Moving iTunes library to new pc on Windows 8

Question

I have moved my library across using an external hard drive and following these instructions http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT4527
It still doesn't work and I get an error message saying "The iTunes Library.itl file cannot be found or created. The default location for this file is in the "i Tunes" folder in the "music" folder
But the iTunes library IS in that folder - see screenprint
Help!

Answer 1

Thanks.
So your current library folder is C:\Users\Sam\Music\iTunes your media folder is D:\iTunes, and your media folder appears to be in the old school layout.
To fix up your library first use the menu option File > Library > Organize Library... Tick both of the boxes Rearrange files and Consolidate files. This should ensure that any stray files linked to the library from say your desktop, are copied into the media folder, and the media folder transformed into the modern layout.
The only file you should see in D:\iTunes at this point is called .iTunes Preferences.plist. Please remove any other files present into say D:\Temp and check the iTunes still works properly. I suspect that at some point you either copied some of the iTunes installer files to this path, or tried to install the application on this drive instead of the system drive. The file dates suggest an older version than the one currently in use so that should not be an issue. The following unwanted folders may also be present and should be removed:
CD Configuration
iTunes.Resources
iTunes.Helper.Resources
Mozilla Plugins
Now close iTunes and copy the following items from C:\Users\Sam\Music\iTunes into D:\
Album Artwork (folder)
iTunes Library.itl
iTunes Library Extras.itdb
iTunes Library Genius.itdb
sentinel (hidden file, you can use options in Windows Explorer to show this)
Ignore the .xml file at this stage iTunes is going to make a new one with a slightly different name.
When all of the files have been copied across press and hold down shift as you launch iTunes. Keep holding until asked to choose or create a library. Click choose and browse to D:\iTunes Library.itl. iTunes should open normally and your library should function as before but now using a database file on the external drive.
Assuming all has gone well close iTunes and rename the folder D:\Itunes as D:\iTunes Media. For the sake of my OCD please observe the lower case i, and the capitals T and M. Start iTunes. iTunes should automatically adjust the path to the media folder under Edit > Preferences > Advanced to D:\iTunes Media.  If it has failed to do so please make that correction manually then close and reopen iTunes. Check that content still plays.
Close iTunes again. Create a new folder in D:\ called iTunes (again the lower case i and the capital T please). Now move the following items from D:\ down into D:\iTunes
Album Artwork (folder)
iTunes Media (folder)
iTunes Library.itl
iTunes Library.xml
iTunes Library Extras.itdb
iTunes Library Genius.itdb
sentinel
Launch iTunes. It will complain that the library is missing. Click choose, then browse to and open D\iTunes\iTunes Library.itl. Check that the media folder has automatically corrected itself to D:\iTunes\iTunes Media and that your media plays.
Congratulations. Your library is now fully portable. You can connect the drive to your new computer, delete the existing iTunes folder inside your user's music folder and copy in the one from this external drive.
I suggest you keep the two copies of the library in sync with the techniques in Backup your iTunes for Windows library with SyncToy.
Deauthorize the old computer if you no longer need to access protected media on it.
<Edit>
Ah, seems you've managed to get there without needing all of the steps, however if you have trouble getting content to play you may still need to do so, or you can adapt them to get your library fully portable and backed up for the future.
</Edit>
tt2