Problems with transferring iTunes Library to new iMac

I am having a problem with transferring my iTunes library to my new iMac. I have read many of the suggestions posted in this forum along with numerous articles on other sites. I have not seen anyone describe my exact problem.
When I got my new iMac, I used Migration Assistant to transfer everything (files, applications, settings, etc.) from my old iMac to the new iMac. On my old iMac, the iTunes music folder (i.e., the actual mp3s) are on an external HD, while the iTunes Library file (the database and xml files) were in the /user/Music/ folder on the old iMac.
After the Migration Assistant was done, the /user/music/ folder and the library files were copied to the new iMac, but the iTunes music folder was not. It is still on the external HD.
If I open iTunes on the new iMac, iTunes shows me all of my songs, but if I play one, I get the "song can't be found; do you want to find it" error. In iTunes preferences on the new iMac, the "iTunes music folder location" is the new iMac.
I have the 2 iMacs connected by a firewire cable, but neither iMac recognizes the other computer as being on the same network. That is, in Finder on the new iMac, I cannot see the external HD of the old iMac.
I can't change the library location on the old iMac, because the new iMac does not appear in Finder or in the "Change Music Folder Location" dialog box.
I want to move the music folder (the actual mp3s) from the external HD of the old iMac to the INTERNAL HD of the new iMac. I don't need to keep them on the old IMac, as I will be selling that computer. Of course, I want to keep all my playlists, artwork, etc from the old library.
Does anyone have a suggestion?
Thanks.

Never mind. Figured it out. I attached external HD to new iMac and consolidated. Duh.

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Have problems with transfering iTunes library from Windows to Macintosh

Good afternoon!
I had before Windows PC, where i had iTunes with all my music. And now i bought macbook pro. I tried to transfer iTunes library as it is described in a lot of sites in internet. But maximum what i could made - just to transfer all songs. And if before i have in iTunes folders with different music (David Garrett, Jason Mraz, music for baby, etc) now i have all songs (about 2 000) just in one list.
Could u help me please to transfer all music with folders like it was in iTunes in Windows PC.
Thanks in advance!

iTunes: How to move [or copy] your music [library] to a new computer [or another drive] - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527 - a somewhat bewildering and not always easily understandable set of options.
Quick answer if you use iTunes' default preferences settings: Copy the entire iTunes folder (and in doing so all its subfolders and files) intact to the other drive. Open iTunes and immediately hold down the Option (alt) key (shift on Windows), then guide it to the new location of the iTunes Library.itl file in the moved iTunes folder.
For the record there's this reference for iTunes 11 but it really doesn't strike me as having the specifics you need. iTunes 11 for Mac: Move your library to another computer - http://support.apple.com/kb/PH12168
Windows users see tip at: https://discussions.apple.com/message/18879381

HT4061 help with transferring itunes library to new pc

HAVE DOWNLOADED MY ITUNES FILE FROM OLD PC TO NEW PC AND WHEN I GO TO OPEN THE MUSIC IN ITUNES SAYS ORIGINAL FILE COULD NOT BE FOUND... THEY ARE ALL IN MY MUSIC FOLDER UNDER ITUNES.... HELP???

Please turn off your CAPS lock.
Typing in all CAPS is difficult to read and indicates shouting.
To transfer the iTunes library, copy the ENTIRE iTunes folder from the old computer to the new computer.

Permissions Issues after Transferring iTunes Library to new Mac.

My intention is to move the library off my old iMac, and keep the iTunes library on the new one, while still keeping the old iMac around. After the transfer i intend to delete the library off the old one, and use HomeSharing to utlize iTunes on both Macs. Also, the old iMac is where our family has synced ever iPod, iPhone, & iPad we've owned... I've been on the support community for almost two days now, and thought I had it figured out, but... i obviously don't. So i apologize if there is a thread that already answers this question, if so, please be kind
in the process of moving my iTunes from my old iMac (iMac7,1 - OS X 10.6.8) to my new iMac (iMac Late 2012 - OS X 10.8.5) i used the instructions on: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527. It identified how to move the library found in (on my old iMac) VolumeA/music/iTunes. I used the External Hard Drive method, only I linked up the two iMacs with an Ethernet cable (direct connect, no router) and copied the iTunes folder (as described in the instructions) to the desktop of the new iMac. Then I pasted the iTunes folder over the existing folder on the new iMac.
Now I'm having trouble with permissions on the new iMac now. At first iTunes wouldn't even open. It said I didn't have permission, or the library was in a locked file. I thought I had it figured out by going into "get info" in the iTunes folder (on the new iMac) and adjusting the permissions. which worked as far as allowing iTunes to open now (Both computers are running iTunes 11.1 (126)).
Now that i've synced my iphone 5 with the iTunes (on the new iMac) i noticed that some of the songs wouldn't sync because I don't have permission...?
Beginning to think I've screwed this whole thing up...
Also, I noticed that there is another iTunes folder, that wasn't discussed in this article: VolumeA/Library/iTunes - Do i need to copy this one over as well?
I'm such a noob at this that i'm almost embarrased to ask for some help, but PLEASE HELP!! I haven't touched my old iMac's library, and won't until
Thanks in advance for anything you can do!

