Setting up existing library in new computer

I'll try and give as much info as possible! Was running iTunes on my XP based machine, library stored on 320 GB slave drive (G:\Music\iTunes) in computer. Master drive crashed, and I thought it time to upgrade the home PC.
Bought an Acer Aspire - with 320 GB hard drive, partitioned into C: and F: sections. I also installed my old slave drive in an enclosure, where its now the D: drive on my new system (G: is assigned to the CD/DVD drive).
I installed iTunes on C:, and pointed my library default to F:\Music\iTunes (where it will be on my hard drive in a separate partition from the main one). I plan on using the external drive as a backup for my PC hard drive once I move the library to the F: drive location. I authorized the PC to my iTunes account, and all seems to be good to that point.
My question is, what steps do I need to take to move my library over to the F: drive, and have iTunes recognize that library? I've already tried to consolidate my library; but, that doesn't do anything. I also tried to install my existing play lists, with no luck.

Aw too bad, but it's also wise to be cautious at times.
+When you say export a playlist, where am I exporting from?+
Any previous library that has the playlists showing that you want, for instance "Fresh Mix" or whatever you named it. Just right-click on the words "Fresh Mix" and choose Export Playlist...
Save it as an XML file and then later you can use itunes menu > File > Library > Import Playlist to get it back.
+Should I move a copy of that file to the F: partition, would that work?+
yes, just put your exported playlists files where you can remember where they are, so you can import them later.
+Will the PC version of the playlist update when I plug in an iPod that has that playlist on it? (that would be more recent than that XML file) Or will I get some sort of 'out of synch' error?+
Any plays on the iPod should get synced back to iTunes. iTunes syncs track info back. Entire playlists from the iPod do not get synced back (unless they are On-the-Go playlists that you created on the iPod). If you have a playlist on your iPod that is not in iTunes, next time you sync your iPod, that playlist will get removed from the iPod.
+If I simply copy the song files to the F: drive (using Windows Explorer, correct?),+
Yes, Win Explorer
+how do I get iTunes to accept these songs in a new (*.itl) library?+
Either drag them over from a Win Explorer window into the itunes source list (left column)
I always drop it on the word LIBRARY
or
use itunes menu > File > Add folder to library and browse to the top-level F: drive
iTunes will always try to use the last ITL that it opened. So you need to be careful you are opening the library you really want, when using hte shift-start or not.
To start a new library, you can choose to create a new library using shift-start. It will be totally blank. Then you can add all the content from F: into it. iTunes will use that new library until you shift-start it again.
+Will the app be able to tell purchased music from CDs & MP3s that I've loaded to my library?+
Yes and no. If you try to play a DRM song, iTunes will ask you to authorize if you haven't done so already.
But your old purchases won't show in the Purchased playlist until you add them. Here is a post I wrote on that; easy to do with smart playlists
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=9792872

Similar Messages

Syncing existing Library with new computer.

I recently bought a new computer and installed iTunes hoping to transfer my music library from my old computer to my new. When I connect my iPod to my new computer it says that it is already synced with another Library. Is there any way to override this and transfer all of my music to the new computer? It would be a real annoyance if I have to rip 50gigs of music onto my new computer. Thanks!

Connect your iPod to your computer. When you get the message that it is linked to a different library and asking if you want to link to this one and replace all your songs etc, press "Cancel". Pressing "Erase and Sync" will irretrievably remove all the songs from your iPod. When your iPod appears in the iTunes source list change the update setting to manual, that will let you use our iPod without the risk of accidentally erasing it. Check the "manually manage music and videos" box in Summary then press the Apply button. Also when using most of the utilities listed below your iPod needs to be enabled for disc use, changing to manual update will do this by default: Managing content manually on iPod
Once you are safely connected there are a few things you can do to restore your iTunes from the iPod.
The transfer of content sources such as songs imported from CD is designed by default to be one way from iTunes to iPod. However there are a number of third party utilities that you can use to retrieve the music files and playlists from your iPod. You'll find that they have varying degrees of functionality and some will transfer movies, videos, photos, podcasts and games as well. Have a look at the web pages and documentation, this is just a small selection of what's available, they are generally quite straightforward. You can read reviews and comparisons of some of them here:
Wired News - Rescue Your Stranded Tunes
Comparison of iPod managers
TuneJack Windows Only
iPod2PC Windows Only
iGadget Windows Only
iDump Windows Only
SharePod Windows Only
iPodRip Mac & Windows
YamiPod Mac and Windows
Music Rescue Mac & Windows
iPodCopy Mac and Windows
iRepo Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
iPod Access Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
If you have any iTunes Music Store purchases the transfer of purchased content from the iPod to authorised computers was introduced with iTunes 7. You'll find details in this article: Copying iTunes Store purchases from your iPod or iPhone to a computer
There's also a manual method of copying songs from your iPod to a Mac or PC. The procedure is a bit involved and won't recover playlists but if you're interested it's available on page 2 at this link: Copying Content from your iPod to your Computer - The Definitive Guide
Whichever of these retrieval methods you choose, keep your iPod in manual mode until you have reloaded your iTunes and you are happy with your playlists etc then it will be safe to return it auto-sync. I would also advise that you get yourself an external hard drive and back your stuff up, relying on an iPod as your sole backup is not a good idea and external drives are comparatively inexpensive these days, you can get loads of storage for a reasonable outlay.

