Moving library to a new computer with an external backup hard disk

I have a new computer running Windows 7, going through the fun of moving my itunes library, the old PC DVD drive keeps crashing mid burn, so wondering if the possibility is there to reinstall the library from the Western Digital external backup device I had on the old computer, I sort of think it should be easy to point itunes to that device as the backup device and then reinstall. Is it as simple as that? Has anyone else done this as it is really like moving the files via an ipod as a hard disk?

You can de-authorise your old computer and authorise the new one at any time.
In fact they can both be authorised at the same time if you like.
You are allowed to have 5 computers authorised at any one time.

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I am unable to access my digital editions library on a new computer with my existing account, it shows that my library is empty?

I am unable to access my digital editions library on a new computer with my existing account, it shows that my library is empty? Can anyone offer a suggestion to fix this?

If you have given correct info about you ios 6.1.3 - all you need to do is delete account. You will be able to sign in with new one afterwards. Make sure you don't delete any info when you see those prompts.

My old laptop is not working. How do I get my itunes account and library on my new computer with out wiping out my ibrary?

my old laptop is not working. How do I get my itunes account and library on my new computer with out wiping out my ibrary?

Hi 1Donald,
To answer your question, ''"How can my new desktop have a KEY when it is not even part of the sync yet?"''
You need to get the key from the new device and enter it into the old device. So on the old device select "Pair a device" and the place to enter the key will show up.
I hope this helps.

HT204318 moving itunes library to a new computer with different partition letters

Want to move my itunes library to a different computer (actually my older computer, which will be a dedicated itunes box). I know how to do it, except for one thing - am not sure how it affects things that in its new home it will be on partition 'D' rather than 'E' where it is now. Can I still just copy everything over (via external drive) or will everything be left with the wrong drive letter?

As long as you've moved the complete library (database, media folders, artwork, ...), and its in the "standard" layout where:
the iTunes Media folder is in the same folder that contains the database file (iTunes Library.itl), and
all your media files are contained within the hierarchy of folders under iTunes Media
you're fine. First time you run after the change of drive letters, or moving the drive containing to another computer, hold down SHIFT while you start iTunes; when you get this prompt:
click on Choose Library..., navigate to the iTunes library folder on the drive holding the library, select the iTunes Library.itl file and click Open.

Moving Library To A New Computer

How do I move my Itunes Library from one computer to another while keeping all playlists and tags intact? Keep in mind that the computer with the music is running itunes 7.5 and the computer I would like to move it to is running itunes 8.0.2. Also, the music files are currently on an external hard drive and i'd like to keep them on that same external hard drive with the new computer. Can someone please help??? Thanks so much

Did you ever get the answer to your question here? Or have you figured out a solution? I just bought a new MacBook for my wife, and I would like to move her library from her old PC to the new MacBook. I know how to copy the music, I just don't want to lose all the playlists, etc.

Transferring Itunes Library to a new computer with songs on External HD?

I have a similar problem
I need to transfer my itunes library to my new laptop
I believe i have to install a new version of itunes on the new laptop
My mp3's and videos are all manually arranged on an external harddrive. Only the itunes program is on the internal harddrive of my computer
Is it possible to transfer my itunes library to the new laptop? I want to preserve my playlist.
A mistake i did....
Few months ago, i reformatted our old computer. Installed the new version of itunes. I also copied the .itl, xml music file from old itunes folder to the new itunes folder (re-installed itunes). When i opened the new itunes, my library was blank. What mistake did i make? Should i have hold the SHIFT key (i use windows) while i open the itunes so that it'll ask me to look for an old library?

There is a simpler way.
Copy the iTunes folder containing your library files from My Music onto the external drive, but not into the music folder. It is best to avoid confusion by keeping them separate.
Install iTunes on the new PC. Don't add any music yet.
With iTunes closed, drag the iTunes folder out of the Music folder to the desktop.
Plug in the external drive and copy the iTunes folder from the old PC into the Music folder.
Adjust the permissions on this folder so the account you are using has full control. Here is help if you don't know how:
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/2464a180-e5dc-45d1-a2b8-3c8a 2b571e9d1033.mspx
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/05/25/how-to-take-ownership-and-grant-permiss ions-in-windows-vista/
Before attempting to open iTunes make sure your external drive has the same letter as it had before - I think you already know how to do this.
You should also check the permissions on your music folder as above.
Fingers crossed, when you start iTunes things should be as they were on the old PC.
The crucial thing is that the path to the music files has not changed.

New computer with old external storage device with itunes

All
I picked up a new laptop and disposed of my very old desktop. i have my itunes lirary stored on an external drive. Everytime i try to launch itunes or sync my ipod (60Gig video) i get the error/warning stating......."The iTunes Library.itl files is locked, on a locked disk, or you do not have write permission for this file."...........suggestions on how i can get this thing working?
SG

This is the Apple help on the Locked file problem.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302398
The problem is in the registry.
However there is a quick work around. Start iTunes with the shift key held down and when asked to choose a library, navigate to the location of the library files and choose iTunes Library.itl
I assume that this will be on the external dive - you did have your library database files on the external drive didn't you? (The two library data base files are iTunes Library.itl and iTunes Music library.xml)
If you didn't and you no longer have access to the old PC, you will have to start adding your library to iTunes again from scratch. Ask again if you need help with this.

How to transfer my itunes library to a new computer

How to transfer my existing itunes library to a new laptop?

