ITunes Library relocation issue

I have to take my iMac in for service and it may be gone for a week. My iTunes Library is on an external drive. It is basically my only source for TV and movies.
A week without TV is an awful prospect.
I tried hooking up my MacBook Air to the external HD with the iTunes Library. Held down the option key while opening iTunes, chose the iTunes library I always use with my iMac and got the message that I could not use that library because an itunes library file is missing.
Does each computer have a different itunes library file that needs to be included with the library in order to use it? I know you have to be sure to move that file when you move the library but I didn't realize that one Library wouldn't "just work" with another computer.
What do I need to do?

Some info here...
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1451
If the external HD just contains your iTunes Media folder (where the actual songs/movies are stored) then you don't have any of the library files until you get your iMac back. By default, these live in the iTunes folder in your iMac's music folder, regardless of where the actual media files are located.
But if that's the case I'm not sure how you did this...
Held down the option key while opening iTunes, chose the iTunes library I always use with my iMac
For iTunes to even attempt to open a library, there has to be an ITunes Library.itl file there, which would not be in your ITunes Media folder.
A quick fix would be to drop the whole media folder from the external HD on to the iTunes on the MacBook and let it import everything. Before you do that make sure the option to copy music files to the iTunes Media folder is NOT ticked in Preferences/Advanced.

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ITunes Library Relocation Issues

My iMac was acting a bit funny, so i backed up everything i needed on two separate external drives. I copied and pasted my entire iTunes folder with library files and everything, then trashed the itunes folder on my local drive. Now I would like to start accessing my iTunes library solely from the external drive to leave room on my local drive.
For some reason, whenever i locate my media, it creates a second itunes folder on my local drive in my "Music" folder. how can i stop this from happening?
also, it doesnt seem to have retained my play counts.
i realize after some research that this is not the suggested way to relocate and entire itunes library, but it seemed logical.
I'm running iTunes 10.5.2 on Mac OS X 10.5.8
any suggestions?

Welcome to AD!
Try these directions, even though the article title is about something different.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1967

New computer / itunes library possible issues

I'm about ready to transfer my itunes library/songs to my new laptop. I've scanned the forums to find out the obvious stuff, so now I have a few additional questions.
First, my current condition. All of my music (8000+ tracks) is sitting in an external hard drive. The latest library files have been burned on a CD, and I haven't plugged in my ipod since. My new laptop has itunes 8 loaded, nothing else. Conventional wisdom tells me that all I need to do is load the library files, then plug in and transfer the song files, and then my music, playlists, play counts, etc should be fine.
Here's my concern: my old desktop (where my itunes library resided) was too wimpy to handle all the GBs of my collection, so the library is programmed to look for song files directly on my external hard drive. Will this be an issue? Further; I have less than 1000 songs originally loaded on the desktop itself, and even though all those songs are on the external hard drive, I believe itunes is still pulling from the desktop drive (I know this because if the hard drive is not connected, itunes can still play these few tracks and no more; I didn't have the nerve to delete these tracks to test further).
Whatever the solution, I would like to keep all my play counts, but if that is not feasible, I can live with it (its the music, not the stats that matter, eh?).
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OK, I finally made the plunge, with 95% success (more on that later).
First, I ran with the assumption that I had consolidated my files on the external hard drive long ago (back when I started using the external) and that I didn't need to do it again.
I assumed this based on two things. One; when I temporarily changed the internal drive folder name, the files still played via the external and didn't play at all when the external was unplugged. Two; I found a post on another message board that said that if itunes cannot find it's programmed path, it'll go with the default itunes path.
Anyway, the following steps I took were successful:
I had downloaded v8 on the old computer to match with the new.
I copied both itunes library files onto my external drive.
I made sure that the external drive was F: for both computers. (a step I found on another discussion board)
I copied the library files over the blank library files of the new laptop.
Then I set my itunes preferences to organize files.
Then I consolidated my library to the new compter's drive as my means to download from the external (something that I also found explicitely on another message board).
So, everything seemed to work, except that those files that I had originally loaded on the old computer's drive never transferred from the external to the new computer. This only represents a fraction of my music, so I'm mostly relieved that the system works. I realize had I consolidated the first time, as I was instructed, I wouldn't have this problem (so much for being ultra careful, but still making an assumption leading to a shortcut leading to a 'd'oh!' moment).
I'll start a new thread later on ideas on how to move over the remaining music without messing up what's already there. But at least this finishes the thread on moving from an external to a new computer. Thanks!