How do I transfer old library to new computer?

How do I transfer old library to new computer?

Hello Saunik1,
The article linked below details the various methods available for transferring your library to a new computer.
iTunes: How to move your music to a new computer
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527
Cheers,
Allen

How do I get entire library onto new computer without old ipod (stolen) or old computer (died)? When I plugged in my new ipod 5th gen, it only synced purchases.

How do I get entire library onto new computer without old ipod (stolen) or old computer (died)? I just bought an ipod 5th gen and when I plugged it in, it only synced purchases.

You restore the media to your new computer using the backup you made of your old computer before it died. You did backup your computer, right?

I tranfserred library to new computer and now itunes says I am not authorized to play the library

I tranfserred library to new computer and now itunes says I am not authorized to play the library. I have authorized the new computer and it still does not work.

This forum is for questions from those managing sites on iTunes U, Apple's service for colleges and universities to post educational material in the iTunes Store. You'll be most likely to get help with this issue if you ask in the general iTunes forums.
Regards.

Computer crashed and cant remember password to set up my existing account on new computer

Computer crashed and cant remember password to set up my existing account on new computer

Your email password is between you and your email provider. Go to their web mail or email help page and look for a link to reset your password.

Can I import my existing Itunes library to new computer

I am sure that the last time I changed computers it was very simple to move the Itunes library using Export Library from the old computer and Import Library in the new computer, This simple mechanism seems to be no longer available,
I know that, in File/Library, there is an Export Library option but this produces a very small XML file which I believe is used for playlists - it is clearly not an export of the full library. There is also an Import Playlist facility for the new computer but no Import Library facility
So how should i go about transferring transferring my Itunes library to the new computer?

Thanks Diesel. That worked fine,
I am left feeling a bit silly as the answer was so straightforward. For some reason i was assuming that Itunes would never be so easy. I'm not sure what traumatic experience lay behind that feeling.
But thanks again
ps
I meant to mark your post as the answer but I can't see any obvious box to click

Problem importing old iphoto library into new computer

SO I ORIGIONALLY WROTE THIS TOPIC:
"Ok so I just bought a new macbook pro with iphoto 08 and i want to transfer my pictures from my old Imac with im guessing iphoto 06 and all the albums to my new computer. How do i do this. I tried it once but i did it wrong because i only got the pictures over there but no albums so i deleted them on the new computer and am ready to try again"
THEN I GOT THIS RESPONSE:
Quit iPhoto, copy the entire iPhoto library as a single entity from the old computer into the pictures folder on the new computer and launch iPhoto on the new computer - it will convert (a one way conversion) the library as needed and you will be set.
SO I DID THAT AND THE PHOTOS ARE THERE ON THE HARD DRIVE BUT WHEN I OPEN IPHOTO THERE IS NOTHING THERE
PLEASE HELP

Nick:
Have you checked the size of the copied library to make sure it's a valid one. To be sure you're opening the correct library launch iPhoto with the Option key depressed and, when asked, select the option to choose a library. Navigate to your pictures folder and select the library to copied over from your old iMac.
If your sure that's the library from the old iMac and it doesn't indicate any photos try the following in order as needed:
1 - launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys depressed and follow the instructions to rebuild the library. Select all options.
2 - rebuild the library using iPhoto Library Manager as follows:
Using iPhoto Library Manager to Rebuild Your iPhoto Library
1 -Download iPhoto Library Manager and launch.
2 -Click on the Add Library button, navigate to your User/Pictures folder and select your iPhoto Library folder.
3 - Now that the library is listed in the left hand pane of iPLM, click on your library and go to the File->Rebuild Library menu option
4 - In the next window name the new library and select the location you want it to be placed.
5 - Click on the Create button.
Note: It may take some time to create the new library if you have a lot of photos.
3 - start over with a new library and import the Originals folder from your original library as follows:
Creating a new library while preserving the Events from the original library.
Move the existing library folder to the desktop.
Open the library package like this.
Launch iPhoto and, when asked, select the option to create a new library.
Drag the Originals folder from the iPhoto Library on the desktop into the open Photo window
This will create a new library with the same Events as the original library if you have the Finder checkbox unchecked in the Events preference pane.
TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto (iPhoto.Library for iPhoto 5 and earlier) database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've created an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger or later), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. It's compatible with iPhoto 6 and 7 libraries and Tiger and Leopard. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.