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.
Note if you have iOS devices and haven't moved your contacts and calendar items across then you should create one dummy entry of each in your new profile and iTunes should merge the existing data 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 then 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.
tt2

I want to move my itunes library to a new computer

i want to move my itunes library to a new computer

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.
Note if you have iOS devices and haven't moved your contacts and calendar items across then you should create one dummy entry of each in your new profile and iTunes should merge the existing data 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 then 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.
tt2

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.
tt2

HT1750 I purchased a new iMac, I have an old iPod mini I am trying to sync my iTunes library on my new Mac with my iPod. I purchsed additional music yesterday but I cannot get it to sync to load the music from my computer to my iPod.

I purchased a new iMac, I have an old iPod mini I am trying to sync my iTunes library on my new Mac with my iPod. I purchsed additional music yesterday but I cannot get it to sync to load the music from my computer to my iPod.

From Here http://support.apple.com/kb/HE37
I have multiple Apple IDs. Is there a way for me to merge them into a single Apple ID?
Apple IDs cannot be merged. You should use your preferred Apple ID from now on, but you can still access your purchased items such as music, movies, or software using your other Apple IDs.

I have copied my iTunes library onto a new computer, but when I play back the songs there seems to be random "miss" or "drop out". No probs with old computer, just the new one. I'm onto my third new computer - same problem. Any suggestions please?

I have copied my iTunes library onto a new computer, but when I play back the songs using the new computer, there seems to be random "miss" or "drop out" during play back, similar to a small scratch on a vinyl record. Although when I play the same song over again, the "miss" occurs in a different location during the song. No probs with old computer, just the new one. I'm onto my third new computer - same problem. Any suggestions please?

You don't say which version of iTunes you are using, but the symptoms you describe have been encountered by some users with the 64-bit version of iTunes 12.1.
There is an alternative version for 64-bit editions of Windows here:
iTunes 12.1 for Windows (64-bit — for older video cards)
that seems to address the most of the playback issues that some users have been reporting with the full 64-bit version of 12.1.0.77 - including problems with Bluetooth speakers where either sound is degraded or completely absent. The alternative installer here is the same architecture as most previous "64-bit" versions of iTunes, i.e., a 32-bit application with a 64-bit installer. The "for older video cards" label appears to be something of a misnomer as some people have reported that this corrects problems found on current / high-spec systems.
Some users have reported that after installing this alternative version it is necessary to adjust the "Play audio using" selection (normally to "Direct Sound" rather than "Windows Audio Session", though this may vary based on your audio hardware/drivers) in Edit > Preferences > Playback to restore glitch-free audio (one part of the reported symptoms is that the "Direct Sound" choice isn't available, usually in Windows 8). It may also be necessary to ensure that your Bluetooth speakers are active and selected as the default audio device before you run iTunes.
If this doesn't address the issue, you may want to think about reverting to iTunes 12.0 - see Turingtest2's notes on Troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Windows updates for steps needed to completely remove all installed iTunes components, and for links to the 12.0 installers.

HT5577 When I bought a new computer with Windows8.1, iTunes wouldn't accept my old ID and password, so I set up a new ID and password. Now I can't locate or sync my old library of music onto my iPOD. Any ideas?

when I bought a new computer with Windows8.1, iTunes wouldn't accept my old ID and password. After entering a new ID and password I got in, but now I can't sync the music that was in my original library. When I try to sync a message says that music will be removed from "other" libraries, so I know they're out there somewhere. Just can't get to them. Any ideas?

- Is the computer authorized for the iTunes account(s) used on the iPod?
- Are you syncing or manually managing music?
- In iTunes if you go to Preferences and then go to the Devices tab, what date is show for the iPod backup? Is if before you switched computers?
- Your iPod sees the new computer as a new library/computer and you can only sync to one library. You need to restore you iPod from a backup. If that bacup is hosw in Preferences, restore from that backup.
- If the backup is after you switched computers, you have two options:
--- Try to make a backup by right clicking on the iPd under Devices in iTunes and selecting backup.
--- If you can't make a backu, can you get one from the backup of your old computer. It is located here and yu may have to have show hidden files turned on.
Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/
Windows XP: \Documents and Settings\(username)\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\
Windows Vista and Windows 7: \Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

I have downloaded the most recent itunes on my new computer with windows 8 but a message pops up saying "the itunes library.itl file is locked, on a locked disk or you do not have write permission for this file. How do I fix?

I have downloaded the most recent itunes on my new computer with windows 8 but when I attempt to get in I get this message "The itunes library.itl file is locked, ona locked disk, or you do not have write permission for this file." How do i fix this?

Repair iTunes Security Permissions
Right-click on your main iTunes folder and click Properties, then go to the Securitytab and click Advanced. Use the Change Permissions... button grant to your account (or the Users group) and SYSTEM full control of this folder, subfolders and files, then tick the option to Replace permissions entries... which will repair permissions throughout the library. When complete switch to the General tab, click in the Read-only check box to clear it, then click Apply.
If you don't have the option to change the permissions then use the Owner tab and Edit... button to take ownership from an account with administrator privileges. Tick the option to Replace owner on subcontainers and objects.
Repeat with the media folder if it isn't stored inside the main iTunes folder.
If you've brought over the library from another computer you may also want to remove any "mystery" identities (S<string of dashes & digts>) that have come over from the old computer...
The images above are from Windows 7. Hopefully the system isn't too different in Windows 8.
tt2

How do I transfer music from my old iPod classic to my new computer with a blank iTunes library?

I have over 700 songs on my iPod classic, a movie, and a few shows.
My old computer, which is totally fried, has my whole library.
My new computer has a blank library.
I want to transfer everything from my iPod classic, or even better, my iTunes library, to my new computers iTunes library.
How do I go about doing this both manually and with some sort of automatic application assistence (i.e., something I can download to do this for me)?
Thank you so much.

Read this User Tip from turingtest2:
Recovering your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device

Moving library to a new computer with an external backup hard disk

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