Moving iTunes to a new hard drive

I followed Apple's instructions to move iTunes when I changed the hard drive on my first generation MacBook Pro (i.e., consolidate, change the media folder location), but when I opened a brand new version of iTunes on the new drive (holding down the option key) and pointed to the file on the external drive, it said that it couldn't find the library file. I assume that I had done everything right up to that point, because it took more than 5 hours to move my media onto the external drive. I have most of my media on my iPod, but I want to preserve my playlists, ratings, and (if possible) date added information, which I understand will not transfer to iTunes from my iPod. I have Googled and Googled the problem but have been completely stymied at every turn. I have been iTune-less for more than 2 weeks now--please help!

Lucy Jordan wrote:
(i.e., consolidate, change the media folder location), but when I opened a brand new version of iTunes on the new drive (holding down the option key) and pointed to the file on the external drive, it said that it couldn't find the library file.
consolidating your library to an external HD only moves the media files but keeps the library files local.
hold the option key and launch iTunes. click on +choose library+ and select the iTunes folder in <MacintoshHD>/users/<yourname>/music on our internal drive.
JGG

Similar Messages

Moving ITunes Music to New Hard Drive

Hi! I would like to free up space on my internal hard drive by purchasing an external one this weekend and moving the music files to this drive. I read this article: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301748 and I still have just one more question. I am not sure if others ended up having a library that looks like this, but in addition to the organized folders (by artist) in the ITunes folder, in C:\Documents and Settings\Dana Christine\My Documents\My Music there are about 100 MP3 files (not organized, just sitting there) which are a part of my library. How can I go about getting these files moved over as well? Will the process described in the link I attached take care of moving these files also? No tutorials on moving files that I have seen has covered such an issue. I really appreciate your help.

If these MP3 files are in the iTunes library (you can play them in iTunes), they will get copied when you Consolidate library.

I moved itunes file to external hard drive and want to move the file on my pc to recycle bin. When I move i get an error message that it cannot delete ituneshelper.dll access is denied. Can I move that file to the recycle bin?

I am trying to free up space on my pc and moving itunes files to external hard drive. I have followed instructions and believe I have file copied to new drive, but I am having trouble moving file to recycle bin as the instructions say. I am getting the following error message: cannot delete ituneshelper.dll:access denied, make sure disk is not full or write protected and file not in use. I know the file is not in use when trying to move. Any help would be most appreciated. I am on Windows XP.

Yes. And you should not have moved that folder. Put it back. To move your iTunes library move the folder from User's Music.
tt2

HT1473 I recently had to replace my hard drive and lost my iTunes library. Now I cannot transfer the library from my iPod to iTunes on the new hard drive (same computer). How can I complete the transfer?

I recently had to replace my hard drive and lost my iTunes library. When I try to transfer the content from my iPod to iTunes on the new hard drive (same computer), it would only let me transfer iTunes store purchases. How can I complete the transfer of all the content on the iPod back onto the computer?

Recover media from iPod
See this post for options on moving your iPod data back to your computer.
tt2

I have a macbook air. I was unable to fit all my music onto it so i moved iTunes onto an external hard drive. How do I transfer my music (80GB) onto my iPod classic?

I recently bought a Macbook air. I had 80gb so I moved iTunes onto an external hard drive. How do i move that music onto my iPod classic?

You can only sysc with one iTunes library. The new computer is a new library. You have to restore your iPod on the new conputer and then sync.

Just had to put a new hard drive in my Macbook. How do I "backload" my Ipod tunes into Itunes on the new hard drive I had installed?

I just had to put a new hard drive in my Macbook. How do I "backload" my Ipod tunes back into Itunes on the new hard drive I had installed?

Somebody told me that as soon as I connect the Ipod to the computer, Itunes will will wipe it clean and install what is in the Itunes library (which is nothing) and that I would need some sort of software to accomplish this. Does it matter that the tunes on the Ipod were all uploaded from cd's and not purchased?

How can the number of used computers used for itunes be updated? I had to reinstall itunes on a new hard drive

How can the number of computers used for an iTunes account be updated? I had to reinstall itunes on a new hard drive it and counted as an additional computer, against my 5 total computers.

wait until you reach the limit of five authorized machines. then, once a year, you will be able to deauthorize all machines, following which you can reauthorize those computers you currently use/have access to.
click here for more information.

I had a computer crash and Hard drive data lost, so I reinstalled Itunes on my new hard drive and now cannot locate ALL of the purchases I had done in the past.

