How do I transfer my iTunes library to a new computer? I have transferred purchased music but wish to transfer the rest of my library. Home sharing isn't responding and the computers are going to be in different locations.

Question

How do I transfer my iTunes library from my old computer to my new one?  I have successfully transferred purchased music but not my library of CDs.  Home sharing will not work, and isn't working in fact, as the computers will be in different countries.

Answer 1

Assuming your library is in the default location and all of the media is stored within the library's media folder then this is what you need to do:
Copy the entire iTunes folder from <User's Music> on the source computer to <User's Music> on the target computer.
You can do this directly over a network (making use of shared network folders) or by making a copy on an external drive, moving the drive between computers, and copying again. Any way that works is good. However if you say that you cannot use Home Sharing (doesn't work properly anyway) because the source and target are not on the same network then method 2 as I describe it won't work either.
Your playlists, play counts, ratings etc. are stored inside the database iTunes Library.itl which is inside the iTunes folder and a successful migration includes all of this information, not just the media files. I recommend method 1 from the earlier link as it sets you up with a backup mechanism to use in future. All hard drives fail eventually and often without warning, or at least a warning that is noticed and then heeded.
If the initial assumption is wrong, or you need help checking, just ask.
tt2