Import entire iTunes library from external HD onto new iMac?

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Level 1

106 points

Import entire iTunes library from external HD onto new iMac?

Hi all,

My iMac G5 running 10.4.11 died recently (dead logic board). I've just bought a new iMac running 10.6.2 as a replacement, and here's the second of what I expect may be a few questions.

All my music, videos etc from iTunes are backed up safely on an external HD. How do I import the entire library into iTunes 9 on my new iMac? I tried just "add to library" and pointing at the folder, and whilst that did transfer the songs, it missed the videos, iPod touch applications, and playlists etc.

Is there a way to just import everything?

Regards,

Trevor

IMac 2010 & iBook G4, Mac OS X (10.6.3)

Posted on May 14, 2010 8:04 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Niel

Level 10

726,935 points

May 14, 2010 9:52 AM in response to Trevor C

Launch iTunes with the Option key held down, click on Choose Library, and point it there. This requires that the backup contain the iTunes database files.

(51743)

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Answer 2

May 14, 2010 10:21 AM in response to Trevor C

If the HD of your dead Mac is still in working condition why not put it into an ext HD case and transfer your Home folder to the new Mac?

MJ

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Answer 3

Trevor C Author

Level 1

106 points

May 14, 2010 11:10 AM in response to Niel

Niel,

Tried that on someone else's suggestion, but didn't work - I'm guessing the database files may be missing. I didn't have too many playlists, so I may just start from scratch. Give me a chance to re-evaluate my groupings!

Trevor

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Answer 4

Trevor C Author

Level 1

106 points

May 14, 2010 11:12 AM in response to Mike Johnson12

MJ,

Good suggestion. I'm planning to retrieve the HD and use it externally at some stage (if only to rescue about three weeks worth of photos that weren't backed up!) but also want to use the "new computer" opportunity to start with a clean slate. We'd let the old one get in a bit of a mess!

Regards,

Trevor

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Answer 5

May 14, 2010 11:16 AM in response to Trevor C

If iTunes was working before the logic board died then the files in the iTunes folder would be there and should be usable.

If you are not concerned about ratings, date added info etc., then starting with a clean slate could be a good idea.

MJ

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Answer 6

May 14, 2010 11:21 AM in response to Trevor C

Trevor C wrote:
I'm planning to retrieve the HD and use it externally at some stage

if the old Mac is otherwise operational, you could try to connect it to your network by ethernet cable and use *screen sharing* to get stuff you need right now.

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Answer 7

Trevor C Author

Level 1

106 points

May 14, 2010 11:34 AM in response to ménage-à-trois

Menage,

The old one won't even power up.

Thanks.

Trevor

Message was edited by: Trevor C

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Answer 8

Trevor C Author

Level 1

106 points

May 14, 2010 11:35 AM in response to Mike Johnson12

MJ,

Ratings; never saw the need to use them
Play counts; not interested.
Date added; occasionally came in handy, but could live without the old info.

In short, I think I'm going to start afresh.

Thanks.

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