I thought that ALL itunes purchases were held on the Apple server for itunes.
When I reinstalled my itunes on my new hard drive, there were NO histoical purchases on my itune account.
Any thoughts to a solution.
Thanks

Make sure you have at least iTunes 10.3.1, then go to the iTunes Store, log into your account, and click the new Purchases link under the Quick Links. The new iTunes in the Cloud service may allow you to re-download your purchased content (music, videos and TV shows not available for re-downloading in all countries at this time; movies and audiobooks not available for re-downloading at all yet). You can also do this from an iOS device.
For more information, see:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2519
Regards.

Moving iTunes library to another hard drive

I followed the directions on the Apple website
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301748
to move my iTunes library to another hard drive. the instructions say to delete the original iTunes folder ...
now the library has been moved (the files are in the folder on the new hard drive) but iTunes has completely lost its catalog of my music (the screen is empty when I select library in iTunes) - what happened and how can I get the catalog back without importing everything?

You missed 'Point 14':
After the folder has been copied, locate your original iTunes Music folder, and drag it to the Trash or Recycle Bin. Note: Don't remove the iTunes 4 Music Library files that may be in the same location as the iTunes Music folder.
If you deleted the 'iTunes Library.itl' file from that folder, then you deleted the iTunes database file that keeps track of all your song references, Playlists and some attributes. See:What are the iTunes Library files?
Can you recover this file from the ExHD? Or maybe the Recycle Bin? Place it back into the 'iTunes' folder under the 'My Music' folder.
If not, you'll have to 'Rebuild' your Library from the ExHD's music files. It's a simple 'File=>Add Folder' from within iTunes, but you will lose your Playlists, Ratings, Play Counts and Last Played attributes.

Move itunes library to new hard drive

ok i recently got a new harddrive because i ran out of space on my old one. i have started everything over fresh and i want to take EVERYTHING from my old iTunes and put it on my new harddrive. One thing i have tried is taking the itunes>music folder and copied onto my ipod (enable disk use) and then put it on my new hard drive. well my problem is that i dont have the same number of items and its missing all of the ratings and play counts and any of the small details like "skip during shuffle". another problem is that all of my videos are under the movie category, which will take me forever to organize. please help me because i really do not want to organize my whole library again

Then you want to clone your original HD to the new HD. See below - same concept as moving between two computers, you just do it between two HDs on the same PC..
How to Copy and Move your Music Files from One Computer to Another
This is the conceptual framework with related and important links. Apply and adapt it to your specific situation and equipment resources.
The safest, quickest, and most optimal method to move your Library to a new computer is to actually clone the entire ‘iTunes’ folder (directory) structure, rather than just copying just the song files. By copying the entire ‘iTunes’ folder and all sub-folders, you capture not only the music files, but the all-important ‘iTunes Library.itl’ database file (usually located in the ‘iTunes’ folder), which contains all the data about your songs (Playlists, Ratings, Play Counts, Last Played, Date Added, etc). See: What are the iTunes Library files?
Install iTunes on the new computer. Then go back to your old computer and move (copy) the "iTunes" folder which usually resides inside your "…\My Documents\My Music" folder from the old computer to the exact same place (both Drive Letter and complete Path) on the new computer. When you open iTunes on the new computer it will look and behave exactly the same way it did on the old, Play Counts, Ratings, Comments and all!
NOTE: It is usually safer moving files between computers with the same version of iTunes!!
iTunes Files to Copy and Move to your New PC
1) All music files in their current folder structure (usually located in and under the ‘iTunes Music’ folder)
2) The Library database file: ‘iTunes Library.itl’ located in the ‘iTunes’ folder
3) The Library XML file: ‘iTunes Music Library.xml’ located in the ‘iTunes’ folder
4) Any XML playlist files you created for Playlist retention
5) The two iTunes.pref files (optional)
-- C:\Documents and Settings\<your username>\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iTunes.pref
-- C:\Documents and Settings\<your username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Apple Computer Inc\iTunes.pref
6) The XML file of Ratings, Play Counts and Last Played attributes saved from the main Library and created by Otto’s SaveRatings script (also optional, but recommended):
“Download this: http://ottodestruct.com/itunes/SaveRatings.zip . It's a program, just run it like any other program. Run it on the machine where you're copying the info from BEFORE you move the files to the new machine. Click the "Save Ratings" button and it'll create a ratings.xml file. Now when you move the files, move the program and this file as well. Then after you make your new iTunes library, run it again and click the "Restore Ratings" button. Voila, all your information is back in the Library. Well, most of it anyway, it's not perfect. It'll tell you what songs it couldn't figure out though, and there's usually not very many.”
Here's a list of methods to copy and move your music files from one computer to another:
1) Use an External Hard Drive (ExHD) to move the complete files and Folder structures from one computer to another (my preferred option). You can clone’ the entire ‘iTunes’ folder structure in one very easy step. Also great to have available for complete backups of your Library. External hard drives now run less than $100 for 200-250GBs of storage. See This Link
2) Directly connect the two computers....
- 2a) Connect them through a Router &/or Network
- 2b) Directly connect using an Ethernet cable: Straight for using at least one Mac; or Crossover for PC/PC Instructions here.
- 2c) Connect them via a USB-to-USB Network Bridge. Example here. There are various types out there (use Google).
....Then copy the files from one computer to the other.
3) Use the iPod as a transfer device, as this extensive Apple link explains. It will be a bit easier if your iPod has a larger capacity than your music collection, otherwise you will need to perform multiple copy/move transfers. This well written process also works fine while using any other data transfer medium (ExHD, Flash Drive, DVD, CD, Zipp, Jazz, etc.).
4) Burn several DVDs (at 4.7GBs each) with your music data files and folder structure, and load them onto the new computer. Re-writable DVDs are more cost effective (if your DVD drive can manage these types).
5) Burn 6x more on CDs (at 700MB each) than in #4 above and load the files and folders on the new computer. Re-writable CDs are more cost effective (if your CD drive can manage these types).
6) Use a larger USB Flash drive (1GB - 4GB) to move the files and folders. Best if the flash drive is larger than your Library, otherwise you will need multiple copy/move transfers.
These are links to various additional instructions on performing the transfer (read them all, but some listed steps may not be required depending on your specific situation):
Switch from PC to Mac Using the iPod
hudgie: Migrating iTunes for Windows to a new PC
How to copy music between authorized computers

