Shifting library to external HD

Sorry if this is repeating previously asked questions, but I couldn't find an exact answer...
I'm in the process of shifting my library to an new external HD.
I want to be sure to keep all the playcount and playlist information. I've copied the whole iTunes folder, which I understand should let me keep this.
But not sure about the next step - searching the forum and the Apple support info gives two different methods.
1) Go to Edit>Preferences>Advanced, change folder location.
2) Do a shift open, chose new library.
What's the difference here?
Edit: Also, I've seen other threads talking about the drives needing the have the same letters? How could this matter, if you are directing itunes to a new location anyway?
Thanks...
Message was edited by: helent24

There are two ways of moving iTunes to and external drive.
Method 1:
The iTunes folder containing the library databases stays on the c: drive and only the music is transferred to the external drive.
Create a folder for you iTunes muic on teh external drive. Then set the location of your iTunes folder to this folder in Edit>>preferences>>Advanced.
Then Consolidate your library. Files>>Library>>Consolidate library.
This last stage copies the files, leaving the originals intact.
Method 2:
First you need to have all your music in the iTunes Music folder, consolidate if it is not.
Close iTunes
Then copy the iTunes folder in Music to the external drive. Then do a shift key start. Hold down the shift key and start iTunes, keep holding the shift key until you are prompted to choose a library, navigate to your iTunes folder on the external drive and choose iTunes Library.itl.
The main advantage of method2 apart from its simplicity is that you can plug the drive into any computer with iTunes installed and use the library with a shift key start.
When you have your iTunes music/library on an external drive always ensure that the drive is available before starting iTunes, or it will default back to the default arrangement on the c: drive and you will have to either reset the iTunes Music folder or do a shift key start, according to how you did the transfer.
If the drive letter changes, again you have to reset the location of the iTunes Music folder/ do a shift key start to reflect the new location.
Do not delete anything on the c: drive until you are certain everything is working correctly on the external drive.

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Shifting library to external HD

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