ITunes library transfers imperfectly from Windows 7 computer to iPad2

Hi. At my wit's end here... I have a pristine iTunes music collection on my Windows 7 laptop (no duplicate albums, all album artwork displayed, yada, yada..) but when I sync it with my iPad 2, I get duplicate albums with content split between the two, albums out of order, etc? Is there a way to have both libraries look identical? Thanks in advance for your help...

See here for
Move iTunes Library from PC to MAC
http://www.macworld.com/article/146958/2010/03/move_itunes_windows_mac.html
Backup iTunes to an External Drive
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1751
Download Past Purchases
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2519

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How can I transfer my iTunes library and playlists from one computer to another?

How can I transfer my iTunes library and playlists from one computer to another?

Copy the iTunes folder (Mac: Home\Music or PC: My Music) to the same location on the new computer. If an iTunes folder already exists on the new computer (it will on a Mac) replace it with one you copied.

Itunes Library was erased from my computer -Ipod synced and HELP!

Sorry - I am a brand newbie to iPod.
I recently got my 'pod. I loaded it up with a zillion mp3 files, and more, including videos I coverted from my Dvds and some videos I bought through iTunes.
All was well for weeks.
THEN - my computer crashed, and my computer tanked, taking my itunes library with it. After getting the computer going again, I reinstalled itunes.
I had the mp3s backed up (most of them anyway) on disks. I loaded some of them back into the library, and tried to sync. First thing - my ipod HAD been named "Kerin's ipo"
Now it just showed as a drive letter "E". I loaded some files in the library, and synced. My ipod is set to manually update. I don't know how it happened, but it seems to have uploaded the new library control files or something?
This is the thing - the ipod still shows pretty "full." I had 25 gigs of teh 30 gigs free. It still showed only 5 gigs free.
When I show the "hidden" files, and look in the music directory, I see LOTS of files - but they all have funky names like XYZAV.mp3. When my mouse hovers over them, they show info that tells me the 'real' name of the file, such as "get info" might include. But the files are in no logical order. The videos are all mixed in and songs from one playlist or album are scattered over all the many folders.
Further, the new files don't seem to be actually in there. I DID see all the new files in the music and song list - but they wouldn't play - when I went to song view and started to play, it just loaded all the song names one after the other, but never played a note.
After erasing all the (i was afraid corrupt) music files and syncing again, the song folder is now empty again.
However - as mentioned before, the properties in My Computer list the ipod as nearly full still.
My questions:
a) how do I rename my ipod (not even sure how i did it - had something to do with the first time I connected the ipod to itunes?). I don't want it named "E" I want Kerin's iPo back. When I connect it as a disk, btw, it is still named that. But in iTunes it just shows as "E".
b) How do I get to view my old directory structure and songs again? they are obviously still there!
c) I have software (I've tried two diiferent ones - which both seemed to work ok before all this happened - Share Pod and another) which would let me get my unprotected songs BACK off the ipod, if only I could see the old directory from my ipod! But right now, neither of the programs seem to see the files that are clearly there and playable in the hidden folders. How do I get these files visible to the sharepod software? I assume this means I need a directory file or something for them to work from?
Can anyone help me sort this all out? I am not sure where to start, even for so simple a thing as making my ipod name show up again, and why won't it play the new files, let alone, why does it still show completely full?
If it were empty, I guess I could start from scratch - but there are things not backed up anywhere else yet, that I'd REALLY like to have back before I try completely brainwashing the pod and starting from ground zero. Also, I spent a LOT of time loading 25 gigs of stuff on there - I'd rather not have to do that all again - if there is some way to recover what is on there already, I'd love that option.
Please help!
Thanks in advance to all the marvelous people who help each other here. I have been reading through these forums for hours and don't see answers to this situation - maybe it's so obvious, that's why no one has bothered - but I didn't see it in the online manuals, or here in the forums... maybe i'm searching in the wrong place? If someone can direct me to answers, I'll be MOST grateful!
PS: I'm not computer illiterate - just ipod dumb! Just got this darn thingie!
Kerin
PC Windows XP Pro Vallejo, CA

a) See: How to rename your iPod.
b & c) If you can still the view hidden files, see this Music from iPod to computer.
"I see LOTS of files - but they all have funky names like XYZAV.mp3"
That's normal. When those files are back in iTunes they'll have the correct names.
Once the files are back to your computer (and only then), you should restore your iPod. It would appear that the hard drive has become corrupt and unreadable.

