Transfering iTunes from PC to iMac

I have had iTunes on a PC for several yrs now. I just purchased an Apple iMac and need to transfer my iTunes from PC to Apple iMac. Not sure how to do it.
I also have an iPad and an iPhone and want them to sync with the new iMac. How do I make it all happen. Don't know enough about
Apple to do it yet.
Help?
k

but how do I get the iMac to be the main computer that the iPad and iPhone sync with?
By copying the entire /Music/iTunes/ folder from old computer to new computer.
This way it is the same library, not simply a new library with all the same media files.
When you plug in your iDevices, they will sync without a hitch as you are using the same library.

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Transferring itunes from Windows to IMAC

we have itunes currently installed with our music library on a windows based laptop. Recently purchased an IMAC...beautiful...
Not sure how to move itunes application and music to the IMAC without losing everything.
Any help would be appreciated.

These pages may be of some help:
How to move an iTunes library from a PC to Mac (and back)
How to move your iTunes library from Windows to Mac
Networking with a Windows PC
Don't forget by the way if you have purchased any tracks from the iTunes Music Store to deauthorise your old PC if you are disposing of it so you don't use up your 5 allowances: About iTunes Music Store Authorisation and Deauthorisation

Transferring itunes from imac

Hello i just got a macbook and i would like to transfer my itunes from my old imac which has panther to my new macbook which has tiger i have already tried to transfer them using firewire and i got them onto my new macbook but when i opened the itunes application they were not there so i found the itunes folder i had moved and dragged it onto the icon on my dock the songs started to load but then about maybe half way through a sign came up that said that there was not enough room on macintosh HD to copy the selected files and i had to force quit itunes What should i do? Thank you!!

Delete the iTunes folder in the Music folder in the Finder's sidebar, open iTunes, turn off the option to automatically copy the songs to the iTunes music folder in the Advanced section of the iTunes preferences, and drag the folder onto the iTunes icon again.
(32037)

I was transferring data from my old iMac to my new iMac via Time Machine. After about 4 hours, the electrical power fluctuated and turned off my wi-fi. Now most of my necessary programs are useless. How do I erase and start over?

I was transferring data from my old iMac to my new iMac via Time Machine. After about 4 hours, the electrical power fluctuated and turned off my wi-fi. Now most of my necessary programs are useless. How do I erase that mess and start over?

Hello there, LynnS.
The following Knowledge Base article and it's referenced link should get you started with the Erase and Install of Mavericks:
OS X Mavericks: Erase and reinstall OS X
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH14243
Once you've gone through those 2 articles, this article should help you with restoring from your Time Machine Backup:
OS X Mavericks: Recover your entire system
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH14185
Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities.
Cheers,
Pedro.

HT4527 When transferring iTunes from old computer to new computer, even though all of songs were copied over, not all of them went to iTunes, some appear to be stored elsewhere. How can I find these songs, and how do I transfer them to iTunes?

When transferring iTunes from old computer to new computer, all my songs were copied over, but not all of them were stored in iTunes. It appears they are on the computer somewhere, but not on iTunes. Where are these other songs likely to be, and how can I get them onto iTunes? Because of this problem, Apple will not allow me to update my iPhone.

You may/must have had music files stored outside of your iTunes library.
I'd recommend going to the Finder and then via the search box look for files with mp3 aif m4a aac etc. depending on the music format your digital music had. With the list of files shown you should be able to learn which files were stored outside of your music > itunes folder
Chances are they could be burried somewhere under your documents, downloads, desktop, ... we all have different storage and organization habits.
Then when you find the missing files, on the new computer you can do add to library and go to the folder on the other computer where the missing files are - if your systems are networked - or sneak them over using a USB thumb drive or portable hard drive if you have lots of files, or if you like to have an extra backup of that music, copy to optical disc.

When transferring data from my old iMac to a newer one do the old Apple apps like iWorks override the new versions installed on the newer computer?

