Q: iTunes library on external HD, but when hooking up to new Mac and opening iTunes nothing is showing up. I also want to use iTunes ... iTunes library on external HD, but when hooking up to new Mac and opening iTunes nothing is showing up. I also want to use iTunes on that external HD with another Mac from time to time. What do I do? more
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Helpful answers
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Jun 4, 2015 6:30 AM in response to toasterbillby Limnos,First, understand a library is everything in an iTunes folder.
Start iTunes while holding down the option/alt key and guide it to the library on the external. If the external is not attached at some point iTunes will revert to the internal drive.
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Jun 4, 2015 6:37 AM in response to Limnosby toasterbill,Please walk me through this. I opened iTunes while holding down the option key, and I get Choose iTunes Library with the standard 3 options. What next, and then after that, etc. Sorry to be such a clutch, but....
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Jun 4, 2015 6:44 AM in response to toasterbillby OldGnome,This link -> About iTunes library files - Apple Support will help you identify the exact location of your library file. Once you have that, you can continue with choosing your library within iTunes.
At "Choose iTunes Library," you will select the library file that you identified above. That's about it.
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Jun 4, 2015 7:04 AM in response to toasterbillby Limnos,Select "Choose Library" and navigate using the standard menu navigation box to the iTunes folder on the external drive. choose that.
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Jun 4, 2015 7:25 AM in response to Limnosby toasterbill,Please, just walk me through it. Step by step. assume I know nothing.
When I got a Mac 4 years ago, I transferred all my iTunes music on it's internal HD to the new external HD I would be using with the new Mac. When I open the external HD, it shows all music, but the music/artists/albums/play lists do not appear when I open iTunes on the new Mac.
I have identified that I want new music (imported CDs. iTunes Store purchases) to go to the existing external HD.
I have tried the option key and choosing library route. Nothing happens or says it could not be located.
So, please be patient, and walk me though it.
Amos
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Jun 4, 2015 7:36 AM in response to toasterbillby Limnos,A complete iTunes library is everything in an iTunes folder. If this is not working then likely you do not have everything on the external drive and you do not have a "library" on the external drive, only media. This is like having a city library being a room full of books but no catalog. Follow these directions for making an iTunes library portable. When everything i on the external drive the select option should work.
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-7392 - making an iTunes library portable.
Just so it is clear, you do not select the location of a library with preferences, you do it while starting iTunes using the option key. Preferences only tells iTunes where to put media files but the rest of the files are left on the internal drive.