How do I transfer itunes library to new hard drive running lion os

I have a Mac Pro with 2 hard drives in it.
Hard drive #1 has Leopard OS and my iTunes library on it
Hard drive #2 has Lion 10.7.4 OS and this is where I want to move my iTunes library to from hard drive #1.
How can I due this insuring that all playlists, etc. transfer seamlessly. I will then only be using the new Lion OS
to run iTunes (and this will also communicate with Apple TV, etc.)
Thanks!

Copy the entire /Music/iTunes/ folder from old hard drive to /Music/ on new hard drive.
Start iTunes.
That is all.
You can also leave it where it it, hold Option, launch iTunes.
Slect Choose library... and select the iTunes folder on the Leopard drive.
This will be your iTunes for both OS, whichever you boot into.

My old hard drive is dead and I need to move iTunes to the new hard drive

My computer's old hard drive contained some corrupted Windows files. A friend was able to get my husband's iTunes file off the old hard drive and it's saved in the My Music folder on the new hard drive. Can someone please give me super easy to understand instructions on how I get the iTunes stuff onto the new hard drive? I don't want to mess anything up because he has such a large number of albums in the iTunes folder. Thank you in advance!

It sounds like you just have 2 formatted drives (SSD, HDD) that are not configured as a Fusion drive. If so, you have to manually move files from the SSD to the HDD and visa versa.
If your system would have come configured with a Fusion drive (SSD and HDD 'fused' together) then OS X would maintain file movement from the SSD to the HDD without user intervention.
Look here then scroll down to Introducing Fusion Drive for a brief explanation.

Copying iPod content to iTunes on a new hard drive

My Windows XP crashed and I had to reinstall a new hard drive. How do I update newly installed iTunes with all the content on my iPod?
Thanks

