How to transfer iTunes library & folder to another Hard Drive

My iTunes library and all data (music, video, apps, podcasts) are stored on an external 250 GB hard disk that is now getting almost full.
I wish to transfer everything on a 500 GB external HD and be able to launch my library from this new HD without losing anything or getting all my files with the dreaded "!".
Can someone advise me where to look for instructions on how to proceed?
Many thanks.
Frederic

If your library files are on the current external drive, with the media folder inside the main library folder, then simply copy this folder to the new drive and use the hold option/shift when starting iTunes method to open the library in its new location.
If your media folder is on the external but the library files are on the internal drive then start by copying the contents of your iTunes folder, *iTunes Library, iTunes Library Extras.itdb, iTunes Library Genius.itdb, sentinel, Album Artwork* folder etc. to the parent folder of the media folder on the external. (You can leave the .xml file behind, it will have a slightly different name in the new location and will be recreated automatically.) Use the option-launch-iTunes method above to open the library on the external drive. Make sure it all works properly then close it and proceed as outlined in the first paragraph.
iTunes uses the folder name for the folder holding the *iTunes Library* file as the window title, so you may get odd results if your library files are now in the root of the drive. As long as the media folder is stored as a sub- folder of the library folder you can move everything to a new folder or path and use the option-launch-iTunes method. E.g. if your media was at *\iTunes Media* then move the libray files to the root folder \ - open, test and close iTunes - create a folder called iTunes - move the libray files, Album Artwork and iTunes Media folder into the new iTunes folder then open the library in the new location.
tt2

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