Large iTunes Library Streaming Issues

I left sync on and it filled up the 40GB drive with about 7,000 of my songs.
I then went to the sources in Apple TV and selected my iTunes library for streaming. The screen displays:
Loading "iTunes Library" and the spinning icon shows for about five minutes. My screen then goes blank, and the AppleTV resets itself. When it comes back on it asks me for my language choice, and then asks if I want to recover my AppleTV, continue, or reset to Factory settings.
I have tried this a few times with the same results each time. Any help is very much appreciated.
Hardware - Apple TV, Mac Mini, 500gb external drive with music and movies
Network - Linksys cable modem and switch with a wired connection to the Apple TV.

Well the journey continues. I "factory reset" my Apple TV last night after another unsuccessful attempt to stream my music through Apple TV. It can see my iTunes Library under "sources." It says that it is loading and then after six minutes or so (I timed it) it restarts the box and presents me to select my language preference as it did when I initially installed the AppleTV. Once I do this it gives me three choices. I can "Restart" or "Restore Factory Defaults" or "Recover". If you chose "Restart" the machine reboots again. If I try and stream again, six minutes later I am asked what Language I want. If I try recover, it tests the system and says everything is good. I decided to perform a Factory Reset, and this did not work either.
I have a large iTunes Music Library, and have been using it successfully streaming through Elgato's EyeHome product for a couple years. We have had issues with new software updates, but they were very quick to provide solutions.
HERE IS WHERE I AM CURRENTLY AT:
I went to my computer, turned off iTunes, went to my iTunes folder and copied all of the files from the iTunes directory (remember my music is on an external drive) to a folder in another location. I was surpried to see my iTunes.xml file was over 150mb in size. I then restarted iTunes and of course had no music in it. I am now importing my file library in again to see if it helps. Maybe I has a corrupt iTunes file.
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ITunes Library Deletion Issue

Hi, thanks in advance for the help.
I am running iTunes on a PC with windows XP Pro. I have my library stored on my external hard drive, as it is too large for my internal.
The problem is that, about 30 minutes ago, I unplugged my external, and then replugged it back in a few minutes later. This is something I do on a regular basis, as it is how I usually move my data around the house.
However, once my PC had gone through it's usual auto-read of the external, when I opened iTunes, my library was no longer there. This is incredibly frustrating, as I had just spent several hours customizing "My Top Rated" and other play lists. There doesn't seem to be any reason for this malfunction whatsoever, and I would like to know what can be done to resolve the issue.
Thanks again

ed2345, I misspoke. I should have said I have already placed a duplicate copy of the files on the external drive (the original files are still in place) and repointed my media files location to the external drive. what I'm trying to do is basically re-point my current itunes library to the files on the external drive as opposed to the files on the internal drive. When I try to organize my library, itunes freezes. When I try to consolidate my library (which is what I thought was supposed to help accomplish this) itunes freezes.
I'm working with about 45 GB of music files, and I don't know if the size is what is causing iTunes to crash, or if it is something else. Sorry for the confusion.

ITunes Library relocation from mac to windows

Hi All,
So my 3 year old iMac G5 died about a week ago (failed logic board). I wanted to know if i can relocate my itunes library to my windows machine. Now, i've copied the entire library to the win-doze and did the "new library" feature by holding the shift button on itunes start up. I've also opened the XML file with a text editor and changed all the old "Mac" directory addresses to match the new library location. Now this worked for about 90% of the 70GBs of music but i've notice that some songs are missing. I guess i'm looking for a cleaner way of doing this. Thanks

See the following: Macworld - How to transfer iTunes libraries between PC and Mac and Geek to Live- How to move an iTunes library from a PC to Mac (and back).

