Transfer iTunes files from old MacBook to new MacBook Pro

How do I transfer just my iTunes files from a MacBook to my new MacBook Pro?

The best bet is for you to transfer your iTunes library to the new Mac with the Migration Assistant. When you first fire up a Mac and it asks if you want to move your data, that’s one chance, but you can also set up the new Mac as pristinely new and use Migration Assistant later. Just launch it from the Utilities folder and tell it what you want to do—you can transfer your library over Wi-Fi, but if both Macs have a FireWire port, it’s much faster to connect them that way and use Target Disk Mode. (Start up the old Mac holding down T, which mounts it as an external drive on the new Mac for Migration Assistant to mine—but Migration Assistant walks you through the whole process.) Migration Assistant doesn’t have a setting specifically for iTunes, but if you migrate your user account’s Music folder, that’ll contain both your media and your library database, which stores those preferences you want to transfer.
Migrate your Music folder to your new Mac. (Which we obviously can’t do here because the MacBook Air is a few hundred gigs light…)
If you’d rather do it manually, first move the files in your home folder’s Music/iTunes/iTunes Media folder from the old Mac to the same location on the new Mac. Then export the iTunes Library database from your old Mac—go to File > Library > Export Library. Move the resulting XML file to the new Mac. Open iTunes, choose File > Library > Import Playlist and select that XML file.
Why not use Home Sharing within iTunes, you may wonder? I found out the hard way when recently combining songs from multiple laptops and external drives into one, new, started-from-scratch mega-library on my new iMac: Home Sharing is great for actually moving music, videos, and apps from one machine to another over the network, but it doesn’t move the metadata. My ratings and play counts were wiped out.

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Transfer all files from old macbook pro to new

my 2010 macbook pro has packed up completely it does not show anything except a white screen and a spinning wheel (pain of my life !), i probably have time machine back up, planning to get the new retina display 2.7 macbook pro,
my question-will all my stuff get transferred as it is using the time machine? or will i need to reload the software such as macoffice etc seperately.

Depending upon the OS that you were using on your 2010 MBP, some third party applications may not be compatible and they will have to be replaced with newer versions or abandoned.
Have you had your MBP examined at an Apple store genius bar? The diagnostic tests are done at no cost to you.
Ciao.

Best way to transfer files from old Macbook Pro to new one?

I just got a new Macbook Pro from Apple...YEEEEAAAHHHH!
So....
What's the best way to transfer files from old Macbook Pro to new one? I know Migration assistant, but is there a recommended way? I don't want to put do a system restore or transfer everything from the old laptop, but I do want to move important things like photos, music, documents and such over. Any suggestions on best way to do this?
Another question, perhaps subquestion. If I have, say, an older version of iPhoto but a newer version of one on my new Macbook Pro, will it still transfer photos no problem?
Just looking for hints from the experts so this puppy is set up in the best way possible.

Just one comment on this:
‘If I have, say, an older version of iPhoto but a newer version of one on my new Macbook Pro, will it still transfer photos no problem?’
the problems are ALWAYS in the reverse way, when you have the newest (or a newer) version of a given app, and wish to transfer its library to an older version.
Otherwise, see the link to Pondini.
I have been using Martin Jahn’s iBackup, with which I have become accustomed and works fine. It also makes daily backups. Its advantage over other apps is that you may add whatever you wish to save, beside its default settings (which you may delete or cancel, of course, even if not recommended); it also has a friendly interface and easily customizable. Of course, this is a personal view, you may try other methods as well, or other backup apps. All are good if you are satisfied and correspond to your needs.

Tried to use home sharing to transfer itunes library from old pc to new -- however it only brings over the music, did not bring audiobooks- My question is do I need to delete itunes from my new pc when I redo using external hard drive

Trying to transfer iTunes library from old windows 7 pc to new windows 8.1. Used home sharing, but not what I wanted, I want everything on the new so I can discard the old pc - so now all I have is my music library on new pc thru the cloud none of my Audible audiobooks came over - My question is do I need to delete iTunes off my new pc before I load it in from a external hard drive?

You might need to make sure neither is going to sleep (System Prefs > Energy Saver)
Also check your settings under System Prefs > Security. My sisters new laptop kept logging off due to some setting there.
HTH

Got new computer, can someone tell me how to transfer itunes library from old computer to new computer. Please go step by step, i am new at this.

got a new computer, need help transferring itunes library from old computer to new computer. i am very new at this please give instructions step by step.

