, but please don't reply with any manual adding solutions. I have over 25,000 songs in my library and to go through and manually ask itunes to add artwork to each song (apart from the first on the album which already has it) would take SO LONG it makes me want to die inside.
I can't find anything else on this. Other people have had issues with itunes match and devices, but these songs don't even have artwork on itunes, let alone on my ipod, iphone etc.

Well my first guess was wrong. The line that failed is the one that writes out the image to disk. I've not revisited the code for that script for ages, but it seems I did add in an extra test for missing files a little while later, then forgot to upload the change. I can reproduce the error message if I deliberately rename a file to confuse iTunes so that seems the most likely reason for your problem with the script. I've uploaded a new build of CreateFolderArt which should work better.
See FindTracks for a tool to repair broken links. You should probably get that issue fixed first.
I know what SPSS stands for but that is all I know about it.
tt2

Why can't I open photos after updating an iphoto Library on new computer?

I have saved a 13,000 photos from my old Mac onto a hard disc, and am now trying to import those photos onto a new Mac computer.
When I copied the 2012 iPhoto Library onto my new computer, a prompt came up to tell me that the Library needed to be updated in order to be used on this computer. So I followed the steps and it seems to have successfully updated itself. But see all the photos when I scroll through the Library... but, when I try to click to open it, I get a HAZARD sign -- triangle with a big exclamation mark.
Please, can someone advise how I get my old photos onto my new computer?
Thanks. Corinna

That sign turns up when iPhoto loses the connection to the actual file.
Option 1
Back Up and try rebuild the library: hold down the command and option (or alt) keys while launching iPhoto. Use the resulting dialogue to rebuild. Choose to Repair Database. If that doesn't help, then try again, this time using Rebuild Database.
If that fails:
Option 2
Download iPhoto Library Manager and use its rebuild function. (In early versions of Library Manager it's the File -> Rebuild command. In later versions it's under the Library menu.)
This will create an entirely new library. It will then copy (or try to) your photos and all the associated metadata and versions to this new Library, and arrange it as close as it can to what you had in the damaged Library. It does this based on information it finds in the iPhoto sharing mechanism - but that means that things not shared won't be there, so no slideshows, books or calendars, for instance - but it should get all your events, albums and keywords, faces and places back.
Because this process creates an entirely new library and leaves your old one untouched, it is non-destructive, and if you're not happy with the results you can simply return to your old one.
Regards
TD

Creating new library on new computer

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