Itunes library.itl issue

Hi there,
At the moment, i'm getting a message where it tells me that it can't find the itunes library.itl, and has replaced it with a file called "Itunes Library(Damaged).itl.
I'm very frustrated and annoyed at the moment, as all my ratings are gone, but luckily not my store purchased songs.
Itunes has re-arranged everything in my library, and set it to view the albums, not the artist (i'm still yet to figure this out!)... I was using Itunes yesterday and no funny bussiness went on, but today - this morning - I turn on itunes and that message appears.
BEFORE ANYONE ASKS!: I have gone into the previous Itunes Library folder, and unfortunately my last Itunes library file is from September 2009. I am devastated and I really, really hope anyone can help me.
Accepting any help at all. (Itunes 9.0.2.5)

Try this http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302398

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I have recently lost my playlists and part of my iTunes library on windows, however in iCloud my complete collection and playlists appear. Is there any way to sync my itunes from the up to date content currently sitting in iCloud?

Hello Tosh_1968,
It sounds like you have iTunes Match items that you would like to download to your computer.
First go to your Songs view and click Edit in the menu bar, and choose Select All. You may have to enable the menu bar on your PC:
To turn on iTunes menus in Windows 8 or 7, do one of the following:
Press the Alt key.
This will turn the menus on and off temporarily. This will change back to the default, the iTunes menus being turned off, when you next close iTunes.
From: iTunes: Turning on iTunes menus in Windows 8 and 7
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5610
Then Right click any one of the highlighted songs and choose Download.
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
All the very best,
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I am trying to consolidate my iTunes library to an external drive, but every time I try to run the "Consolidate Library" function iTunes freezes up. I have already migrated the media files over to the external drive, but need iTunes to recognize that they are located at that location as opposed to where they originally were. Does anyone know a way that this can be done piece-meal or if there's an alternative way to relocate an entire iTunes library?
Thanks in advance.

ed2345, I misspoke. I should have said I have already placed a duplicate copy of the files on the external drive (the original files are still in place) and repointed my media files location to the external drive. what I'm trying to do is basically re-point my current itunes library to the files on the external drive as opposed to the files on the internal drive. When I try to organize my library, itunes freezes. When I try to consolidate my library (which is what I thought was supposed to help accomplish this) itunes freezes.
I'm working with about 45 GB of music files, and I don't know if the size is what is causing iTunes to crash, or if it is something else. Sorry for the confusion.

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I just picked up the extreme so that I could use my external hd to store all of my music library. Unfortunately when playing, it is incredibly choppy, to the point to where I do not want to listen to the music. Now, let me note that when streaming internet stations, they play just fine. They actually sound better than my library. Is there anything I could do to get that great audio quality that used to come from my library when it was saved on my internal hd? Thanks.

Geoff,
If you could answer a couple of simple questions maybe either I or someone else could help you.
I am no genius here but how do you get from your computer and Extreme to either your stereo or powered speakers. As I said, I am no genius, but I don't think you can do that without using an Airport Express. I believe the Expresses are necessary to receive the signal from your Extreme and and transfer to the stereo or powered speakers. Apple TV is the only device that I know of here that can stream or sync music from your desktop or laptop without using an Airport Express.
I also have several external FireWire drives one of which houses my iTunes music and video library. I have synced this library with my Apple TV as I say below.
I have a system that consists of two desktops and two laptops. I have an Airport Extreme 802.11n base station, although I have no 802.11n capable equipment in my system and I have three Airport Expresses throughout my house that have JBL Creature powered speakers attached. I also have an Apple TV which has had my iTunes music library downloaded to it and I play it through my widescreen television.
The sound is incredible on all of my powered speakers as well as my widescreen. I've have never had a problem with sound quality. I am not a techno ace and use my system as simply as possible and only go forward with other capabilities once I have mastered the basics.
You did not say whether your external hard drive was wireless through the AEBS or hard wired to your computer. Because I keep things simple, I would not attempt to stream music from an Air Disk to any receiver in the system (Airport Express). There have been too many growing pains with Air Disk to start out with and then trying to stream music I believe will only complicate matters.
As I said, I have great sound quality in my system.