It helps to know which instructions you are following. Some people follow the wrong instructions and just move media, not the whole library which consists of many files and folders. You do not do it with changing preferences.
iTunes: How to move [or copy] your music to a new computer [or another drive] - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527
Quick answer if you use iTunes' default preferences settings: Copy the entire iTunes folder (and in doing so all its subfolders and files) intact to the other drive. Open iTunes and immediately hold down the Option (alt) key (shift on Windows), then guide it to the new location of the library.

Problem with transferring iTunes, photos, and documents.

I just bought a new macbook pro, with retina display and needed to transfer my data from my 2011 macbook pro to my new one. I bought a cord to connect the two so it would transfer faster. Not a fire wire though because it dosnt go into my 2011 model since it was before thunderbolt. Anyways, when I opended up migration assistant it gave me 4 options for what I want to transfer; Documents, Users, applications, and settings. It only transfered the useres and settings and applcatiions, but not my photos, documents, or Itunes Library. Does anyone know what might be the cause of this problem?

well itunes library would not transfer because apple wants people buying there music from the store therefore you wouldn't need to transfer if you did buy it from the store. Photos and documents i have no idea why they won't transfer.
to fix this very easily just drop all the files you need to into airdrop and recollect them from the second device.

Transfering PC iTunes Library To New iMac

Hi Everyone
I am very very new to macs and have been a pc user for the last 10 years. I have recently bought the new iMac and was wondering how to transfer all my music from the PC to it??
I sort of have an idea how to do it but I do not want to lose any of my playlists as I am a DJ and have somewhere in the region of forty. I have started by coying the entire iTunes folder on my PC harddrive onto a portable harddrive. Is all I have to do is connect this to the Mac and then copy the music files into iTunes and then go to consolidate library which will make a copy onto the Mac?? It seems simple enough but is this how to do it and will this keep all my playlists??
Any help is great
Al.

How to Copy and Move your Music Files from One Computer to Another
This is the conceptual framework with related and important links. Apply it to your specific situation and resources.
The safest, quickest, and most optimal method to move your Library to a new computer is to actually clone the entire ‘iTunes’ folder 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 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!!
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
2b) Connect using a Direct (w/Mac) or Crossover (PC/PC) Ethernet cable (See: http://www.ifelix.co.uk/tech/3001.html)
2c) Connect them via a USB-to-USB Network Bridge. See: here as an example. There are many out there (Google).
Copy 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.
Switch from PC to Mac Using the iPod
hudgie: Migrating iTunes for Windows to a new PC
How to copy music between authorized computers

Transferring iTunes library to new computer with Windows Vista OS

Using the Apple Support Guide I have tried to move my iTunes library to my new laptop using my iPod as the back up device. When I went to copy my music to my new computer by dragging the iTunes folder out of the Music folder to the desktop, a message occurred saying I must be the Administrator to do this (I am) so it would not complete the task. Instead I have located the iPod in Computer and dragged the iTunes folder into the Music Folder and replaced the iTunes folder in Music with the iTunes folder from Computer (i.e. iPod).
When I open the iTunes folder in Music, all the folders with all my music are there. However when I open the iTunes program there is no music in the library that shows up. If I sync my iPod will all the music then be transferred into the iTunes library?
As we have moved overseas I no longer have the old computer so the backup on my iPod is the only backup of the music we have so I don't want to risk deleting it.
Many thanks for any help.

thanks Bocaken , just bought new pc. will be useful
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Syncing to iTunes library on new iMac

Having just bought a new iMac I connected up my iPod which was immediately recognised by ITunes which opened. Unfortunately it says that it can only transfer the purchased items as the iPod is linked to another Library - presumably the one on my old PC. How do I reconcile this and avoid having all my songs erased during a 'sync'?

