Migrating iTunes (Win XP) to a New Computer (Win 7)

I have an extensive iTunes library on my old Windows XP computer and would like to migrate this library to a new computer with Windows 7. I have searched the Apple site and read most of the related articles, but I'm not certain I completely understand all the steps required to do this properly.
I think I understand that I need to authorize the new computer. When do I do this? First or after the library is moved?
What about moving the files? Do I just copy them to the new machine? If so, do I do this before or after install iTunes on the new machine?
Is it easier just to sync my phone with the new computer?
Thanks in advance for your assistance.

It depends a little on whether the library is all in one place or has been split so that the library files are in one location and the media folder is in another. We'll assume the easy option for now but if I'm wrong just holler and I'll write up the extra steps... (Precise details of existing folder paths will make it easier to write clear instructions)
On the XP box use *File > Library > Organise Library > Consolidate Files* to make sure all your files are in the correct set of folders.
Now use *File > Library > Organise Library > Rearrange files in the folder iTunes Music (Media)* to reorganise the files in the newer layout. If the option is greyed out you've already done this.
If your *iTunes Media* folder is called *iTunes Music* (old school) then close iTunes, rename the folder *iTunes Music* as *iTunes Media* then start iTunes. Check everything still plays. Now your library is properly portable.
If you've already installed iTunes on the Windows 7 machine throw away the empty iTunes folder from inside Music.
Copy the iTunes folder & all its subfolders from the XP box to the Music folder on the Win 7 box.
Install iTunes if you haven't done so already.
Start iTunes.
Enjoy your tunes.
tt2

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How do I transfer my itunes music library to my new computer

How do I transfer my itunes music library to my new computer (not a mac owner)?

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.
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HT1692 Have recently installed itunes and outlook on a new computer. Have multiple email accounts set up in Outlook tho only use contacts and calendar in relation to one of these. Cannot sync itunes with the correct contacts and calendars, Help!

My new computer is 64-bit running Windows 7 pro, SP1 and Microsoft Office 2010 Pro Plus 32-bit
My phone is a 4S runing iOS 6.1.3
Very frustrated now that I have recently installed itunes and outlook on this new computer. Everything worked perfectly ok on my laptop which was also 64-bit Windows 7 and running 32-bit Microsoft Office 2010 Pro. I have multiple email accounts set up in Outlook tho only use contacts and calendar in relation to one of these. Cannot sync itunes with the correct contacts and calendars, when I sync the calendar and contacts are empty. Not sure if there is any way to point itunes to particular address books and calendars.
I have installed and uninstalled itunes 3 times and thank goodness have a backup
Can anyone help please?
thanks in anticipation

I had my home computer set up to sync to work's Exchange server. It worked well, but I didn't like seeing work email messages and other programs trying to sync with my default Outlook folder, which was then the Exchange (& work related) .ost file. I know there are various ways to manage those problems using filters, view, subfolders, etc., but it was a hassle for me. I think it could work well for many other folks.
For now, I have published my work calendar and subscribed to that calendar on my home computer. So I have view only access to my calendar on my home computer (and I can add/edit calendar items on my iPad (or Outlook Web Access) when away from work). This is not quite what I wanted, but it may work.
It almost makes me long for the days when I used my Windows Mobile Treo to sync back and forth between exchange at work and outlook at home (but had many sync conflicts as a result).

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Thank you for your response. I have all of my files, etc. and am sitting here on the old computer. I just wasn't sure if I should simply save the iTunes program I am using or insall a new version.
After I get iTunes onto my new computer do I authorize the new computer before I plug in my IPod or after?
I'm sorry I didn't point out that I had all of my files available. For some reason, working with iTunes and my iPod make me nervous.
Thanks again.
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An itunes account is just a user name and password. You can use your account from any computer/device with itunes.
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I realise there have been a number of threads like this now that I have started looking, the problem is the back-ups i made were saved to a server network which has now also gone down, a case of dreadful luck really. Is there any other way to get the music back?
Regards

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When you moved iTunes to the new computer did you copy the whole iTunes folder or just the iTunes Music folder? If you only copied the music folder then you've left the library file behind and iTunes has created a new blank one. You'll get more information including the Folder/File structure in this article: What are the iTunes library files?
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Transferring iTunes music info onto a new computer

I know this question has been asked a zillion times:
I'm going to get a new computer. I want to transfer all my iTunes music info to the new computer.
I have about 4,000 songs. I've spent countless hours filling in what album each song comes from, what year released, album covers, etc.
How do I transfer this info to my new computer?
Someone please explain this to me step-by-step or send me a link to where I can get the info.

Don't confuse the _iTunes folder_ and the _iTunes music folder_.
1. Make sure external HDD is connected
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Correct.
3. Copy the old iTunes music folder in C:\docs & settings\ to the new computer
No.
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4.- Launch iTunes and immediately hold option to select existing library
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How do I get CD that I have loaded to my itunes to transfer to a new computer

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You setup Home Sharing between those computers and transfer it across
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pcabot
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Migrating iTunes (Win XP) to a New Computer (Win 7)

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