Question re: moving iTunes library to new computer where files have different file path?

Hi everyone-
I just got a new laptop and need to transfer my iTunes library to the new computer.
On my old computer, the hard drive was partitioned into a "C" drive and an "F" drive. The new laptop is just "C."
Since my iTunes library was on the "F" partition on the old laptop, the file path for all the files is going to change when I transfer to the new laptop.
I can find dozens and dozens of articles online about how to move iTunes to a new computer, but none of them seem to address the file path issue.
Does anyone know where I can find detailed instructions on how to make this work?
Thanks in advance.

Quit iTunes.
Move the entire /Music/iTunes/ folder to the F: drive.
Hold Shift & launch iTunes.
Select Choose library... and select the iTunes folder you moved to the F: drive.
Everything should still work fine.
Now go to iTunes prefs > Advanced.
Set the iTunes media folder location to the iTunes folder you just moved to the F: drive.
iTunes menu File > Library > Consolidate library.
This will copy all your media into the iTunes folder (F:\iTunes\iTunes media\ folder)
Let it finsh.
Quit iTunes.
Then you can copy the F:\iTunes\ folder to the new computer.
If you copy it to /Music/ folder, just start iTunes and it'll work.
If you copy it elswhere (such as another drive) hold Shift, launch iTunes, select Choose library... and select the iTunes folder.

Similar Messages

Dealing with Shared Libraries after moving iTunes library to new Computer

I have recently purchased a MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch) with 2.8 GHz Intel Core i5 processor and 8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3 memory. Previously, I had my iTunes on a Dell PC computer. Using an external hard drive, I transferred my iTunes library over to the Mac. After trying to sync my iPhone 4 (iOS 7.1.2), I discovered that I wasn't able to sync my music. In my attempt to fix this, I tried several things. I actually purchased iTunes Match, hoping that this would somehow fix this problem, but it didn't work. I tried restoring my iPhone to factory settings after completely a backup. Again, this did not work. I have tried to delete my library and add it back following the specific instructions found on the Apple Support site (How to move your iTunes library to a new computer - Apple Support).
When my iPhone is plugged in and I click under iPhone settings Music, the only option I have to work with is iTunes Match is On and syncing voice memos. There is not the option to sync music library.
I feel that somehow I have created multiple libraries or messed smoothing up because I can't even transfer music on to my iPhone manually. It's like my iPhone won't recognize the library on my iTunes. I am using the 12.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Cozmic66 wrote:
I have recently purchased a MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch) with 2.8 GHz Intel Core i5 processor and 8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3 memory. Previously, I had my iTunes on a Dell PC computer. Using an external hard drive, I transferred my iTunes library over to the Mac.
Copy the entire /Music/iTunes/ folder from old computer to /Music/ on new computer.
Then launch iTunes.
This is all you need to do.
You do not need to add anything or import anything to iTunes.
When you have iTunes Match turned on, you do not sync music via the computer or iTunes.
You sync via iTunes Match.

Moved iTunes library to new computer, but now what?

I am in the process of migrating from a G4 Ti Powerbook to a brand spanking new Mac mini. Using firewire target disk mode, I easily transferred my 12GB of music (which does include some purchased music) to the new machine and it appears in my iTunes library. I did NOT copy over any of the other iTunes information, because I really didn't have any ratings, playlists, etc. that I cared to keep.
I thought all was well...until the next time I launched iTunes on the new machine. First, the Library containing all my music came up and then a few seconds later a new icon appeared in the list called "Brightgirl's Music" which appears to be a DUPLICATE of my entire library along with the few playlists I had on the old system. iTunes allows me to "connect" with a password and "disconnect" from this second library list.
I'm wondering where this second list came from and how to make it go away. Since all my music is in the main Library (and I successfully authorized my purchased music within that), why do I need a second list to remind me that I used to have another computer?
Any advice to help me? Also, I haven't yet tried hooking up my iPod to the new machine. Is it going to freak out?

Hi,
Welcome to the Apple Discussions.
The other Library you're seeing is from the PowerBook. You have "Share my Music" enabled in the "Sharing" pane of the iTunes Preferences. Once you disable this on the TiBook, or if the TiBook is not on, you won't see this.
Also, if you plan on selling the TiBook, make sure you de-authorize it before you wipe the hard drive prior to selling it.
As for the iPod, I don't remember any problem when I hooked mine up to the new PowerBook for the first time. I think it was pretty straightforward.
charlie

I've moved itunes library onto new computer and now it won't sync. I did the back up and restore things and tried to sync, and although I've said yes to erasing and syncing, the sync won't start. Help please!

It just keeps telling me "The session failed to start"

It means the device is in recovery mode. You'll need to reconnect it to iTunes and restore it again.
You may need to connect it in recovery mode manually using the instructions in this Apple support document.
iOS: Unable to update or restore
B-rock

HT203167 Moved iTunes library from one computer to another using external hard drive. Cannot play many files. Says they are missing but locates them in an archive file but still won't play them. Are the files themselves part of the .itl files?