Thank you for your response! Here is how I had my system set up. I found a link to this in the chain from Zevoneer:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1449
After re-reading my initial post, I realize I was probably not clear enough about what I wanted to do with the music files on my external drive. This is where I have been operating my iTunes from, so everything is there. The only thing that isn't there as a result of my failed backup software is the backup of HD\Users\Me\Music\iTunes folder with the all important iTunes Library and iTunes Music Library.xml files. In other words, I've not only operated my iTunes from my external drive, but was (key word there) performing full system backups to this drive as well. Since the back up (what I need for iTunes Library files) is not current, I think all I can do here is put the pieces back together some other way. I will loose things like artwork and playlists, but my content should all be there, correct? I see it when I browse the external drive folders. My content consists of music and movies ripped from CD/DVD from my own collection, music, movies, and TV shows purchased from the iTunes store, and music purchased from other music stores as well as music I created myself in Garage Band and mp3's from other devices. Here are my more specific questions:
1. To put my content from my external drive into iTunes, do I just copy everything from the external into the internal iTunes music folder?
2. Is there something I need to do from here to rebuild my two Library files?
Then I assume I would need to repeat the steps in the previously mentioned KB article to get my "mechanical" set up back where I have my music files on my external drive only.
3. What, if anything will I need to do at the iTunes store in terms of registering/de-registering devices/computers? Since this is the same computer, my initial thought is nothing. I have a feeling though that even though it is the same exact hardware except for the new HDD, with a re-installed operating system, iTunes Store might think this is a new machine? Will I have to do anything specific to accomodate songs I brought in from my own CD's vs songs I purchased from the iTunes store? Will my iPod be OK as far as being registered on my account and later syncs with my rebuilt iTunes? I'll probably avoid syncing it as long as I can since I will loose my playlists once I do.
I read your message at the bottom about importing the contents of the media folder from the external drive, but don't see where to do that in iTunes. Do you mean to just copy the files from the external to the music folder on the internal? I'm running iTunes 10.1.1 (4) on Snow Leopard 10.6.5 if that helps. Regardless, thanks for taking the time to respond. I've already learned quite a bit more than I had before! Thanks!

Sync issues after moving entire iTunes library to new iMac

I have a question regarding moving an itunes library to a new computer and what happens to the devices that were synced with it.
I moved a clients entire iTunes folder from the user-music folder on one iMac to another iMac, replacing it's itunes folder.
I then opened iTunes and it read the library just fine, all content intact.
The issue was with syncing the ipods that were originally connected to the previous computer.
I thought that I could just hook up their iPod to the new iMac, since it is essentially the same iTunes folder/content/data and all should continue syncing just fine. Nope.
The ipod (touch) would show 'syncing' yet no data would move between it and the new iMac.
Same thing with their Apple TV - it was originally being synced with the older iMac.
I had hoped, once moving the entire itunes folder to the new imac, that itunes would just go on talking with the Apple TV. Not the case.
So far, the only thing I can do is to do a 'restore' on the ipod touch, then treat it like a new ipod and sync it with the new computer.
I haven't dealt with the Apple TV issue yet - it would not be fun to erase the entire contents of the apple tv, then resync with the new imac. Lots of data to move around - but perhaps this is the only way?
Kind of a bummer. Is this correct?
It never gave me the 'this ipod is being synced with another computer/library' message either. It 'seemed' like it was going to work as I had hoped.
I looked all over the computer, preferences folders, etc. to see if I could find something that associated the ipod with a particular library. I did locate the ipod backups folder in the application support folder and moved it over to the new computer too.
I've always moved client's itunes library from their old computer to new computer without issues - I don't remember their being an issue with previously synced devices like iPods/iphones/Apple TV's.

You didn't mention whether or not you authorized the new computer in iTunes. If not, do that and then sync the iPod. The iPod will recognize that this is a new computer and will ask you if you want to proceed - in this case, you want to do exactly that.

How did I mess this up? transferring iTunes library to new HD

I have done this before with no problems, but this time....
I bought a new external (portable) HD so that I could dedicate one disk to my iTunes library (over 70 gigs and growing...).
I copied the library folder from my old drive (also an external drive). I then disconnected the old drive. I launched iTunes, navigated to the appropriate page in Preferences and selected the newly moved music folder.
When I click on a song, though, the ! shows up.
How can I force iTunes to update its index (or whatever it's called) to "see" the new folder?
Thanks for helping...
Brad Pearson
THG Music
Spokane WA
MacBook Pro 2.33 gHz Mac OS X (10.4.9) 2 gig RAM

Whoops.
It's the Option key on the Mac.
But when you say to "choose the library", you are referring to the iTunes Music folder with all the song files right, not the iTunes Library file?
No, I am talking abou the iTunes library file.
Also, when you say "copy the entire iTunes folder" are you referring to the folder under home>Music>iTunes or again, the folder containing the song files?
No, I am taking abou the entire iTunes folder in Home/Music, not just the iTunes music folder.
The iTunes folder should contain;
Artwork folder
iTunes music folder
iTunes library file
iTunes library.xml file
{maybe} Previous iTunes libraries folder
iTunes 6 and earlier required the home/Music/iTunes to be there.
This is where the iTunes library file stayed and where iTunes defaults to. You could move the iTunes music folder via the iTunes prefs somewhere else.
With iTunes 7, you can move it and also create additional libraries, wherever you want by holding the Option key and selecting Create new library.

