Moving music from my computer to external drive

Can I move all of my Itunes music to my external drive and still add and update my Ipod? I am taxing the memory in my system. Ideally, I would like to have the Itunes program also on my external drive. Can I do this? please help

Glad it worked for you!
H a p p y H o l i d a y s !

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Moving music from one computer to another

I downloaded my music from another computer to an external drive, then uploaded to a new computer. I put it in the same folder as the current music from iTunes. iTunes does not recognize that the music is there. can someone help me get iTunes to see the music so it can be included on this new computer in the program?
Thanks.
Mike

Unless you've moved away from the default iTunes settings simply copying the entire iTunes folder from <User's Music> on the source machine into <User's Music> on the target computer (over a network, or via an intermediate copy on a portable drive) will transfer the library.
See this migrate iTunes library post for more.
tt2

I am having problems moving music from my computer to my IPhone.

I am having problems moving music from my library to my IPhone. I have everything marked properly and it still won't move to my phone. Any suggestions?

What exactly happens when you try to sync?
Was the iPod previous synced to another iTunes library/computer?
Have you successfully synced from this iTunes library/computer before?
If so have you done anything like update iTunes on the computer since it last successfully synced?
Do the songs play in iTunes?
Does any media now sync to the iPod?
Do you have the right boxes checked to sync?
iTunes: Syncing media content to iOS devices and iPod
Try syncing using the manual method
Managing content manually on iPhone, iPad, and iPod

Moving music from one computer to another using an iPod?

Thing is I want to buy a new laptop soon, and I'd like to move my music from my old computer to the new one, but I'd like to use my iPod 160GB as a hard disk to transport it, I've copied my music and video files along with other important data into folders I've created inside the iPod, it covers about a 3rd of the total space in the iPod. Question is, can I transport the music to the new computer without the system resetting the iPod to work with the new computer itself?
Last time(like 3 weeks ago) I had to reset my computer(the old one) because of viruses trouble and such, but I had previously saved my data inside the iPod, so I just copied the files to the same locations as they were in the previous configuration including the iTunes folders library files to a folder I created, then installed iTunes and then the iTunes library files to its own folder; it worked wonders because no files or playlists were lost, and when I plugged my iPod, I had no problems, but I reckoned no problems happened there because this iPod had been used with this computer already, so I wonder if this would be effective with a new computer.
So question remains, could I transport the files(all data) from the iPod to the new computer without it resetting itself and hence losing any of the data?

How to Copy and Move (Clone) your iTunes Library from One Computer to Another – or Archive Prior to a PC Re-Image or Reformat
This well-written iLounge Article is a must-read for anyone considering moving their Library to a new computer or a new location. Or, just wants a better understanding of how iTunes manages your music.
Below 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!
Preserving and transferring the original Library Database file (iTunes Library.itl) is most critical with iPhones as they can sync with only one iTunes Library at a time. This is managed by the ‘Library Persistent ID’ hardcoded within each iTunes database file. If your ITL file has a different ID, your iTunes/iPhone attachment will be seen as a new Library and you will need to completely re-sync your iPhone. This may or may not be an issue for you. See how to manage the LPID via This Link.
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 (for iPod, iTouch &/or iPhone – use as needed)
1) All Music Files in their current folder structure (usually located in and under the ‘iTunes Music’ folder)
2) All Application Files in their current folder structure (usually located in the ‘Mobile Applications’ folder)
3) All Album Artwork Files in their current folder structure (usually located in and under the ‘Album Artwork’ folder)
4) The Library database file: ‘iTunes Library.itl’ located in the ‘iTunes’ folder
5) The Library XML file: ‘iTunes Music Library.xml’ located in the ‘iTunes’ folder
6) The iTunes Library Extras.itdb and iTunes Library Genius.itdb files, also in the ‘iTunes’ folder
Some additional files to consider also include in a backup:
7) Any XML playlist files created for Playlist retention
8) The two iTunes.pref files (optional)
i) C:\Documents and Settings\<your username>\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iTunes.pref
ii) C:\Documents and Settings\<your username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Apple Computer Inc\iTunes.pref
9) 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.”
10) The folder(s) used to store and sync photos to your iPhone (if applicable)
11) The iTunes created Backup of your iPhone usually located at:
C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup
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 500GBs-1TB 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
Also, remember to Deauthorize your PC before you reformat it, dispose of it, or retire it from iTMS use (if applicable).
Best of Luck

Moving files from iMac to an external drive

I have a 250 gb iMac and a 1 tB external drive (Seagate). My iMac is getting quite full, so I tried moving some files to my external. It told me that I couldn't because these files needed OS X to operate. How can I move files to my external so I can clear up my iMac drive?

