I'm in the process of switching computers. Is it necessary for me to back up my itunes music library somehow, or will my library come up when I install itunes on my new computer?

I'm in the process of switching computers. Is it necessary for me to back my itunes music, or will my library come up when I install itunes on my new computer?

Hello,
I would recommend taking a look at the article below for more information about migrating your iTunes library.
iTunes for Windows: Moving your iTunes Media folder
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1364
-Griff W.

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I downloaded later software for my Ipad so i coudl watch a film. I backed up using itunes on my new computer. All going well until i tried to restore all it says is you have 5 computers so have read every article and tried everything

I downloaded later version of IPad software to watch a film. I backed up on itunes. All going well until i try to restore from itunes and all it says is you have used 5 authorisations. I've tried deauthorising and it then says I have been successful and now i have 0 computers authorised. I have two apple ID's so tried both. I cant locate anywhere it says deauthorise all. i've followed all help instructions to the letter over and over again. I am going on holiday thursday and cant get anything on my IPAD other syncing with Itunes but then on computer screen says cant sync unless deauthorise one of your 5 computers. Nightmare. I've spent hours since sunday and no further forward. Anyone any clues?

Hello EricaLock
There are a few restrictions when it comes to deauthorize all option. One of them is that there has to be at least 2 accounts signed in. Another option is that you can only deauthorize all once a year. Check out the article below for more information and if you are still stuck, there is an option for further assistance with contacting the iTunes Store for support.
iTunes Store: Authorize or deauthorize your Mac or PC
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1420
Regards,
-Norm G.

So I recently downloaded iTunes on a new computer because my old computer got broken. Does iTunes still have all the info I had on iTunes on the old computer on it that I could somehow download onto my phone?

I had iTunes downloaded on my last computer and it broke. The last time I synced my phone was on that computer. But it broke, so I got a new one and I re-downloaded iTunes onto it and I have no idea if I can get any of the info that was on my old computer. Today, I had to reset my phone so I lost all of my data. Does iTunes save that info or since I got a new computer, does that mean I can't sync anything that was on my old computer into my phone?

Hi Victoria,
You can re-download any iTunes purchases by going into the iTunes Store and clicking on "Purchased" under the Quick Links section on the right. Once you get into the Purchased section you can then click on each tab (Music, Apps, etc.) and then click on the cloud next to the item you want to re-download, or click on download all at the bottom.
You would also be able to recover whatever you have on your iCloud backup to your phone, if you have iCloud. You will need to make sure that if you do recover items from iCloud that you have iTunes set up so that it knows you are syncing those things from iCloud and not iTunes, or they will be wiped when you do sync.
If you recover photos from your photo stream that are not in your camera roll, save them to your camera roll so that they will back up to iPhoto when you sync.
However, this is all you can put back into your iTunes on your new computer. Anything you did not back up that is not in one of the categories above is still on your old computer.....and that is the only place it is.
Cheers,
GB

Switching iTunes (older version) from an old latptop with mechanical issues to iTunes on a new computer. The hard drive, issue free, was placed in external drive enclosure. How do I recover iTunes?

I'm trying to moves iTunes (older version) from an old latptop with mechanical issues (non working screen, keyboard, and battery) to iTunes on a new computer. The hard drive, issue free, was placed in external drive enclosure. This was a cost effective way instead of dumping lots of money in an outdated old laptop while I can invest it into a new laptop. How do I recover iTunes?
I'm switching from a 3G phone to a blank 4GS in the process. I would like to have everything that was on my 3G phone and iTunes on my new phone and computer.
Thanks

iTunes: How to move [or copy] your music [library] to a new computer [or another drive] - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527
Quick answer if you use iTunes' default preferences settings: Copy the entire iTunes folder (and in doing so all its subfolders and files) intact to the other drive. Open iTunes and immediately hold down the Option (alt) key (shift on Windows), then guide it to the new location of the library.
Windows users see tip at: https://discussions.apple.com/message/18879381

My laptop recently crashed and is unsalvagable with my itunes library on it. My ipod touch has all of my music still on it. Is there a way that I can put the songs on my ipod onto itunes on my new computer??

My laptop recently crashed and is unsalvageable with my itunes library on it. My ipod still has all of my music still on it.
Is there a way that I can put the songs on my ipod onto itunes on my new computer without loosing them or having to buy them all over again?