You can't sync or drag your non iTMS music back directly from an iPod to iTunes, the transfer of music is designed by default to be one way from iTunes to iPod. However there is a manual method of accessing the iPod's hard drive and copying songs back to iTunes on Windows posted in this thread: MacMuse - iPod to iTunes
If you prefer something more automated then there are a number of third party utilities that you can use to retrieve the music files and playlists from your iPod, this is just a selection. Have a look at the web pages and documentation for these, they are generally quite straightforward. As iTunes 7 is just out some of these may not work with it yet though I haven't experienced any problems with the Mac software I use.
YamiPod Mac and Windows Versions
iGadget Windows Only
iPodCopy Mac and Windows Versions
iPod Access Mac and Windows Versions
PodUtil Mac and Windows Versions
iPodCopy Mac and Windows Versions
PodPlayer Windows Only
There is a new function in iTunes 7 under File, "Transfer Purchases from iPod" which transfers iTMS purchases. A paragraph on it has been added to this article: How to use your iPod to move your music to a new computer
If your iPod is set to update automatically take care when connecting back to your computer and an empty iTunes. If it is set to automatically update you will get a message that your iPod is linked to a different library and asking if you want to link to this one and replace all your songs etc, press *No* (or "Cancel" if you are using iTunes 7). Pressing "Yes" (or Erase and Sync in iTunes 7) will irretrievably remove all 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. In iTunes 7 Check the "manually manage music and videos" box in Summary then press the Apply button. Don't uncheck Sync Music it will be unchecked by default when you choose the manual setting: Managing content manually on iPod
You can also use a keyboard command to prevent your iPod auto-syncing with iTunes. While connecting the iPod to the computer on Windows hold down the Shift + Ctrl keys (on a Mac hold down the Option and Command (⌥ and ⌘) keys). This will stop the iPod from auto-syncing with iTunes and the iPod will appear in the source list. Wait until you are sure the iPod has mounted, and that it will not auto sync and then you can let the keys go. This may take between 20 to 30 seconds depending on your computer.
Whichever of these retrieval methods you choose, keep your iPod in manual mode until you have reloaded your iTunes and you are happy with your playlists etc then it will be safe to return it auto-sync again. I would also advise that you get yourself an external hard drive and back your stuff up in case you have problems again. External drives are comparatively inexpensive these days and you can get loads of storage for quite a small outlay.

I had to install itunes on a new hard drive and when I synced my ipod it duplicated a bunch of songs, how do I fix this?

I had to install a new hard drive on my system and download itunes again. When I synced my ipod it duplicated a bunch of songs, how do I fix this problem?

wait until you reach the limit of five authorized machines. then, once a year, you will be able to deauthorize all machines, following which you can reauthorize those computers you currently use/have access to.
click here for more information.

Installing iTunes on a new hard drive

Ok, so my laptop that i used for iTunes had a recent hard drive crash. Basically, my iTunes right now is brand new.
_*My iPod is the only thing with my music on it.*_
What can I do to get all my music back onto my 'new' laptop?

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. When your iPod appears in the iTunes source list change the update setting to manual, that will let you use our iPod without the risk of accidentally erasing it. Check the "manually manage music and videos" box in Summary then press the Apply button. 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: Managing content manually on iPod and iPhone
Once you are safely connected there are a few things you can do to restore your iTunes from the iPod. If you have any iTunes Music Store purchases the transfer of purchased content from the iPod to authorised computers was introduced with iTunes 7. You'll find details in this article: Copying iTunes Store purchases from your iPod or iPhone to a computer
The transfer of content from sources such as songs imported from CD is designed by default to be one way from iTunes to iPod. However there are a number of third party utilities that you can use to retrieve music files and playlists from your iPod. I use Senuti but have a look at the web pages and documentation for the others too, you'll find that they have varying degrees of functionality and some will transfer movies, videos, photos and games as well. This is just a small selection of what's available, you can read reviews and comparisons of some of them here:
Wired News - Rescue Your Stranded Tunes
Comparison of iPod managers
Senuti Mac Only
PodView Mac Only
PodWorks Mac Only
iPodDisk PPC Mac Only (experimental version available for Intel Macs)
TuneAid Mac only (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
iPodRip Mac & Windows
YamiPod Mac & Windows
Music Rescue Mac & Windows
iGadget Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
Floola Mac & Windows
iRepo Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
iPod Access Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
TouchCopy Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible - Windows version only)
There's also a manual method of copying songs from your iPod to a Mac or PC. The procedure is a bit involved and won't recover playlists but if you're interested it's available on page 2 at this link: Copying Content from your iPod to your Computer - The Definitive Guide
Keep your iPod in manual mode until you have reloaded your iTunes and you are happy with your playlists etc then it will be safe to return it auto-sync. I would also advise that you get yourself an external hard drive and back your stuff up, relying on an iPod as your sole backup is not a good idea and external drives are comparatively inexpensive these days, you can get loads of storage for a reasonable outlay.

Moving iTunes to a new hard drive

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