Keeping itunes files on 2 external drives?

i keep my itunes files on an external hard drive right now, i just got a 500gb external drive to back up all my files. how can i keep my current drive as a primary drive for itunes to load up to and also have the files copied into the new drive as a backup all the time? i want all files current and if i change info on a song or album it will upgrade on both drives. how can i backup all my itunes files onto the new hard drive and still have it be recognized by itunes.

Here is what I do if it will assist you.
The iTunes folder is in the My Documents-Music folder.
I copied the whole iTunes folder to an external hard drive as a backup. When I download a new song, movie, upload a new movie from a DVD movie, etc. I copy this song, movie, etc. to the external hard drive and then copy the iTunes Music Database file and iTunes Music Library file over.
So, when I make a change I copy the file over and move the two; iTunes database and library file over.
It works. I have restored to 6 installs already and everything is there in place. I dont have to do anything.
(Oh, dont forget to deauthorize the computer when formatting the computer)
It looks like this is what you are doing.
I have 375GB of iTunes data and am converting all my 300 DVDs to MP4 and uploading into iTunes. Love watching movies on my iPhone. No one bothers me . You cant make DVDs with this much data so an external 500GB+ hard drive is needed. The first move is long, but moving additional files over is pretty quick.
Also as a 3rd backup my iTunes folder is also on my work computer. It takes longer to move changes over...Primary iTunes folder to external drive. Take external drive to work someday and move the files there. Done.
Message was edited by: Wizarc
Message was edited by: Wizarc

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