How to backup library before an iTunes reinstallation

I run Vista, and I happened to have the problem of my CD/DVD drive disappearing on me. I googled it, figured out how to fix it by deleting a couple registry items and restarting, and it started working again. Only thing is, right after that every time I open iTunes I now get a message saying iTunes can no longer import CD's because something got changed, please reinstall. I kept ignoring it, and now iTunes won't even open up. So my question is, how can I for back up my iTunes library before uninstalling, so I won't have to manually import every song file. I have multiple copies of some songs and I don't want those back in the library after reinstalling. Also, after that how would I go about reimporting my old library?
Thank you.

External drives (for backing up) are less than $100.
Backup software will run automatically.
If everything on your computer disappeared right now or you r hard drive died and it would not affect/bother you in the least, you could get by without a backup.
But since you are here asking how to backup some files...
I highly suggest you consider it.

Similar Messages

  • TS3683 i don't understand how to backup my ipad2 with itunes so I can update my version of ipad

    I dont understand how to backup my ipad2 with itunes so i can update my version of ipad-i can not receive and send email?

    Text+
    https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id314487667?mt=8
    If you  have iTunes 11 turn on the Sidebar. Go to iTunes>View and click on Show Sidebar. You can also do a Crtl+S to show the sidebar. The sidebar is where Devices appears. and Control+B to show the Menu bar
    To sync to your iPod go to iTunes>Help>iTunes Help>Sync your iPod.... and follow the instructions.
    I could not find anything on the link you provided that pertained to your problem,.

  • How to backup purchased app to itunes library and restore

    How can I backup purchased app to itunes library ( version 11.0.0.163 ) , what I had found in google was old version with different format
    kindly advice , thanks

    Connect your device to iTunes. The device should show at the top right just next to the iTunes Store button.
    Or on a Mac to View > Show Sidebar, on a PC press Ctrl+S and the device should show in the sidebar
    Backup apps and restore as you did in iTunes 10
    Hope that helps

  • How big a library before degradation ????

    I just wondered if there was a consensus to the size of an iphoto library before there was noticeable degradation in performance if the iPhoto application ?
    I was running a library approximately in size with 15k photos on an older 2Ghz Macbook Core Duo. iPhoto bounced around 27 times before opening up.
    We recently upgraded to a new Macbook Pro, 2.7Ghz i7.
    Although opening up slightly faster, it is still pretty sow in scrolling though the photos, and generall feels a little sluggish.
    I have actualy noticed a complete degradation since upgrading to iPhoto9. The previous version of iPhoto was nothing like this slow on the same library....
    Any help/advise would be greatly appreciated.

    iPhoto is good for 250,000 images, and so 15k is not a big library.
    As a Test:
    Hold down the option (or alt) key key and launch iPhoto. From the resulting menu select 'Create Library'
    Import a few pics into this new, blank library. Is the Problem repeated there?
    Regards
    TD

  • Iphone5 stuck How to backup data before rebooting?

    iphone5 got stuck and asks to restart phone through itunes. How do I backup photos and contacts before rebooting device?

    The alternative is using Ovi Suite. Did you try the latest version of Ovi Suite from here? 
    The N8 also has the capability to sync online or applications such as Outlook on your pc but I believe they only sync contacts and calender. I have no experience of this as I only backup to pc and memory card. I don't trust anyone else with my data. 

  • How large a library before corruption concerns?

    My current iPhoto library has 13,844 photos. The library folder is 40GB. iPhoto launches slowly, but otherwise behaves fine. I haven't added anything new to iPhoto in two years (long story) but have another 15-20GB to add (best guess another 5000 photos).
    I run a nightly backup to an external HD so I'm not TOO concerned, but at what point should I say enough is enough and stop adding photos? I know the theoretical limit is 250,000 photos but know bad things can happen to good libraries. I don't expect a perfect answer, just curious if there's a consensus on a reliable max size.

    Mitch:
    Libraries of only a few hundred can get a corrupted database file. The know reason is sudden quitting of iPhoto while writing to the file or a sudden power outage. Others have just opened the library one morning and it's bad. For that type of corruption following the Tip at the end of my signature can get you back to normal.
    If you leave the rolls open that will greatly slow down iPhoto's opening and closing. Best to have them all closed except those your using at the time and close them before quitting.
    I don't know anything about your setup but if you're low in free disk space that can slow down iPhoto, the system and just about all the other apps. It's highly recommended that you have a minimum of 15% or 10G, whichever is greater, free.
    Do you Twango?
    TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
    I've written an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger), iPhoto dB file backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.

  • How to consolidate library in new iTunes

    Since the new iTunes with the Genius, I don't know where the option to consolidate the library is. It's really annoying, anyone know?