Syncing to a new iTunes library or computer will erase your ipod. Only if you back up your iPod manually before syncing, you can restore your device from that backup again. A manual backup does not include the sync process.
Disable autosync in iTunes, connect your iPod to your new computer and right click on it in the device list and choose backup. iTunes will backup your ipod without syncing.
Transfer your purchases the same way, choosing "transfer purchases" this time.
When you connect your iPod for the first time, all media content will be erased. But you can restore your settings and app data from your manual backup afterwards.
Don't forget to set up at least one contact and event on your new computer to be able to merge calendars and contacts when you sync the ipod for the first time.
Music is one way only, from the computer to your device, unless you bought the songs in itunes and transferred your purchases.
There is 3rd party software out there, but not supported by Apple, see this thread:http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2013615&tstart=0
About backups and what's saved: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4946
How to back up and restore:http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1414
How to download apps for free again:http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2519
Saving other data is also described here. How to back up your data and set up as a new device

I am interested in purchasing a new PC and wanted to transfer all of the music on my Itunes onto my new computer's Itunes the easiest was possible. Any suggestions?

I am interested in purchasing a new PC and wanted to transfer all of the music on my Itunes onto my new computer's Itunes the easiest was possible. Any suggestions?

These are two possible approaches that should work to move the existing library to the new laptop.
Method 1
Backup the library with this User Tip.
Restore the backup to your new computer using the same tool used to back it up.
Deauthorize the old computer if you no longer want to access protected content on it.
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 are reload.
I'd recommend method 1 since it establishes an ongoing backup for your library.
Should you be in the unfortunate position where you are no longer able to access your library or a backup of it then see Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device.
tt2

I am getting the message "The windows installer Service could not be accessed when trying to install Itunes on my new computer, any help would be appreciated.

I am getting the message "The windows installer Service could not be accessed when trying to install Itunes on my new computer, any help would be appreciated.

Hey there Frank0619,
If you have not been able to install iTunes because the Windows Installer service is not available, I would recommend the troubleshooting in the following troubleshooting to help.
Issues installing iTunes for Windows
These in particular:
Make sure you have an administrator account.
To install iTunes, you'll need to log in to your computer with an administrator password. If you're not sure if you have an administrator account, read Windows 7: How do I log on as an administrator? You could also refer to your computer's help system, contact your IT department, or visit support.microsoft.com for assistance.
Install the latest Microsoft Windows updates.
To download the latest updates, visit the Microsoft Windows Update website. iTunes for Windows requires Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8 with the latest Service Pack installed. If you can’t install the updates, refer to your computer's help system, contact your IT department, or visit support.microsoft.com for assistance.
Download the latest version of iTunes.
The latest version of iTunes can be downloaded at http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/.
Disable conflicting software.
Some Windows background processes can cause issues for other programs and processes. These conflicts can prevent applications, such as iTunes, from installing. Disable conflicting processes by starting your computer using MSConfig:
Using Msconfig to troubleshoot conflicts in Windows XP
Using Msconfig to troubleshoot conflicts in Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
Some security software made by other companies can't be disabled using MSConfig. If you've installed security software and you're having issues installing iTunes or QuickTime for Windows, you might need to disable or uninstall security software to resolve installation issues.
Restart your computer.
Install iTunes.
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
All the best,
Sterling

I have downloaded the most recent itunes on my new computer with windows 8 but a message pops up saying "the itunes library.itl file is locked, on a locked disk or you do not have write permission for this file. How do I fix?

I have downloaded the most recent itunes on my new computer with windows 8 but when I attempt to get in I get this message "The itunes library.itl file is locked, ona locked disk, or you do not have write permission for this file." How do i fix this?

Repair iTunes Security Permissions
Right-click on your main iTunes folder and click Properties, then go to the Securitytab and click Advanced. Use the Change Permissions... button grant to your account (or the Users group) and SYSTEM full control of this folder, subfolders and files, then tick the option to Replace permissions entries... which will repair permissions throughout the library. When complete switch to the General tab, click in the Read-only check box to clear it, then click Apply.
If you don't have the option to change the permissions then use the Owner tab and Edit... button to take ownership from an account with administrator privileges. Tick the option to Replace owner on subcontainers and objects.
Repeat with the media folder if it isn't stored inside the main iTunes folder.
If you've brought over the library from another computer you may also want to remove any "mystery" identities (S<string of dashes & digts>) that have come over from the old computer...
The images above are from Windows 7. Hopefully the system isn't too different in Windows 8.
tt2

My motherboard "fried" on my computer when the fan quit working. I cannot access my hard drive on my old computer. I just downloaded ITunes on my new computer; assumed it would pull all my playlists in under my Apple ID and password-no such luck. Help?

My motherboard "fried" on my computer when the fan quit working. I cannot access my hard drive on my old computer. I just downloaded ITunes on my new computer; assumed it would pull all my playlists in under my Apple ID and password-no such luck. Help Please?

If your external drive does not have an independent power supply, you may wish to consider a couple of lower-cost options before tossing the drive. Bus-powered drives have no external power source and must get all their power from the computer. They can exceed the computer's USB energy budget.
Cheapest option:
1 Meter USB 2.0 A to 5 Pin Mini B Cable - Auxiliary USB "Y" Power Design for external hard drives.
This gets power from two of the computers USB porst sna can provide enough power to wake up an under-performaing bus-powered drive.
If you don't have enough ports to use this, try the next cheapest option:
Newer Technology 7 Port Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Hub with Power Adapter for Mac & PC
Such a hub has a an independent power supply to make up for wahat the comptuer fails to provide.

