I bought a new computer, and iTunes doesn't have my music or anything on there. I want to get everything on my iPhone to my new computer/itunes. But no matter what i do, it won't let me. My desktop has everything, and I want all that on my laptop..

Question

I bought a new computer, and downloaded  iTunes, therefore  the new itunes doesn't have my music or anything on there. I want to get everything on my iPhone to my new computer/itunes. But no matter what I do, it won't let me. My desktop has everything that my phone has on it, I just want it all moved to my laptop. Does that make sense? I could really use some help. I don't live with this desktop anymore so I need to be able to use my laptops itunes. Please help me. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

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.
Note if you have iOS devices and haven't moved your contacts and calendar items across then you should create one dummy entry of each in your new profile and iTunes should  merge the existing data 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 then then seeRecover 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