Greetings,
Is the drive you are moving files to the drive you use for your Time Machine backup? If so, don't do this. Any files you put on that drive are not backed up by Time Machine (Time Machine cannot backup it's own drive. That would be like performing brain surgery on yourself.) If you are running out of space, get an additional external drive to store them on so that they can still be backed up by Time Machine.
Here are some general ideas on how to free up space: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.6/en/8358.html
The most common items that people tend to have that use up all their space are iTunes (Music/Movies), iPhoto (Pictures), and iMovie (Movies).
You can move all 3 of these to an external hard drive if you like. Again, do not use your Time Machine backup drive for this purpose. That is for making a backup copy, not for holding the originals.
Once you have another drive you can move the afore mentioned large items if they are indeed taking up a large amount of space.
iTunes: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1449
iPhoto: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1229
iMovie: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=iMovie/8.0/en/19555.html
Hope that helps.

Moving music from old computer to new computer

I recently purchased my MacBook Pro and I am trying to move all of my music from my old computer to this one. You might think that simply copying the songs to an iPod (as files, not music that can be listened to) and trasferring them to the desired computer would solve my problem. However, this has proved unsucessful so far. I am trying to avoid importing all of my backup CDs because the album artwork would be lost. Is there a way to hook my two computers up via FireWire or something else? The computer I want to transfer music from is an iMac - one of the new flat panels but without the built in iSight so it has FireWire ports. Any help on this matter is greatly appreciated.

If your iPod is large enough, you can transfer the library without loosing anything (ratings, play counts etc.) using these instructions:
How to use your iPod to move your music to a new computer.
Another method is to connect your computers by Ethernet or Firewire.
Using the latter method, put the source computer in Firewire target disk mode. The MacBook will see the iMac as an external HD.
You can then copy all your music to the MacBook.
If your MacBook has the same file structure (folder mapping and username) of the iMac, copy the entire iTunes folder (including iTunes Music folder and the library files) to the same location on your MacBook. iTunes will recognize the library and find all songs.
Hope this helps.
M
17' iMac fp 800 MHz 768 MB RAM Mac OS X (10.4.7) Several ext. HD (backup and data)

Transfering hardrive from dead computer to external drive and then onto a macbook pro

Hello! I'm trying to save my hard drive from a dead macbookpro. I removed the hard drive and have the appropriate adapters to attach it to my LaCie. The instructions call for 'erasing' the contents in order to copy it. Anyone have confirmation this is correct? Or have a better set by step instruction? Thanks!

Thanks for the speedy response Kappy! This may be long winded.
Basically, I spilled liquid on my old mac book pro, so I removed the harddrive and according to the utility tests, nothing has been damaged. What I'd like to do is transfer the contents of that hard drive onto my external LaCIe drive and then essentially drag and drop items onto my new computer. I do not want to put the old hard drive into the new computer though.
I bought a SATA/IDE to USB 2.0 adapter from Vantec and I believe I set up everything correctly. I can see the hardrive when I got into Utilities, although I cannot click on the contents. Some the instructions from the adapter kit do not match some of the options on my disk utility. The instructions are to to'open the Type pop up menu in the Volume Info area and choose MAC OS extended format and then initialize' Unfortunately, I do not see those options. The option to format instructs to Click on the Erase tab, assign a new name to the drive and supposedly the drive will appear on my desktop. I'm just worried it will actual erase the contents of the hardrive as opposed to letting me drag and drop or just copying it onto my desktop...

Moving music from one computer to a new computer

I printed out the directions from the web site and followed the 13 pages exactly and successfully transferred my music library to the ipod, then from the ipod to the new library. None of my music that was purchased from iTunes will copy from the library on the new computer back to the ipod (nano). Music that was imported from CD copied fine. I do not have too many computers authorized. Only had the one on which music was purchased and now only want to still have one, the new one. Please help!

I figured out my answer. Had to authorize the new computer by playing a purchased song.

HT201250 how do I restore my pictures and music from the back up external drive. My machine has been serviced by apple and now I can't figure out how to reload the music and pictures.

looking for idiot proof directions on how to restore my pictures and music to my iMAC. It was services and the hard drive cleared of my files. I've reinstalled office 2011 and am now trying to ficture out how to get the pictures and music back. I backed up the machine prior to the service call, but don't seem to know how to restore the pictures and music.

It all depends on how you made the backup and with what application. How was the backup created?

Moving Music From PC Hard Drive to External Hard Drive?

Okay, I'm pretty new to iTunes, so sorry if this is a dumb question.
I have a bunch of music on my PC's hard drive. It's of course also on iTunes. I want to move my music from my computer's hard drive to an external USB hard drive, so I don't clog up my PC's hard drive space. I know that if you move music around to different folders, iTunes can't find it meaning it won't play on your iPod also unless you relocate it. Is there any way I can move my entire music library from my PC HDD to my external HDD without having to relocate every last song? How is this done?
Thanks.