Hi 45atopp,
Thanks for visiting Apple Support Communities.
The article at the link below describes a few methods and provides some detailed instructions on how to transfer your iTunes library to your new computer:
iTunes: How to move your music to a new computer
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4527
Best,
Jeremy

How can I transfer itunes library from old pc to new imac?

I just got a new iMac and am trying to transfer iTunes library from old PC (barely running) to new iMac. I tried through Home Sharing but couldn't find how to sync. Is it necessary to get Firewire? Or should I sync it from my iPad? I'd like to avoid the middleman. Thanks!

Try this article too - http://www.myfirstmac.com/index.php/mac/articles/how-do-i-move-my-itunes-library -from-pc-to-mac-and-keep-my-settings-intact
MJ

HT1660 how do i transfer itune songs from old ipod to new ipod

I brougt an ipod touch 5th generation, previously i had a classic ipod. How do i transfer my music from old ipod to new. please help.

All of the music should be on your computer. just sync it to the new ipod

Transfer files from old macbook pro to new macbook pro using mavericks

I have called Apple support about 5 times about this and have been given 3 or 4 different response none of them work.
I do not have an ethernet cable.
The computers are on same network.
I have time capsule not yet set up. Apple support told me to use usb but no port on new mac. So old mac is running OSX 10.8.5 and new one is Maverick. I cannot update files on old computer as I just get this message to sign in to my acount that used to buy old apps.I am 1.5 hours away from apple store so if i needed special cable from Apple i would have purchased it with Time Capsule. I was told that to do it wirelessly would take over a day.
Right now am puzzling over what is best to do without losing files. I dont want to lost my music files as I have had them for a long time and all were not purchased from itunes store.
Any thoughts on where to start feel free to suggest them.
Thanks Jan

Just one comment on this:
‘If I have, say, an older version of iPhoto but a newer version of one on my new Macbook Pro, will it still transfer photos no problem?’
the problems are ALWAYS in the reverse way, when you have the newest (or a newer) version of a given app, and wish to transfer its library to an older version.
Otherwise, see the link to Pondini.
I have been using Martin Jahn’s iBackup, with which I have become accustomed and works fine. It also makes daily backups. Its advantage over other apps is that you may add whatever you wish to save, beside its default settings (which you may delete or cancel, of course, even if not recommended); it also has a friendly interface and easily customizable. Of course, this is a personal view, you may try other methods as well, or other backup apps. All are good if you are satisfied and correspond to your needs.

How to Transfer iTunes content from old computer to new

I have a new Windows 7 computer. I downloaded iTunes and now I want to transfer all my content from my old Windows Vista notebook to the new computer.
How do I do it? I don't see any import/transfer solution.
Thanks

Because there is nothing in iTunes to deal with this, no need to be.
Use the Windows Easy File Transfer utility to move all your data.
Or simply copy the ENTIRE iTunes folder from the old computer to the new computer.

Transfer iTunes files from external drive onto new iMac

I had all of my iTunes files on an external hard drive with an old eMac. I want to transfer the files to my brand-new iMac.
It's easy to copy the iTunes Library folder from the external drive onto the iMac hard drive, and change the preferences so that new songs are stored onto the iMac, but it doesn't change the settings for iTunes. Then, if I "Add to Library" I get two copies of everything: the file that's on the external drive PLUS the file that's on the new iMac. If I delete all of the "old" duplicates, it will mess up my playlists.
Isn't there an easy way to point iTunes to the new Library on the iMac and have it change the location setting for all of the songs?

okay, let me rephrase my question:
when you moved your files from the old Mac to the external, did you
(a) drag the entire iTunes folder from <MacintoshHD>/users/<yourname>/music to the external
or
(b) use the +consolidate files+ command to move the files to the external
if (a), connect the external to the new Mac and launch iTunes while pressing option on your keyboard. when prompted, click on +choose library+ and select the iTunes folder on the external.
if (b), copy the iTunes folder from <MacintoshHD>/users/<yourname>/music on the old Mac to <MacintoshHD>/users/<yourname>/music on the new one, overwriting the iTunes folder in place there. connect the external to your new Mac and fire up iTunes normally.
if you want to move the media files from the external to the internal disk of your new Mac, go iTunes > preferences > advanced and point +iTunes media folder location+ to the iTunes folder in <MacintoshHD>/users/<yourname>/music. also on the advanced tab, make sure there is a tick in the boxes next to +keep iTunes media folder organized+ and +copy files to ... when adding to library+.
then file > library > organize library > consolidate files. this will copy all your media files to the location you specified earlier in the advanced tab. when done, you can (if you want) erase the external and use it for other purposes. or keep the files there and use the external as your backup.
JGG