    It has been moved, Som2k7.
    In iTunes 8, go to the iTunes File menu > Library > Consolidate Library.

  • How to backup macbook pro to iTunes

    I have never backed up my macbook pro and I've had it for about a year and half now. My friend backs up her laptop to iTunes. and i wanted to know i would do that.

    Welcome to Apple Support Communities
    You can only make backups of a Mac on an external hard disk, not on iTunes. iTunes is used to make backups of iPhones, iPads and iPods touch.
    To make backups of your computer, OS X includes Time Machine. You only need an external hard drive or an AirPort Time Capsule to use it, and it is very easy. See -> Mac Basics: Time Machine backs up your Mac - Apple Support

  • How to backup 1528 items in iTunes...

    Is there a way that i could backup 1528 itmes - 4 Days - 9,5GB. in itunes because i have alot of music +videos and i woudnt like to back this all up on like 300 blank cd it would take forever.
    xmartinx

    I back mine up to an external hard drive and just copy the entire iTunes folder to it. If you are up for a longer read then forum member Buegie has compiled a very extensive procedure for backing up your music which you'll find at this link: Backing up iTunes

  • HT4946 how to backup iphone photos using itunes

    how to back up my iphone5 photos using iutunes

    Check out the information here: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1766

  • FCPX 10.1 : how to backup the library file (with LaCie SilverKeeper or other backup software)

    Hello... I was using FCPX with an external hard drive (A) with all "events" end "projects" folders.
    Then, on a regular basis, I was copying hard drive (A) content to another hard drive (B) using LaCie SilverKeeper. All new or modified content in these folders was copied. With the new 10.1 version, no more folders but a "library" file which is not recognized by SilverKeeper.
    So how to backup library files without starting a new copy each time ?

    Thank you for your input, nevertheless, I may have miss something but I am used to work with all my media on an external HD.
    Then, on a regular basis, say each time I have an important editing step, I backup this external HD to another external HD.
    With FCPX, I have chosen to integrate new media in the new library file. Consequently, these media files are not in folders, but inside the FCPX file.
    The problem is that when I want to backup all this (including media files inside FCPX library) this library is not recognized by backup software.

  • Was i supposed to back up library before updating

    was I supposed to back up my library before updating itunes?

    You really should have 2 separate backups because hard drives fail. If you plan to backup using Time Machine, it will backup to 2 drives, alternating between them. Another option is to use a clone.
    Clone  - Carbon Copy Cloner          (Often recommended as it has more features than some others)
    Clone – Data Backup
    Clone – Deja Vu
    Clone  - SuperDuper
    Clone - Synk
    Clone Software – 6 Applications Tested
    Commonly Used Backup Methods

  • HT1391 I have a new computer and want to sync my iPhone.  But it wants to wipe out what is already on my phone with another iTunes library.  How do I find out what is in the "library" before I say to wipe out my phone and sync?

    I have a new computer and want to sync my iPhone/iTunes.  But it wants to wipe out what is already on my phone with another iTunes library.  How do I find out what is in the "library" before I say yes to wipe out my phone and sync?

    See Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device.
    tt2

  • Had to reinstall iTunes,backed up iPhone5 before the reinstall and need to restore the iPhone backup that is on the computer,Windows8, but it is not an option in the new iTunes restore menu. How do I map or add the old backup to the new iTunes?

    Had to reinstall iTunes,backed up iPhone5 before the reinstall and need to restore the iPhone backup that is on the computer,Windows8, but it is not an option in the new iTunes restore menu. How do I map or add the old backup to the new iTunes restore option?

    Hi MrsMoosie,
    I'm sorry to hear you are having these issues with your iPad. If your iPad isn't responding or doesn't appear to be charging, you may find the information and troubleshooting steps outlined in the following articles helpful, in particular the following portion:
    If you don't see the charging screen within an hour, or you see the connect to power screen, check your connector, USB cable, and power adapter. Make sure that everything is plugged in firmly, free of debris, and not damaged. You might want to try a different USB cable or power adapter.
    If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch doesn't respond or doesn't turn on - Apple Support
    If you can’t charge your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
    Regards,
    - Brenden

  • How can i transfer rental movies from my Ipad to my iTunes library before updating

    how can i transfer rental movies from my Ipad to my iTunes library before updating ?

    According to http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1415 :
    You can move the rental between devices as many times as you wish during the rental period. However, the movie can only be played on one device at a time. If you rent a movie or TV show on an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple TV, it is not transferable to any other device and you must watch it on that device.
    So I assume that you cannot use File > Transfer Purchases to copy them to your computer (though there is no harm in trying)

Maybe you are looking for