How do I transfer my iTunes from an old computer and keep all contents?

Question

I need to update my iPad to IOS 5-- or later at this point, but first, I need to transfer my purchases from my iPad to my iTunes.
I haven't done this already, because where I had iTunes previously, was on an old laptop that ran as slow as molasses.  So, now with a new(er) PC, I just downloaded the newest version of iTunes to the desktop, and selected "transfer purchases", but iTunes gave me some sort of option to select, where I could either only download 'purchased items to play from the iTunes library', or to 'replace everything on the iPad with items already in the iTunes on this PC'. 
When I downloaded the latest iTunes on the new PC, it automatically pulled in any music i already had on the computer, but I dont want this to replace everything I've purchased from iTunes, or what I have on my iPad currently.
What do I do to transfer?  And, then to sync? 
Do I need to disable the iTunes from my old laptop?
How do I ultimately update to the new operating system?

Answer 1

Sound like you need to remove whatever you currently have on the new PC and migrate the library from your old laptop over properly...
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.
If you have an iOS device that syncs with contact & calendar data on your computer you should migrate this information too. If that isn't possible create a dummy entry of each type in your new profile and iTunes should offer to merge the existing data from the device into the computer, otherwise the danger is that it will wipe the information 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 of it, 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. If you don't have any Apple devices then see HT2519 - Downloading past purchases from the App Store, iBookstore, and iTunes Store.
tt2