HT204318: How to move your iTunes library to a new computer

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mafchief

Q: How do I use the same external hard drive to move my iTunes from a PC to a Mac when the HD must be configured differently for those two computers?

I've read helpful posts about transferring my iTunes to an external hard drive to move it from an old PC to a Mac...but how do I do that when the hard drive is already configured for one of the systems?  I actually have a "My Passport" for my PC and another one for my Mac...but the same HD can't work with both computers, can it?  What am I missing?  I don't think my iTunes would fit on a USB flash drive.

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Sep 21, 2015 2:13 PM

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Q: How do I use the same external hard drive to move my iTunes from a PC to a Mac when the HD must be configured differently for thos ... more

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  • by Niel,

    Niel Niel Sep 21, 2015 2:16 PM in response to mafchief
    Level 10 (312,640 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 21, 2015 2:16 PM in response to mafchief

    Use the one formatted for the PC; out of the box, 10.6.8 can read and write FAT32 and exFAT volumes, and read NTFS ones.

     

    (133778)

  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Sep 21, 2015 3:01 PM in response to mafchief
    Level 9 (53,936 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 21, 2015 3:01 PM in response to mafchief

    By move do you mean copy the files entirely to your Mac?  If that is what you mean you can do it with the PC drive because Macs can read (but not write to) NTFS drives.  If you plan on using the library on an external drive you need to be clearer when asking your question. Niel suggests two formats that may work but have limitations.  There are others but I am not going to type in all possible solutions until I know the actual question.

     

    By the way, you could do it with a thumb drive as long as you make sure the bits and pieces all get together in the correct place in the end.  Kind of like how to move a bookcase full or organized books from one room to another when there is only one person.

  • by mafchief,

    mafchief mafchief Sep 21, 2015 5:58 PM in response to Limnos
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 21, 2015 5:58 PM in response to Limnos

    Sorry I wasn't clear.  Yes, Limnos, I mean copy the files entirely to the Mac.  We want to discontinue using the PC entirely; it's very old.  Both HDs have already been formatted and previously used for backups.  I do not intend to use/keep the library on the external drive.  In reading lots of posts on how to best get the libraries onto the Mac, it seemed the external HD method was one that I could manage...and wouldn't cost me anything.  I've found good, thorough instructions on how to do that, but realized I wasn't sure which HD to use...or if I needed to have a new one that wasn't formatted yet at all.  I need a method, even if it involves purchasing something, that has pretty simple directions to follow.  Thanks for the help. 

  • by mafchief,

    mafchief mafchief Sep 21, 2015 6:01 PM in response to Limnos
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 21, 2015 6:01 PM in response to Limnos

    This was the method I was intending to use:  How to move your iTunes library to a new computer - Apple Support.  I can handle the method described here.

  • by Niel,

    Niel Niel Sep 21, 2015 6:02 PM in response to mafchief
    Level 10 (312,640 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 21, 2015 6:02 PM in response to mafchief

    Drag the library to the desired location; once it’s on the Mac, launch iTunes with the Option key held down and choose it.

     

    (133787)

  • by mafchief,

    mafchief mafchief Sep 21, 2015 6:20 PM in response to Niel
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 21, 2015 6:20 PM in response to Niel

    Thanks!  I'm going to try it.  You make it sound simple.  I'm sure if there's a way to mess it up, I'll find it.