Moved iTunes library from old computer (PC Windows 7) to new (PC Window 8) using external hard drive. Library listing shows all music but can only play a fraction of it. On the ones it cannot play it asks to locate, then refers to an archived version (an .itl file), and still cannot play them. Do I just need to copy the archived .itl over, or is that not where the actual media are (do the actual media files even exist on the new computer?)? Any advice or information on this would be helpful.

*Also...is there any way I can filter out all the tracks with the ! so I can delete the unplaying copies as they're taking up room in my iTunes? I know how to find duplicates, but then I have to go and delete each one individually...*
*Thank you!*

HT1349 Coping iTunes library from a laptop XP to a laptop using Windows 8. I have loaded iTunes on the new computer. I have exported the library to a flash drive. I cannot find how to import the library.

I have tried three different ways suggested on the net to copy my library from my older computer which uses XP to my new laptop which uses Windows 8. I have dowloaded iTunes to the new computer. I have aslo exported the library to a flash drive (I think). When I go into the iTunes on the new computer, I cannot find whwere to import from the flash drive. P.S. I also have an iPod with the library on it. Would appreciate help.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1751

If i install itunes on a new computer will i have access to download my itunes music library from icloud?

If i install itunes to a new computer will i have access to download my itunes music library from icloud?

It depends on what country you're in, whether or not you can authorize that computer, and whether or not the songs are still available in the iTunes Store. Any copies in the iCloud shouldn't be considered to be a substitute for a backup.
(108191)

I have just purchased a new desk top. Would like to get my itunes into my new computer. I have downloaded it into my new computer, but how do I get the tunes I have from my other computer into this itunes in my new computer? Thanks

I have just purchased a new desk top. I would like to get my itunes into my new computer. I have downloaded the itunes program. How do I transfer the tunes I have in my itunes account into this computer? I know I have done it before, but can't seem to find how to do it. Thanks.

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 let iTunes manage your music: Copy the entire iTunes folder (and in doing so all its subfolders and files) intact to the other drive. Start iTunes with the option (shift on Windows) key held down and guide it to the new location of the library.

Moving iTunes library from old computer to new laptop

Please help! I have no idea how to do this.

Probably the most straightforward way to get iTunes onto your second computer is to network it with the first one and copy your iTunes folder across. Start by consolidating your library. When you consolidate, any songs in the iTunes Library that are not in the iTunes Music Folder are copied to the Music Folder and the Library is updated to point to those new files. Files already in the iTunes Music Folder have no changes made to them: Copying all your iTunes files to one location - Windows
Copying the whole folder brings with it the iTunes Music folder and also the iTunes Library (iTunes Library.itl in Windows) database file which holds all the information about your songs (Playlists, Ratings, Play Counts, Last Played, Date Added, etc). You'll get more information including the Folder/File structure in this article: What are the iTunes library files?
When you copy the iTunes folder make sure you put it into the same location on the new computer. This has to be the exact same place, on a PC this is \Documents and Settings\Username\My Documents\My Music\ (or C:\Username\Music\ in Vista). Everything has to be exactly the same on the new computer including the Windows user account name. When you open iTunes on the new computer it will be the same as on the original one Songs, Playlists, Play Counts, Ratings etc. You should also use the same version of iTunes on both computers.
You can also use this method with an external hard drive, you drag the folder from the first computer to the external drive and then from the drive to the second computer.
If you have an iPod it can be used as an external drive and you can move the iTunes folder onto it: How to use your iPod to move your music to a new computer
If you have any iTunes purchases in your library don't forget that you'll need to authorise your new computer to play them. Also if you are disposing of the old one remember to deauthorise it so you don't use up one of your allowances: About iTunes Music Store Authorisation and Deauthorisation

Will 1st gen ipod touch still work with new itunes library on new computer (transfer didn't work from old computer)

Ok, so I have a new computer and wanted to transfer my itunes library from my old computer. I could not get the files to transfer. I downloaded the newest version of itunes and see that I can download my previously purchased music to the new computer. I have mp3's that I can add in on my own so I don't have a problem starting over in itunes.
My question is what happens when I plug in my 1st gen ipod touch and try to sync??? Will it erase what is on my ipod or will I be able to move the stuff from my ipod into my new itunes library?? Any info would be great...I'm happy with how my ipod is set up so I really don't want to mess with a good thing. Also, will I need to update and of my software on my ipod since it's 1st generation??
Thanks for the help!!

