How do I transfer my itunes music library to my new computer

How do I transfer my itunes music library to my new computer (not a mac owner)?

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.
tt2

Similar Messages

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    I bought a new PC--Dell inspiron 530, running Windows Vista.
    I need to transfer my itunes library (itunes 7) from my old computer which runs Windows XP.
    I have a CD/DVD burning capability on the old computer.
    I understand that there is a way to transfer that entire music library using CD/DVD, but I get conflicting information--one thing I've read tells me that I can only transfer music I've purchased fro the itunes Store; another article tells me I can transfer the entire library.
    Does anybody have a step-by-step procedure to effect this type of transfer (moving the entire itunes library)?
    Thanks very much for any assistance you can provide.
    DR

    Probably the most straightforward way to get iTunes onto your second computer is to network it with the first one and copy your iTunes folder across. Start by consolidating your library. When you consolidate, any songs in the iTunes Library that are not in the iTunes Music Folder are copied to the Music Folder and the Library is updated to point to those new files. Files already in the iTunes Music Folder have no changes made to them: Copying all your iTunes files to one location - Windows
    Copying the whole folder brings with it the iTunes Music folder and also the iTunes Library (iTunes Library.itl in Windows) database file which holds all the information about your songs (Playlists, Ratings, Play Counts, Last Played, Date Added, etc). You'll get more information including the Folder/File structure in this article: What are the iTunes library files?
    When you copy the iTunes folder make sure you put it into the same location on the new computer. On a PC the default location is \Documents and Settings\Username\My Documents\My Music\ (or C:\Username\Music\ in Vista). You should also use the same version of iTunes on both computers.
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    If you have and iPod, some iPods can be used as an external drive and you can use them to move your iTunes (this option isn't available with the iPod Touch): How to use your iPod to move your music to a new computer
    If you have any iTunes purchases in your library don't forget that you'll need to authorise your new computer to play them. Also if you are disposing of the old one remember to deauthorise it so you don't use up one of your allowances: About iTunes Music Store Authorisation and Deauthorisation

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    Drag and Drop the iTunes Folder to the Flash drive.
    Locate and organize your iTunes files - Apple Support
    Since this really has nothing to do with Appleworks (a long dead Officie suite of Apps), I'll request it be moved to the iTunes forum.

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    I need to know how to synch up my ITUNES music library on my new LAPTOP with my old LAPTOP.
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    See this migrate iTunes library post.
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    Hi All,
    I will describe my current setup and the required setup below. Please help me with the steps to do this
    Current setup:
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    Total Music collection: 80GB of mp3 , which is NOT added to itunes library (I use foobar)
    iTunes Music collection: around 500 songs, synced to my iphone (unchecked "manually manage" that meeans all these songs are in itunes library)
    Now the required setup: (Since I am planning to get a macbook pro)
    OS: Mac OS  (This means the music file path will be different)
    Total Music collection: 80GB which is to be added to itunes library
    iPhone Music: The same 500 songs as before.
    Is this possible? In Mac OS I want my entire 80GB to be added to itunes library, also keeping my existing iphone songs intact.
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    If you put the copied iTunes folder in the default location of Macintosh HD > Users > *User Name* > Music  then you don't even need to start with the option key held down, iTunes will automatically look for it there.  (Make sure there isn't anything already in the iTunes folder there that you want to keep since you will be replacing it with the one you are moving.)
    Longer answers if for any reason you do not think all library files are inside your iTunes folder (changed preferences settings at some point):
    iTunes: How to move [or copy] your music [library] to a new computer [or another drive] - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527 - a somewhat bewildering and not always easily understandable set of options.
    For the record there's this reference for iTunes 11 but it really doesn't strike me as having the specifics you need. iTunes 11 for Mac: Move your library to another computer - http://support.apple.com/kb/PH12168
    2011 ilounge article: Transferring your iTunes library - http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/moving-your-itunes-library-to -a-new-hard-drive/  - An article with good background information (similar to the links above), particularly if you are not sure your media files are all grouped for quick answer above. Unfortunately under the single term "transferring library" it describes two very different moves; relocating just your media (not  really transferring your library and not recommended unless you really need this configuration), and relocating media+database (really your whole "library").  Make sure you understand the difference before electing to move only media.
    Windows users see tip at: https://discussions.apple.com/message/18879381
    Consider moving everything from your Windows PC to your Mac in a single move, including your iTunes library: About Windows Migration Assistant - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4796 - Learn about how to use Windows Migration Assistant to migrate your files from a Windows PC to a Mac.
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    As for the 80GB of music in foobar, add that to the iTunes library at some stage by dragging those files to the Automatically Add To  iTunes folder.

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    my itunes music library is housed in an external drive, and i want to move it to a new computer. what is the least painful way to do this? any help will be greatly appreciated.
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    Message was edited by: highonpod

    zebedy1 wrote:
    want to transfer the whole thing to an external hard drive so i don't have it on my laptop memory anymore and free up laptop memory for other things. How do i do this?
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    http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304447
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