Savings play counts/dates added?

Question

Hi, I'm going through the process of re-installing Windows XP on my computer, which means I'll have to back up all of my music on CD's, but I really want to keep my play counts and my dates added for my music when I add it back to the computer...is that what I use the Export Song List/Export Library for?

Answer 1

If you're using iTunes to do the backup, and you select "Backup the entire library and playlists", one of the files it should copy to the CD/DVD is "iTunes Library.itl". This file has all your playlists, play counts, etc.
See:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302392
If you're not using iTunes to do the backup for some reason, then make sure to copy that file. It is located (by default) in <pre>My Documents\My Music\iTunes\</pre>
In fact, you should backup that entire folder.
If you backup the ITL file, then you don't need to export your playlists. But FYI:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93763