ITunes library backup issue

I recently wanted to backup my library to disk (update my backups) but apparently I no longer have that option, any ideas? Only thing I've done to my iTunes other than purchases is a recent software update.

Following recent changes in the terms and conditions of the store you can, in general, download music, apps and books to your authorized devices as often as you wish, with the proviso that the content has not been withdrawn from the store. Ideally you should still maintain a backup as suggested above as restoring this will be much easier/faster than downloading past purchases.
tt2

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What is going on?
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Hi Abigail,
Upgrade your Quicktime to the latest version.
You are not using up your authorizations so don't worry. When you get to the limit, you have the opportunity to de authorize all computers and you can then authorize just the computers you want again.
Lori

Some of the items in the itunes library were not copied to the ipad because they could not be found

Hi All, problem with my ipad mini. When trying to copy music over I get the following "some of the items in the itunes library were not copied to the ipad because they could not be found". I reset the ipad, as new, not a backup copy, and managed to rectify the problem, right until I downloaded IOS 6.1.3, now the problem is back and the previous solution does not work. The songs can be easily transferred to my ipad and iphone, so they are no problems with the itunes library.

The issue is in iTunes, not the iPad.
In the itunes music library go to the songs that you miss, rightclick and choose "show in Finder", that results in "not found" and you have the option to locate (and "connect" them), if they are gone from your computer, you will have to restore them from a backup or TM.

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This is a recent development. I have owned and operated two Apple TV's 2 now over two years without any issue till 2 weeks ago.
While both my Apple TV's connect to my ITunes Library without issue. Both ATV's are having considerable trouble buffering my home movie video collection as well as music on ITunes Library. It is taking upwards of 4 hours to buffer a movie currently.
I have restarted my Mac Mini, both ATV's, and rebooted my home network (router). I have shut down and restarted home sharing as well.
1. All other apps are working fine. Netflix no problem...
2. Wi-Fi Signal Strength is good.
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Hi Chilipistol,
Welcome to the Apple Support Communities!
It sounds to me like you are using Home Sharing to view content on your Apple TV, but the content is loading a lot slower than you would expect. In this situation, I would recommend reading over and working through the attached article, especially steps 4 and beyond.
Troubleshooting Home Sharing - Apple Support
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ITunes Library/Network problem

My boss has a laptop and a work desktop PC. He previously had iTunes on both the laptop and the desktop, but it created a bunch of problems, so we eventually erased iTunes from his desktop altogether. He now wishes to only use iTunes on his laptop, and not have it connected to the network at all.
His iTunes files had been stored in my "My Music" folder, which would sync with the network whenever he accessed the network from his laptop. So, I set the iTunes preferences to instead use a folder on his C drive (which does not sync with the network.) For some reason, the "iTunes Library" file (not the actual song files) remains in the "My Music" folder. If I move or delete this file, it is automatically recreated when you reopen iTunes, only now the iTunes shows no music. (The music files remain intact, but I have to use the File:Add Folder to Library to put the music back in iTunes.)
This seemed to be working fine for a week or two, but this weekend he opened his iTunes and it showed he had no music. (I used the File:Add Folder... function to put the music back in iTunes.) He is NOT tech oriented, but he says he didn't do anything that should have caused this to happen. I'm guessing that this has something to do with the "iTunes Library" file issue. Any idea how I can tell iTunes where to put this file?

Make a folder outside of the user-specific path. Such as, C:Music. Drag the ITL file over in to that.
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http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=iTunesWin/8.0/en/15502.html

ITunes Library relocation issue

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