Error backing up iTunes library

Question

Hey guys, quick question. I just got a new computer with Vista and installed iTunes 7.7.1.11 with no problems. (Thank god I checked these forums before installing 8.0!) Then I started to backup my iTunes library from my old XP equipped computer. I used the CD/DVD method of backup, which took about Eight 4.7GB DVDs. That all went fine. So, I then proceed to put the disks in my new computer and begin the transfer. I get to the 6th disk with no problems. Then, all of a sudden, while the 33rd of 396 items on the disk is being restored, my new computer ejects the disk, and a dialogue box pops up that says the backup of the disk failed because theres not enough memory. Now, I'm not a real computer savvy person, but I do know that disk space and memory are NOT the same thing, plus It's a brand new computer with virtually no files on it. so does anyone have any solutions. Preferrably on that doesn't require me to backup again by a different or the same method?
P.S. Again, I'm not real computer savvy, so if you have any solutions that involve going into the Program Files or changing up any library files, or any such things that I've heard but don't understand, I ask you: PLEASE JUST BE CLEAR IN YOUR INSTRUCTIONS.
Thank you, and any help is appreciated.
Message was edited by: Kain17

Answer 1

A DVD backup set is not the best way to transfer your iTunes library to a new system...
Fast backup for iTunes library (Windows Only)
Grab SyncToy2.1, a free tool from MS. This can be used to copy your entire iTunes library (& other important data folders) onto another hard drive or networkshare. You can then use SyncToy periodically to synchronise or echo your library to the backup. A preview will show which files need to be updated giving you a chance to spot unexpected changes and during the run only the new or updated files will be copied saving lots of time. And if your media is all organised below the main iTunes folder then you should also be able to open the backup library on any system running the same version of iTunes.
When the time comes to migrate/reformat, do a final sync, close iTunes and open the backup copy on the external/network to make sure it functions properly. (Hold down shift when starting iTunes to choose a different library). Deauthorize the PC if you are upgrading on the same hardware or won't be using it again. Once you connect your external/network drive to the new system you should copy the entire iTunes folder into the new profile and then install iTunes. Install SyncToy again so that you can maintain a backup in future.
A library cloned in this fashion should (as far as iTunes is concerned) be identical to the library previously used to manage your devices, so none of the content should be disturbed.
Taking a slightly wider view of things you should probaly aim to backup your entire profile folder so that you can restore all the files from your desktop & documents folders, mailboxes etc. It is easy to gather and preserve more data than you need, and then throw away what you find don't want, than to recover lost data once you've discarded/reformated your old system.
tt2