When transferring data from an older iMac to a newer iMac (refurbished) do the Apple applications like iWorks replace the ones on the newer computer?
I have read how to transfer data and using setup assistant but I am concerned about applications from Apple having the same names.

As you likely know legacy apps that are PPC based will not migrate over. However the data files will. I would urge you to inventory the apps you have and their data files to see how important they are and then look app by app to see what app replacements are available. If you are using Office for Mac prior to the 2008 version you will need to get a new license of the app because the 2004 version was PPC based. The files will come over and are readable by newer version of Office for Mac (I recommend the 2011 version) and also readable by the iWorks apps (Pages, Numbers, Keynote) but those are different apps than Office and work differently and do not have all of the features of the MS Office apps. This is really only a issue if you share files with MS Office users, if you use them for personal work then iWork may be just fine for your needs.

Problems with transferring iTunes Library to new iMac

I am having a problem with transferring my iTunes library to my new iMac. I have read many of the suggestions posted in this forum along with numerous articles on other sites. I have not seen anyone describe my exact problem.
When I got my new iMac, I used Migration Assistant to transfer everything (files, applications, settings, etc.) from my old iMac to the new iMac. On my old iMac, the iTunes music folder (i.e., the actual mp3s) are on an external HD, while the iTunes Library file (the database and xml files) were in the /user/Music/ folder on the old iMac.
After the Migration Assistant was done, the /user/music/ folder and the library files were copied to the new iMac, but the iTunes music folder was not. It is still on the external HD.
If I open iTunes on the new iMac, iTunes shows me all of my songs, but if I play one, I get the "song can't be found; do you want to find it" error. In iTunes preferences on the new iMac, the "iTunes music folder location" is the new iMac.
I have the 2 iMacs connected by a firewire cable, but neither iMac recognizes the other computer as being on the same network. That is, in Finder on the new iMac, I cannot see the external HD of the old iMac.
I can't change the library location on the old iMac, because the new iMac does not appear in Finder or in the "Change Music Folder Location" dialog box.
I want to move the music folder (the actual mp3s) from the external HD of the old iMac to the INTERNAL HD of the new iMac. I don't need to keep them on the old IMac, as I will be selling that computer. Of course, I want to keep all my playlists, artwork, etc from the old library.
Does anyone have a suggestion?
Thanks.

Never mind. Figured it out. I attached external HD to new iMac and consolidated. Duh.

Moved iTunes from pc to iMac...now have missing file links!

Hi all. Just bought a new iMac and want to transfer my iTunes library and music to it from my pc. On my pc I had all my music consolidated and organised by itunes, and I transferred the entire itunes folder (music, library, etc) to my iMac via an external hard drive. When I open iTunes on my iMac, the library opens, all my songs, playlists, etc show up, just as they did on my pc. Unfortunately, a bunch of songs show up with the dreaded '!' beside them.
I have a huge music library...over 80gb and 16000+ songs...and over 3000 of them are affected. Ugh! I can go and locate the file for each song...they are on the iMac right where I would expect them to be...but for some reason iTunes isn't linking properly to them.
Since all the music is on the iMac, I know that I can simply rebuild my library, but I don't want to lose all my playlists, info, etc...

Still can't figure it out The problem appears to exist right across my library...some of my oldest stuff that was ripped from CDs straight thru to some of my newest stuff downloaded straight from iTunes within the last month.
One common link may be that the affected files either have very long file names (or are contained in folders with very long names) or they contain charachters such as ()! etc, or they are part of compilations. A few examples are 'Like a G6' by Far East Movement, the entire album of 'Music from the Motion Picture Invictus', and the entire album 'Listen Up! Misic from the 2010 Fifa World Cup'...
Is there any way that iTunes or the iMac may be renaming the files slightly when I am transferring them from my external HD? I am at a loss and any input would be appreciated! Thanks in advance...
Message was edited by: sof6667

Suggestion on transfering data from iBook to iMac the old fashioned way

I was unable to transfer files, data, apps directly from my iBook to my new iMac. I'm wondering if someone can tell me how I can do this by using an external hard drive?
For traditional files I'm OK but I'm curious about moving things like my stored Entourage mail and my iTunes song lists, purchase history,etc.
Anyone have insight on this? Thanks!