You can only sync to one iTunes library/computer. If you do sync the iPod is erases and its contents replaced with what is in the iTunes library of the second computer.
To avoid that see:
Syncing to a "New" Computer or replacing a "crashed" Hard Drive: Apple Support Communities
Yes, the 1G works with the latest iTunes.
To transfer iTunes purchases:
iTunes Store: Transferring purchases from your iOS device or iPod to a computer
In iTunes 11 use Control+B to show the Menu bar then go to iTunes>File>Devices>Transfer Purchases

Cannot copy my itunes library to new computer

Hey everyone, need some help. I just got a new computer, and I saved my itunes library to my ipod as instructed by the support area on this website. I loaded Itunes on my new computer and then followed the instructions to copy the library to my new computer. However, it's not working and I don't know what I am doing wrong. I moved the Itunes music folder under my documents on the C drive to the desktop. Then I plugged in the ipod, closed itunes, found the Itunes folder on my ipod from the drive under my computer. I can see the music transfering, however when I open Itunes, the music isn't there. I have tried opening the library file from Itunes, but nothing happens. Can anyone help me troubleshoot?
Thanks!

Go to the top of this page, click "Support", then type "move itunes library" or similar into the search bar.

How can I transfer my iTunes library to new computer?

I have all of my songs on my iTunes library in a older computer. Just got a new computer and I don't know how to transfer my iTunes library from old computer to my new one. I tried out few ideas but i can't do the task.
I really appreciate any help or advice.

How about using an external drive? http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1751
or follow this article using cd's and restore afterwards on your new computer. Don't forget to authorize your new computer in the store menu in itunes: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1420

How do I move my Itunes library to new computer?

I have a new computer and two Iphones and one Itouch. One Itunes account.
I have a new computer running windows vista. I have most of my library on my older iphone but when i connected it to my new computer only some songs where transfered. When I go to sync my Iphone it says that the iphone is synced with another computer. I still have the old computer but want to sell it and already have a buyer.
I have a new Iphone plus the existing one and I also have an Itouch. I want to have the ability to have all my music on the new computer and to have the ability to connect both Iphones and the Itouch to the same computer. Each one would be able to load music from the same library. I also have two laptops which have itunes loaded. I know you can have up to 5 computers on one account and I have not exceeded that.
If possible, if there is a solution can you really dumb down (simplify) the solution.
Thanks for any help you can offer.

Probably the most straightforward way to get iTunes onto your new computer is to network the two over ethernet and copy your iTunes folder across. This works fine if you have been using iTunes to completely manage your music and all your songs are in iTunes Music not in different folders. If the songs in your library are not all in the iTunes Music folder you can consolidate them. When you consolidate, any songs in the iTunes Library that are not in the iTunes Music Folder are copied to the Music Folder and the Library is updated to point to those new files. Files already in the iTunes Music Folder have no changes made to them:
Copying all your iTunes files to one location - Mac
OS X 10.5 - Connecting two Mac computers using Ethernet
Another way is to put your original computer into target disk mode and copy the data over Firewire: How to use FireWire target disk mode
Copying the whole folder brings with it the iTunes Music folder and also the iTunes Library (iTunes Library.itl in Windows) database file which holds all the information about your songs (Playlists, Ratings, Play Counts, Last Played, Date Added, etc). You'll get more information including the Folder/File structure in this article: What are the iTunes library files?
When you copy the iTunes folder make sure you put it into the same location on the new computer. This has to be the exact same place, on a Mac this would be in Username/Music/. Everything has to be exactly the same on the new computer including the Mac user account name. When you open iTunes on the new computer it will be the same as on the original one Songs, Playlists, Play Counts, Ratings etc. You should also use the same version of iTunes on both computers.
If you have any iTunes purchases in your library don't forget that you'll need to authorise your new computer to play them: About iTunes Music Store Authorisation and Deauthorisation

Getting iTunes library onto new computer

Ok, so about a month ago, my computer died of a broken motherboard. the hard drive did survive, however, and now lives on in an external case. i purchased a new computer, and do not know how to go about getting all of my music onto it. i currently have:
1) An iPod nano full of my music
2) my old computer's hard drive, also full of the same music
3) My new computer, with NO music at all on it
What would be the best way to get my entire music library into iTunes on my new computer? The iPod or the old computer's hard drive? what would be the easiest way to do it? i do have quite a few songs purchased from iTunes. Thanks in advance.
-Kyle

bump

Transferring songs on Ipod to itunes library on new computer

I recently purchased a new computer and would like my ipod to synch with itunes on my new computer rather than uploading all my music again manually--- extremely time consuming. How do I do this without losing everything that is currently saved on my ipod???
hp pavillion Windows XP
hp pavillion Windows XP

Set your iPod to manual update. Do this on your original PC first then when you connect it to the new one, it won't auto-sync to the new empty library. There's a tutorial here:http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/tutorial/ipgettingstartedt3.html
If you no longer have your old PC read this before connecting to the new one: "How to keep iTunes from automatically updating your iPod" http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93779
If you still have your original PC, you can in fact use your iPod to migrate your current iTunes music folder to your new one: "How to use your iPod to move your music to a new computer" http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300173-en

Question re: moving iTunes library to new computer where files have different file path?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for