How do i get files from old macbook pro to new macbook pro

I am geting the new macbook pro soon but first i want to know how to transfer files from my old laptop to my new laptop. so all my files will not be deleted.
Please Help!!!!
Thank you,

Mac OS X 10.7, 10.8: How to use Migration Assistant to transfer files from another Mac - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4889 - "You can use Migration Assistant in OS X Lion and Mountain Lion to transfer important information, such as user accounts, applications, network and computer settings, and files, from one Mac computer to another via a FireWire cable, ThunderBolt cable, or via an Ethernet or wireless "

Using Home Sharing to transfer itunes library from old computer to new but connection keeps timing out...anyone have a solution?

Hello everyone,
I am attempting to use Home Sharing to import my itunes library from my old computer to new (as per instructions on this site), but the connection keeps "timing out" and so the import gets cut short.
Both computers have the new itunes (I updated them last night), but only seem to get about 5 minutes (or 100 songs in) before the connection error occurs.
I have an external hard drive and would use it to transfer my library (which is ~45GB) however my old computer isn't recognizing the hard drive so I thought Home Sharing was a good option...perhaps I was wrong?
Help Please!
Thanks

You might need to make sure neither is going to sleep (System Prefs > Energy Saver)
Also check your settings under System Prefs > Security. My sisters new laptop kept logging off due to some setting there.
HTH

How to transfer iTunes music from old computer to new laptop

I just got a new laptop and I want to know if its possible to transfer my music from my old computer to my new laptop. I have already bought so much music, and I don't think I should be required to buy it again. How do I transfer the music to my new laptop from my old computer?

Same answer as you other post with the same question.

Best way to transfer certain files from old iMac to new (have Time Machine)

Hey guys. I'm going to be in the process of moving my data over from my old iMac to a new one. I have been using Time Machine for a while w/ mostly Snow Leopard and Lion on my old iMac so everything is certinaly backed up via those means. However, the new iMac will be on Mountain Lion and it's a fresh clean install that I really don't want to muck up with all the *crap* I've accumulated over the years. So I've decided I only want to transfer the important files to me and I'll install any applications fresh later. The files I really need are my extensive iTunes library, all my photos, all my documents. My e-mail is on IMAP so I believe that will sync on its own.
Can the Time Machine migration assistant that pops up with a new computer at setup able to do these specific tasks without an all or none deal? Or should I copy and paste out of Time Machine or maybe even the external drive itself. I've had issues copying and pasting iTunes libraries in the past where it lost its entire architecture some how.
Any advice appreciated

Can the Time Machine migration assistant that pops up with a new computer at setup able to do these specific tasks without an all or none deal?
Yes. For a detailed walkthrough, see here:
Setting-up a new Mac from an old one, its backups, or a PC Using Setup Assistant

How to transfer itunes music from old computer to new computer

I am sure someone has asked this question before but darned if I can find it anywhere...I have a new computer and want to transfer my music (which was loaded from CDs) from my old computer to my new one. I also want to keep my playlists that I spent time setting up. But when I plug my ipod touch into my new computer it simply asks me if I want to wipe all the music on it and replace it with what is in itunes on the new computer ie. nothing.
Help!

Quit iTunes and click over to your My Documents folder. Inside this folder, go to My Music. Inside My Music is your iTunes music folder. Now, copy this to a flash drive (if its big enough), an external hard drive, online using backup services like Mozy, or burned onto a CD-R or a DVD. You can even enable Disk Use on your iPod and move it there.
After you copy the iTunes library, disconnect whatever you used and take it to your new computer.
*More reviews:* [iPhone Transfer|http://www.softwarebbs.com/wiki/IPhone_Transfer]

Transfer iTunes files from old MacBook to new MacBook Pro

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