Hi,
Thanks so much for your help. Do you mind explaining this a little more (I'm dense). To help further clarify I have the following items that I want to transfer...
* iTunes history (purchased, playlists, etc.)
* Safari and Explorer bookmarks
* Entourage -- everything, stored mail, address book, calendar,etc.
I tried moving these individual files (primariy MS Office) but it wouldn't allow me to. I'm thinking one of the issues is MSFT preventing me fro transfering Office from one machine to another so I will do a separate install of that suite directly onto the iMac - however I would be very bummed if I had to loose all my history on my previous Mac since the Setup Assistant isn't working.
Appreciate your further insight on this.

Transfering Itunes from PC to Mac?

Hi All,
This is the first time I've posted. Excuse my ignorance but I've never really worked with Mac. I'm really excited to buy my first apple next week!
My question is about transfering my itunes from my PC (XP) to the Imac Dual Core I will be purchasing next week.
I already have my itunes music folder on an external hard drive. The data files although are still physically on my PC (My Documents). Will I have to transfer those as well? What info is acutally on those files? I'm not so much worried about the music because with it being on the external drive they should be easy to transfer (I'm hoping). I would hate to lose all my album art. I would appreciate anyone who could assist this newbie.
Thanks in advance!
david
in SJ

Welcome to Discussions,
You made the first step already by transferring your music to an external HD.
Normally, the album art is stored inside the music files (MP3 and AAC. I don't know how the Windows version of iTunes stores it in WAV or other Windows-specific files.
iTunes stores the locations of the songs and lots of other data in the 'iTunes Library' file (iTunes Library.itl on a PC)
Most data is also stored in the 'iTunes Music Library.xml' file.
Copying this file to the ext. HD and later to the Mac could help you to restore the library.
The next procedure works with the Mac version of the .xml file and it might work with the Windows version.
After running iTunes on the Mac for the first time, select 'Import...' from the File menu in the menubar and navigate to the .xml file.
Select 'Choose' and if it works, your library and playlists will appear.
Read more in this articles:
iTunes: How to copy music between authorized computers
What are the iTunes library files?
17' iMac fp 800 MHz 768 MB RAM Mac OS X (10.3.9) Several ext. HD (backup and data)

Ipod from 2004 - trouble transfering itunes from pc

hello. i have an ipod from 2004 that currently holds music that someone else downloaded for me from their pc. i'm trying to transfer itunes from my pc but can't find the "apps" button like it says on the tutorial. pressing the "sync" button doesn't work. i heard a rumor that i need to erase the music it currently holds to put new itunes from my pc on it. that's fine, if need be. would that be the "restore" button? please help. and i am not tech savvy so pls respond with easy to follow directions, lol

Welcome to Discussions,
You made the first step already by transferring your music to an external HD.
Normally, the album art is stored inside the music files (MP3 and AAC. I don't know how the Windows version of iTunes stores it in WAV or other Windows-specific files.
iTunes stores the locations of the songs and lots of other data in the 'iTunes Library' file (iTunes Library.itl on a PC)
Most data is also stored in the 'iTunes Music Library.xml' file.
Copying this file to the ext. HD and later to the Mac could help you to restore the library.
The next procedure works with the Mac version of the .xml file and it might work with the Windows version.
After running iTunes on the Mac for the first time, select 'Import...' from the File menu in the menubar and navigate to the .xml file.
Select 'Choose' and if it works, your library and playlists will appear.
Read more in this articles:
iTunes: How to copy music between authorized computers
What are the iTunes library files?
17' iMac fp 800 MHz 768 MB RAM Mac OS X (10.3.9) Several ext. HD (backup and data)

Transfering iTunes from small Portable HDD to 1TB HDD - Losing ratings etc.