Welcome to discussions! This absolutely possible & the following link from MacMuse should give you most of the information you need. 2 pointers though, there are 2 database files associated with iTunes, .itl &.xml files, these files can't be moved & must stay on your system's HD as that is there "home". Secondly, you will have to remember to boot up the EHD prior to opening iTunes, if you don't iTunes can't see the music folder & will revert its location back to the main drive giving you a bunch of dead links . If you should happen to forget to boot up the EHD, just close iTunes, get the EHD going, & re-open iTunes. Hope this helps!
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=121879

Moving music from my BLACKBERRY to my COMPUTER

Hey there folks, this might be a new one.
First of all, hello from an Android user! I own a Samsung Galaxy Nexus, and I actually posting on behalf of my father, who is the proud owner of a Bold 9930.
We have a current perdicament that we have been unable to solve using this software, and I am desperately hoping we are both being stupid. The program and the device are both working fine, and we have already transfered pictures back and forth, but for the life of me, I cannot find out where the heck I can transfer music from the device. I can only sync music from the computer to the Device.
Now, before you say "Oh, just go through windows explorer!", there is a catch. The music we want to move is on the Micro SD card, and not the device itself. The sync manager doesn't even seem to give the option to move music from the device in the first place, much less the SD Card!
I'd prefer to do this process without taking the micro SD card out and spending the money to get an adapter so it can go into the regular SD slot of my laptop. Is this possible?
Thanks so much for the help!
Solved!
Go to Solution.

This one really is easy.
Article ID: KB29523 How to manually transfer files between a BlackBerry smartphone and a Windows computer
To enable media card support on the BlackBerry smartphone running BlackBerry® 6 and BlackBerry® 7
From the Home screen of the BlackBerry smartphone, click Options then Device then Storage.
Check Media Card Support.
Note: When the BlackBerry smartphone is plugged into the computer the following prompt may be displayed on the BlackBerry smartphone, Blackberry device is plugged in. Once this prompt is displayed choose USB Drive.
To transfer files between the media card and the Microsoft Windows computer
Once the BlackBerry smartphone is connected to the Microsoft Windows environment a prompt to open folders should display on the home screen.
Drag and drop or copy and paste files between BlackBerry smartphone internal or external storage memory and Microsoft Windows computer.
Alternatively the Internal and External storage memory can be accessed from My Computer.
1. If any post helps you please click the below the post(s) that helped you.
2. Please resolve your thread by marking the post "Solution?" which solved it for you!
3. Install free BlackBerry Protect today for backups of contacts and data.
4. Guide to Unlocking your BlackBerry & Unlock Codes
Join our BBM Channels (Beta)
BlackBerry Support Forums Channel
PIN: C0001B7B4 Display/Scan Bar Code
Knowledge Base Updates
PIN: C0005A9AA Display/Scan Bar Code

HT1349 How do I save my purchased music from Itunes to a external hard drive so I dont lose it?

How do I save my purchased music from Itunes to a external hard drive so I dont lose it?

Right-click(Windows) or control-click(Mac) any item in the iTunes library other than a rented movie, reveal it in the Windows Explorer or Finder, and navigate up the folder hierarchy.
(63453)

Question about moving music from an iPod to your computer.

In my household, we have iTunes on three different computers. My mother downloaded music on my brother's computer, and it's on his library. We want to burn a cd with the purchased album, but his computer does not have a cd burner, but the other two do. Is there a way to move music from one computer to another, or possibly moving music from an iPod to a computer's library?

Music is synced to iphone from itunes.
Plug in iphone and select whatever you like to sync from itunes to iphone.
http://manuals.info.apple.com/enUS/iPhone_UserGuide.pdf

Problem moving music from ipod to computer

Hi,
i'm having trouble moving music from my iPod back over to my itunes library. Yesterday i could do it. Today i can't. Any thoughts or help?
Ted

Copying from iPod to Computer thread...
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=3037814
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=797432
Also these useful internet articles...
http://www.engadget.com/2004/11/02/how-to-get-music-off-your-ipod/
http://playlistmag.com/help/2005/01/2waystreet/
iPod: Frequently Asked Questions
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60920
Patrick

How do i recover music from old computer. its broken and i did not have the music backed up on any other hard drive.

how do i recover music from old computer. its broken and i did not have the music backed up on any other hard drive.

OK, well, seems like you need to lose the attitude if you really want help.
There are several ways to get music from iTunes on your computer to your device.
The easiest is to sync directly with iTunes by connecting your device to your computer, selecting the device, setting up your Profile pages, and then clicking the Sync button to sync.
First you want to open iTunes and under Preferences>Devices, make sure that you are not syncing automatically:
Make sure that box is checked.
Then follow the instructions in the article below for either your computer or your Mac to set up your Profile pages and to sync your music via iTunes:
WINDOWS IOS SYNC ITUNES 11
iTunes 11 for Mac: Set up syncing for iPod, iPhone, or iPad
You can also directly download music from iTunes to your device by going to the iTunes icon, going to "Purchased", and selecting the items that are not on your device that show a little cloud next to them. Click on the cloud and the music will download.
You might also want to familiarize yourself with your iPhone 5 manual. It has all the answers you cannot find on Google or by trying to just do it by brute force. If you would take a little time to read about your device and how to use it, you might not be so frustruated and unnecessarily snarky to people who are trying to help:
http://manuals.info.apple.com/MANUALS/1000/MA1565/en_US/iphone_user_guide.pdf
Best of luck,
GB

Moving music from my computer to external drive

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