Putting Existing Ipod on new computer, new account?

hi,
Up until now, my daugher has shared my Apple id (as she is only 11), and I have uploaded her ipod on my computer (different library , so we have our own music)
She now has her own laptop, and I want to put her itunes on her computer...so
1. Can I put her ipod on the new computer BUT..Set up her own apple id,..so that she is no longer sharing my account? - THIS ONE WOULD BE GREAT
2. Can I transfer the music easily enough from her ipod touch to her computer?
Hope someone can help, as with three kids and 2 adults its getting rather crowded on this computer,...so anyway to get it off this computer (and get it on her own account), would be great
(Please bear in mind I am a technophobe, so please make any instructions in simple language for a simple mum.)
Thanks in advance for any help
Rach

hi, thanks for that - so just so I am clear (remember I am a numpty with these things) - I can transfer her existing library to the new computer using one of those options on the link..
BUT Reading other bits, she has to keep using my account? - as if I set her a new account up, then she will lose any purchases...or is there any way to save them and then put them on a new account? (she does not have that many as it is mainly CDs she has one, onyl a few purchased aps)
If she decides she wants her own id, and she has to load cds up the old fashioned way, - Then will her existing Ipod Touch let her do this ? 0r do I have to remove her ipod from my account, before it will let her start again? (ie just like if she bought a 2nd hand one for example)

Transfer library to new computer after old one crashed

My old PC crashed and the data partition has completely been erased so now all of my music only exists in my iPod. I have a new laptop and would like to transfer my library to the new computer, however I'm worried that it may just erase the music if I just plug it into the new computer. The current setting is on auto-synch and not manual. Can I just install iTunes onto my new computer, set it to manual, and plug in the iPod? Suggestions?

Welcome to the Apple Discussions, Tim!
I'll answer your question in just a minute but before doing so I'd like to say that I hope you take this as an opportunity to learn a very important lesson: Back up your iTunes library as soon as you can after resolving this situation because right now you are only one glitch of your iPod away from losing your music entirely.
Many people come to the Discussions having lost their music in just such situations and, believe me, it's not a happy time for anyone.
If you place any importance on your playlists and the data they depend on, you will want to include your iTunes Library files in your back-up regimen as well.
Anyways, that's the lecture. The answer to your problem should be found in this post:
MacMuse, "Computer Crashed" #4, 11:49pm Feb 7, 2005 CDT
Good Luck! But once your music is back on your computer, remember:
Your music is valuable - please back it up!

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

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

Error when copying iPhoto Library to new computer

Hello! I just got a MacBook Pro and I am trying to transfer my old iPhoto library (Macbook) to my new computer. I followed the suggestions on this forum to copy my iPhoto Library from my Pictures folder to my new computer. It gave me an error/warning message: "One or more items can’t be copied to “Desktop” because you don’t have permission to read them. Do you want to copy the items you are allowed to read?" I said yes, and it copied about 15G of my 17G iPhoto library. Then when I opened iPhoto most of my photos were there, except the movies from my iPhone and many (but not necessarily all) modified pictures taken from my iPhone (most often pictures that were taken landscape). The thumbnails are there, but the actual files weren't transferred, so I get the big exclamation mark.
I have now deleted the iPhoto Library folder that was only partially transferred due to the permissions and I would like to start over. Why do I not have "permission to read" certain files? I am doing the transfer via file sharing wirelessly. I have the whole HD set to be read/write by my mobileme alias. As a side note, I tried to just select the iPhoto Library for sharing but it wouldn't allow that, so I selected the whole HD.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Message was edited by: kathleen.black

kathleen.black wrote:
Didn't make a difference It still says I don't have permission for some of the files. But I'm glad I got the disk repaired.
The old computer is running iPhoto '09, could that be part of the problem? We have a family pack of iLife '11 at work so right now I'm installing iPhoto '11.
Do you think that will help? Any other suggestions?
I would backup of course and try to update the iLife 09 to '11 and see if that works. I think I recall some changes in the iPhoto database from '09 to '11.
Best of Luck!
Thanks!

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.

How to set up iTunes library on new mac

I have a new mac and I'm wanting to set up my current Itunes library on it. I went from a PC...that is now dead. I do use an Ipad and Iphone that has my music on it...any help as to how to do this?

Copy everything from your backup copy of your old computer to the new computer.
The iphone/ipad is not a backup device. The sync is one way - computer to iphone/ipad. The exception is itunes purchases:File>Transfer Purchases

Setting up existing library in new computer

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