I have a 40gb portable HDD, this ran out of space so I purchased a 1TB portable HDD as I do a lot of design work and Music is outgrowing the 40gb HDD.
After transfering it all over, little explaination marks flag up every time you click on a song.
I have used iPod Rip before when I moved my iTunes from iBook G4 to 40gb HDD for the same reason but lost all info like rating songs (which I cant be bothered to re rate 3000 songs!!) and play counts and things like that.
Any suggestions before I permantly delete iTunes from my 40gb HDD?

hi nicholas,
if you got exclamation point before your songs it is because the reference link between your iTunes library and your song files have been broken most probably because of an incorrect way to move your songs.
you must think that your iTunes library is simply a database that contains reference link to where your songs files are located. if you move your files, the reference link contains in the iTunes library will no longer find your file and iTunes will show you an exclamation point to show you this situation. therefore, I beleive that what you have done was to move your songs using the finder without correcting your iTunes library.
in the following article you will find the procedure to move your song files; http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301748
depending of what you have done so far, you may possibly put back your song in the correct location using the finder and then follow the procedure described in the above article.
also note that all your rating and playcount are located in the iTunes library file.

Sharing--how can I transfer iTunes from Macbook to iMac?

I use my iMac as my "main" machine and storage place, but occasionally download iTunes from my Mac Powerbook. I've set the the sharing settings so that my Powerbook says "share my entire library" and my iMac says "look for shared library" (I don't want a complete library on both machines). Both are on the same Airport wireless network in the same house.
I'm not showing any of the Powerbook downloaded tunes on my iMac. Am I missing something? Do I need to insure that both machines are turned on?
It's not a major issue, since for the six months I've been using a Passport storage drive to make the transfer. Still, it would be far more convenient if the two computers "conversed" as I assumed they would.
Thank you for any suggestions,
Cap

I guess I meant do both programs have to be open simultaneously. I was running from one room to the other waiting to see additions to my iTunes library. But that clears it up. Not all bad news, because now it appears I can afford to have both computers in "search" mode without fear of cluttering up the storage space on the notebook.
Thanks,
Cap

Problem transferring Itunes from iPod to New Dell, iTunes and back to iPod

Hello - yesterday I uploaded my iTunes library to new Dell Inspiron Windows Vista successfully by "Transferring Purchases from iPod" back into iTunes;
I am unable to download the "New" library back to my iPod now. I am able to purchase from iTunes and see/listen via computer new iTunes songs, but not able to re-download library to iPod Nano. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance!

Since you have a Mac you can use a program called Senuti. It transfers all your material from your iPod to your computer. Download Senuti, then in the preferences, set your destination folder to the iTunes music folder. All the content on your iPod will be placed in there and then all you have to do is transfer that to your new iTunes library. Hope it works out.
http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/14982

Transferring date from G5 PPc iMac to New Intel iMac?

Can anyone advise or point me in the right direction? I have tried searching Forums, but cannot find what I want.
I have set up my new iMac 10.6.2, loaded and updated all my programs, and now want to transfer my data from my old iMac.
There is a lot of legacy stuff on there, that came with the original Jaguar OS that I can't erase. i.e. Marble Blast, Nanosaur, McKiev World Book, and don't want to transfer.
The stuff that I want to transfer, is mainly my photos, music and videos (retain sync with Apple TV, and keep Playlists,) emails, and docs. I did try Migration Assistant yesterday, but after ten hours of transfer, at the last minute, it said it could not complete.
I was thinking of copying files to an external HD, then moving them across to the new iMac, but am not sure which files to copy.

A regular contributor, alias Kappy, has written just such a guide!
A Basic Guide for Migrating to Intel-Macs
Dah•veed

Transfering iTunes from PC to iMac

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