Moving ITunes off old computer back onto new computer

I imagine this question is not new and has been addressed, but I seem to find conflicting answers. I am getting a new computer. How do I move ITunes library off old computer on to new computer while keeping playlists intact? Can I copy the folder to an external hard drive, change media folder location in preferences to ext hard drive, install ITunes on new computer, move folder back, and change folder location back to new computer?

I can see where my response was wrong now, thanks for that
No worries here. Just want to make sure the correct way to do it gets pointed out.
When messing owth the files, users need to understand the differences between *iTunes library* and *iTunes media folder*.
iTunes library consists of everything in iTunes (iTunes folder and all media in iTunes, regardless of where it is located).
iTunes media folder is usually located inside the iTunes folder (doesn't need to be) but it can be welsewhere. Also, medcia files can be located anywhere and not necessarily inside the iTunes media folder location shown in iTunes prefs > Advanced.
The support article I referred to can be used to move the iTunes library to the external hard drive the OP referred to
Actually, the article you linked to moves only the *iTunes media folder* for use with the same iTunes library on the same computer. If you only copy the iTunes media folder to a new computer, iTunes will be empty.
It does not move any of the *iTunes library files*, which contain the playlists.
and then again from there to the new computer, which is what you are also suggesting
My suggestion copies the entire iTunes library (including playlists, artwork, ratings, etc.), and the iTunes media to a new location/computer and the iTunes will see it just like it was on old computer.

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In need of help to get music off my ipod back onto new computer

the problem i have is before i had chance to set my ipod up 2 get it ready to transfer my music to another comp the comp went caput.i have disk use enabled but now i have a new comp i cant get my music onto it as i couldnt set it up before my other comp bust. is there any way of ever getting my music back onto this new comp off my ipod.im using all updated software and stuff someone help please.

Check out the instructions/suggestions here.
Music from iPod to computer (using option 2).
There's also another method. I've successfully tested this across several different Windows PCs.
Open iTunes and select edit/preferences/advanced/general. Put a check mark in the box marked "copy files to iTunes music folder when adding to library" and also "keep iTunes music folder organized", then click 'ok'.
Connect the iPod whilst holding down the shift/ctrl keys to prevent any auto sync, and if you see the dialogue window asking if you want to sync to this itunes library, click 'no'.
Then go to file/add folder, open 'my computer', select your iPod and click 'ok'.
The music files should transfer to your iTunes.
If this doesn't work (and it may not because officially it's not supposed to), there's Yamipod. This is a free program that transfers music and playlists etc from iPod back to the computer. However, it does not transfer playcounts/ratings etc.
The above methods may depend on what version of iTunes you are running.
If none of these methods work, try CopyPod.
If you are using iTunes version 7 or later, then you can transfer purchased iTunes store music from the iPod to an authorized computer by using the "file/transfer purchases from iPod" menu. Note that the maximum of 5 authorized computers applies here.

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How do I get my itunes off my iphone and onto a computer so that I may transfer them to a new phone?

What do you mean get itunes off your phone? YOu don't do that.
Are you trying to transfer data from your old phone to your new phone?
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I copied the iTunes file from the external drive and it's in both places. I thought all I would need is the iTunes program (which I downloaded to new computer) and my iTunes library file. There must be something else that's missing. My iTunes library looks the same on the new computer as it does when I open it on the external drive. If I click on an iTunes library song from my new computer, it will only play if I have the external drive plugged in.
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I read his question the way I answered it.
If that is wrong then he can clarify his question.

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http://www.metaphoriclabs.com/articles/5-ways-to-copy-music-off-your-ipod-window s-mac-os-x/
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Hey Laceyane!
Here is an article that can help you move everything in iTunes from your old computer to the new one:
iTunes: How to move your music to a new computer
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4527
Thanks for coming to the Apple Support Communities!
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This got my apps and purchased songs onto the computer.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2200462
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Not long ago my computer got a virus and I needed to reconfigure it and what not. As I finished, I installed itunes and purchased quite a few videos and songs that are now in my library. My question is, how can I transfer the songs and videos on my ipod into my current itunes library without deleting the purchased items already in my library. So that when im done i will have the same songs on my ipod in my library, so then my ipod will be completely sync'd with the library and i will still have the new purchased items too. Thank you in advance for your feedback and support!
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Connect your iPod to your computer. If it is set to update automatically you'll get a message that it is linked to a different library and asking if you want to link to this one and replace all your songs etc, press "Cancel". Pressing "Erase and Sync" will irretrievably remove all the songs from your iPod. Your iPod should appear in the iTunes source list from where you can change the update setting to manual and use your iPod without the risk of accidentally erasing it. Also when using most of the utilities listed below your iPod needs to be enabled for disc use, changing to manual update will do this by default. Check the "manually manage music and videos" box in Summary then press the Apply button: Managing content manually on iPod
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TuneJack Windows Only
iPod2PC Windows Only
iGadget Windows Only
iDump Windows Only
iRepo Windows Only
iPodRip Mac & Windows
YamiPod Mac and Windows Versions
Music Rescue Mac & Windows
iPodCopy Mac and Windows Versions
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If your ipod is hooked up to a mac, can you get the music off the ipod and onto the mac without using any other software?

See your other post where I gave details of how to do this: Connecting old ipod to new mac

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Firstly, are you sure that it's actually copied the file?
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Moving ITunes off old computer back onto new computer

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