HT4527 I transeferred my itunes to a new computer via external hard drive, however over 4000 plus songs have a ! mark beside it and they cannt be played as itunes states that the location can not be found. how do i fix this so all my music can be played.

Hi
I recently moved my itunes to a new computer by using a external hard drive.
However my itunes music is not all playable. over 4000 songs have a ! mark and when tried to be played or copied to ipod or iphone, it says that this song cannot be found and asks to locate it.
How do i fix this problem so that all my songs are available in itunes

It is probably best to start over. 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. If you don't have any Apple devices then see HT2519 - Downloading past purchases from the App Store, iBookstore, and iTunes Store.
tt2

TS2972 How do you move your music within itunes from your regular library to the homeshares library so that you can import it to your new computer?

How do you move your music within itunes from your regular library to the homeshares library so that you can import it to your new computer?

You do not have to move it as such. Here are the steps to setup HomeSharing
1) Ctrl B to turn on the top menu
2) File > Home Sharing > Create Home Share enter your apple id and password, click create
3) repeat steps 1 and 2 for the other computer and create home share using the same apple id and password
On your new machine if you have turned on the left hand sidebar the Shared Library should be about halfway down like this.
Select the songs you want and click import at the bottom right. If you want all songs then I would select one song nad Ctrl A to select all
Finally if you have a lot of songs to transfer Switch off the wifi on the old computer. Leave the wifi on the new one. Connect with an ehternet network cable. The copying speed is way faster.
Click import and grab a coffee

I've just downloaded itunes on a new computer, and I'm downloading music from the cloud, but it seems to stick on certain songs and won't download them at all, stopping at a certain point. How do I get round this?

Hi all,
I've just downloaded itunes onto a new computer, and I'm currently downloading previously owned music from the cloud. However, it keeps sticking on various songs - it will get part of the way through and just stop, this seems to happen to about 1 in 10 songs. How do I get round this?
Also, once I've finished dowloading from the cloud, how do I get my library to display only the songs I've downloaded, and not all the other ones that I don't want anymore?
Cheers, Alex

On the new laptop, launch iTunes. From the menu bar click Store / Authorize This Computer.
iTunes Store: Transferring purchases from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to a computer

My computer died rather rapidly so i had no chance to do a backup or anything. now i want to put itunes on my new computer but it will not sync with my ipod. i got my purchased music but not the playlists and it does not sync when i plug it in.

my computer hard drive died rather suddenly so i had no chance to do a back up or any thing. i put itunes on my new computer and got my purchased music but my ipod will not sync and i cannot get my playlists onto the computer. is there any way to get my playlists on my new computer and also get my ipod to sync. it is a waste of time to purchase new music and i do not want to purchase a new ipod since i have so much memory left on this one.

Thank you all for your replies. Here is what i ended up doing. I cannot afford any 3rd party software so i went to itunes and manually entered all my playlists. As I had indicated my purchased music was on my new computer just not the playlists and I could not sync my ipod. After I rebuilt all my playlists I tried to restore my ipod to factory defaults/new. All of the steps called for in apple support and elsewhere were not available to me. I connected my ipod, went to my computer, right clicked my ipod, and formatted. That wiped my ipod so when I connected to itunes it then gave me a restore option. I did the restore and all is good in the empire again. I can now buy new music and sync my ipod so I am a happy camper.
Thanks to all.

When i try to install iTunes onto my new computer, it says ""installation pkg could not be opened. Verify that this pkg exists and that you can access it, or contact the application vendor to verify that this is a valid Windows Installer pkg."

When I try to install iTunes onto my new computer, it says "This installation package could not be opened. Verify that this package exists and that you can access it or contact the application vendor to verify to verify that this is a valid Windows Installer package." I can save iTunes onto my computer, but when I click run, this is the message that appears. How do I get this thing installed?

Hello annesmith1954,
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
You can use the information in the following article to troubleshoot your installation issues with installing iTunes on your PC.
"Could not open key" message when installing iTunes or Apple components for Windows
Regards,
Jeff D.

I had to upload itunes on a new computer and after the iphone was updated my music was not on my phone and i don't see any music on my itunes any suggestions

I had to upload itunes on a new computer and after the iphone was updated my music was not on my phone and i don't see any music on my itunes any suggestions

iTunes- How to move your music to a new computer
Syncing to a "New" Computer or replacing a "crashed" Hard Drive

I'm in the process of switching computers. Is it necessary for me to back up my itunes music library somehow, or will my library come up when I install itunes on my new computer?

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