Problem with transferring itunes

awhile back, i transfered the music from my itunes from my pc to my laptop using "podutil" which copied all of the songs from my ipod to my laptop. the program created a folder that held copies of all the songs so that itunes would be able to recognize the source of my music. it worked fine only that every song had to be copied into itunes, leaving me with 2 copies of each song. having copies of 6000+ songs on my laptop has taken up a huge chunk of space on my hard drive. yet if i delete the folder, itunes is unable to read any of the files. i was just wondering if there was a way to delete these copies without having to reimport a countless amount of cds.

well itunes library would not transfer because apple wants people buying there music from the store therefore you wouldn't need to transfer if you did buy it from the store. Photos and documents i have no idea why they won't transfer.
to fix this very easily just drop all the files you need to into airdrop and recollect them from the second device.

How to transfer/enable my entire itunes library on new iMac? Purchased also

Songs from cds, songs i have downloaded from other suppliers & all my purchases from itunes store.
Now i have searched for the answers already but havents found clear answers which make me think i can manage it or do it myself.
I do not want to lose everything or even part of it. I have tried authorising my itunes library on other computers but in the case of my pc laptop, only 1 episode of a tv series came up when there where at least 2 or 3 entire seasons of other tv series purchased.
So whats the most straightfoward way. Also will be looking to transfer pics & video clips from my camera etc. Should i buy a firewire & can it be used for transfering my itunes purchases also???

OK. First you need to de-authorize the old computer: About iTunes Store authorization and deauthorization.
Next you need to copy your Music folder and some preference files to an external drive:
/Home/Music/ folder
/Home/Library/Preferences/ folder: transfer these preference files:
com.apple.iTunes.app.plist
com.apple.iTunes.eq.plist
com.apple.iTunes.plist
com.apple.iTunesHelper.plist
Once you transfer all this to the new computer you will need to authorize the new computer per instructions in the above link.
If you don't have an external drive, then you can perform the transfers via Target Disk Mode:
Boot your old computer into TDM. After the TDM logo appears boot the new computer normally. Your old computer's hard drive should appear on the new computer's Desktop. You can then transfer the files by drag and drop.

Moving existing iTunes library onto new imac

I have just bought a new iMac. My iTunes library is on an external hard drive. What's the best way of moving this library onto my new mac so that iTunes recognises it?
Thanks for any advice
Rob

Rob,
Put/copy (drag and drop) the files into the Music/iTunes/iTunes Music folder on your iMac. Be sure to copy the iTunes Library and iTunes Music Library.xml files as well.
Then, select "preferences" under the iTunes menu and select "advanced." Then make sure the location of your music library is the music folder on your mac (this will be the default).
Sharon

Fewer problems with Leopard if bought on new iMac rather than upgrade?

I bought a new iMac (my 1st Mac ever) just before Leopard came out, so I have Tiger 10.4.11 now and love it. I've had no problems whatsoever and really don't plan on upgrading to Leopard because of all the problems I keep reading about. My brother is thinking about buying an iMac but hesitates because he's heard so many problems about Leopard. Question for you guys - do the Leopard problems seem more common if you've done an upgrade from Tiger, or are the problems just as common if you buy a new iMac with Leopard installed? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I bought a new iMac (my 1st Mac ever) just before Leopard came out, so I have Tiger 10.4.11 now and love it. I've had no problems whatsoever and really don't plan on upgrading to Leopard because of all the problems I keep reading about.
Your choice - BUT remember that Millions of people have upgraded with NO problems - you only read about the very few who do have problems. Leopard is a great OS and IF you upgrade carefully (repair your disk, fix permissions, backup and have a bootable clone in case of problems) you are very unlikely to have problems and it is EASY to go back to your clone in the unlikely case that you do have any problem.
My brother is thinking about buying an iMac but hesitates because he's heard so many problems about Leopard. Question for you guys - do the Leopard problems seem more common if you've done an upgrade from Tiger, or are the problems just as common if you buy a new iMac with Leopard installed
This is a "how long ago did yo stop beating your wife question" - Problems are VERY uncommon in either case. With new systems they are highly unlikely since there is no previous damage to the system and NO incompatible third party software on the system - but problems are extremely uncommon in either case
He should move ahead with his purchase IMHO.
LN
Message was edited by: LarryHN

Missing Playlists when transferring itunes library to new computer

I have moved my itunes files from my old computer to my new computer. I went into Preferences to link to the new file, but the library and songs do not show up in itunes. I went through the files and added the songs manually to the library, but the playlists are not there? What did I do wrong? Also, what should my response be when the window pops up when I connect my ipod? Should I select no or yes when it asks if I should change the link?

Please check this out, it'll help you transfer everything properly:
http://discussions.apple.com/click.jspa?searchID=123549&messageID=607339

Problems with transferring iTunes Library to new iMac

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