How do I get my iTunes to reference an external hard drive folder?

I don't want to put all of my music on my laptop. I would like iTunes to reference my external hard drive iTunes folder for my music rather than the default folder on my computer. I have tried to change the iTunes Media folder to my "iTunes - External," but when I then re-open my iTunes, there is no music there. Help?

The only work around I have ever figured out for this problem is to create a new library with a different name and then add the music folder on your external HD to iTunes, Depending on the size this may take a while but it has worked for me. Good luck!

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