Can I transfer itunes library to mac from Windows PC via Home Sharing?

I'm trying to transfer my itunes library from my Windows PC to my Macbook via Home Sharing. I followed all the steps in the KB and everything was looking fine, but I can't get the import button to enable, if there something that won't allow this from a Windows PC?

Yes, no. You can transfer your media files with Home Sharing but your library is more than media files. It's your playlists, ratings, playcount, etc. To transfer that:
iTunes: How to move [or copy] your music [library] to a new computer [or another drive] - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527 - a somewhat bewildering and not always easily understandable set of options.
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 iTunes Library.itl file in the moved iTunes folder.
For the record there's this reference for iTunes 11 but it really doesn't strike me as having the specifics you need. iTunes 11 for Mac: Move your library to another computer - http://support.apple.com/kb/PH12168
Windows users see tip at: https://discussions.apple.com/message/18879381
If you put it in the default location of Macintosh HD > Users > *User Name* > Music then you don't even need to start with the option key held down, iTunes will automatically look for it there. (Make sure there isn't anything already in the iTunes folder there that you want to keep since you will be replacing it with the one you are moving.)

I have moved my iTunes library to a new Windows 7 PC and cannot transfer music from the new iTunes PC to my iPhone. The iPhone only accepts transfers from the original iTunes PC.

I have moved my iTunes library to a new Windows 7 PC and cannot transfer music from the new iTunes PC to my iPhone 4S. The iPhone will only accept music transfers from the original iTunes PC. I have come to understand that an iPhone can have only one "daddy" iTunes PC, but have not been able to find out how to change the "daddy". I have done a backup of the iPhone, and a "Restore to Original Settings". Then I restored the content using the new iTunes PC. My Apps and contacts, etc. are back on the iPhone, but it still won't accept music from the new iTunes PC.

What happens when you try to sync the iphone to the new computer?

I have an old iPod Classic with 80 GB (I think) of space. I saved all my songs in an external hard drive, but the iTunes library resided in an old computer (no longer working). Can I get the libray from my iPod and use it in my new computer (Windows)?

I have an old iPod Classic with 80 GB (I think) of space. I saved all my songs in an external hard drive, but the iTunes library resided in an old computer (no longer working). Can I get the library from my iPod and use it in my new computer (Windows)?

You might want to check your process for moving your iTunes music against this: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527.

I have tried and failed to copy my iTunes library and playlists from my Windows 8 desktop to my Windows 7 laptop using an external hard drive. Can it be done? Help would be appreciated.

I have tried and failed to copy my iTunes library and playlists from my Windows 8 desktop to my Windows 7 laptop using an external hard drive. Can it be done? Help would be appreciated. I have followed instructions found online but the library of music doesn't pull in. Thanks!
Nate

Migrate an iTunes library from one computer to another
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 entireiTunes 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, with ratings, play counts, playlists etc. preserved. 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 normally recommend method 1 since it establishes an ongoing backup for your library and unlike copying with Windows Explorer the process can be resumed if it is interrupted and it will continue to the next item if there are any read/access errors.
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

Neither my ipad or ipod are being recognized by itunes so i can't transfer songs from itunes playlists to the two devices. this is new, as far as a week ago i transferred music from the computer to the ipod. can anyone help?

neither my ipad or ipod are being recognized by itunes so i can't transfer songs from itunes playlists to the two devices. this is new, as far as a week ago i transferred music from the computer to the ipod. can anyone help?

Hey lightc,
If you are having an issue with iTunes not recognizing your iPad and iPod on your Windows computer, I would suggest that you troubleshoot using the steps in this article -
iPhone, iPad, or iPod not recognized in iTunes for Windows
Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.
Happy computing,
Brett L

How do i transfer my music library and playlist from old computer to new computer with windows 7

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Type "move itunes library" into the google search bar.

My daughter's itunes library is on a computer that now has a broken usb. can she view her library and download from my computer? is so, how?

my daughter's itunes library is on a computer that now has a broken usb port. can she view her library and download from my computer? is so, how?

If you set up Home Sharing and are on the same network you can share your library. However you must be using the same itunes account. Another option (if you are trying to download to a device) would be to sync over Wi-Fi. I hhope this helps a bit. If you let me know what you are trying to accomplish I may be able to give a better answer

How can I export songs from my itunes library,stored on a Windows 7 PC to iCloud

How can I export songs from my itunes library,stored on a Windows 7 PC to iCloud

Please see this:
Scott P.: Does iTunes support non-iPod devices?

I just purchased itunes but not all the songs in my library transferred to my second computer. What can be done?, I just purchased itunes but not all the songs in my library transferred to my second computer. What can be done?

I just purchased itunes but not all the songs in my library transferred to my second computer. What can be done?, I just purchased itunes but not all the songs in my library transferred to my second computer. What can be done?

I'm sorry but I don't understand your question. iTunes the software is a free download. Do you mean you bought a subscription to iTunes Match? If so, what do you mean that your music did not transfer to your second computer. Please describe the issue in as much detail as possible so we can better help you.

I just received a new computer, a Windows 7. I thought all my music in iTunes was kept separate from my computer

I just received a new Windows 7 computer. I thought all my music in iTunes was kept separate from my computer and that when I installed iTunes into my new computer, that I'd again have access to the songs I'd purchased simply by entering my name and password. Not so. I can get to the store, type in my name & password, but there's no music there. What can I do?

" I thought all my music in iTunes was kept separate from my computer and that when I installed iTunes into my new computer, that I'd again have access to the songs I'd purchased simply by entering my name and password. "
You thought completely wrong.
Your music will ONLY be where you put it. You purchase ONE download only. Just as when you buy a cd from the store, you have to move/copy it wherever you want it. Your music will not magically appear anywhere.
You need to copy your music from your old computer, or your backup copy of your old computer to the new one.

How to make an app deleted from iTunes library be deleted from all the iOS devices synced with this library?

Hello!
I have 3 iOS devices synced with iTunes apps library (OS X 10.10.2)
Can someone tell me how to make not only added but deleted apps be synced also? I mean I want an app deleted in iTunes library be deleted from any iOS devices synced with this library.

But it was working some time before! What and when has changed?
There was even a warning popup window something about "this application will be deleted from all the devices synced with this library"
Now there's opposite message - "This application will not be deleted from any device syncing with this account". Isn't it some kind of clue that there can be conrarily circumstances - when application IS deleted from ANY device synced with this computer?

If I remove itunes and its drivers from my computer, as recommended by someone at the Apple store for a problem I'm having, I know my music will come back, but will my playlists still be there as they are now?

If I remove itunes and its drivers from my computer, as recommended by someone at the Apple store for a problem I'm having, I know my music will come back, but will my playlists still be there as they are now? I forgot to ask.

For general advice see Troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Windows updates.
The steps in the second box are a guide to removing everything related to iTunes and then rebuilding it which is often a good starting point unless the symptoms indicate a more specific approach. Review the other boxes and the list of support documents further down the page in case one of them applies.
Your library should be unaffected by these steps but there is backup and recovery advice elsewhere in the user tip.
tt2

ITunes library transfers imperfectly from Windows 7 computer to iPad2

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