Transferring iTunes to new computer not working

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Transferring iTunes to new computer not working

I have a new Dell laptop with Windows 7 (seriously, I hate Windows 7). I have transferred my iTunes files to another computer with no problems in the past; however, I can't seem to get my files to transfer properly now.

I have followed the instructions exactly for transferring using my iPod...that didn't work, so I deleted everything and started fresh using an external drive. Once again, it did not work. The songs, etc., were all listed on my new computer, but I would've had to manually "locate" each and every file to play anything. I read someone's comment on the forums to try clicking Add Folder to Library, but that just added a second copy of every single file.

I'm following the instructions from Apple to the letter, so why isn't it working now? How can I transfer my songs/vids/books to iTunes on my new computer without having to manually "Locate" 7,000 files?

PC, Windows 7

Posted on Jun 6, 2010 9:50 PM

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Answer 1

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billandwende

Level 1

5 points

Jun 7, 2010 3:42 AM in response to chimom

OK after 5 hours of beating my mouse I have the answer.

Open Itunes.

Select your entire list and delete it. (If this makes you nervous start with one album. I wouldn't trust me either.) It will ask if you want to send to the recycle or keep the file in your media file. I chose to keep as I didn't want to drag them back out if I was wrong. Interesting that when I tried this again while writing these instructions. It didn't ask me a second time.

Now you that have that deleted your list/library. At the top left Click <FILE > then <ADD FILE TO LIBRARY>

This will bring up a new window.

On the left side of the new window. (my computer anyway) there is a list. Click <MUSIC> then double click the <iTunes folder>. Then Double click <iTunes MUSIC>

Now you are looking at all your artists folders. Select them all. You can click while holding the CTRL button to select all of them. They will self fill in at the bottom above the select folder button. click the <SELECT FOLDER> button.

TA DA ! Now you list/library is being repopulated with your music. Now wasn't that fun? You will have to deselect the songs you don't want to sync to you iPod.

I even tried it again as I wrote out these instructions. No problems here. Please try this with one album first.

If this works for you please come back and say so. That way people will know it's a good work through. If it does not work for you please say so in CAPS So people will know it may not for them.

This solution was pure trial and error. On a Toshiba Satellite running WINDOWS Vista Home premium. No warranty expressed or implied. Your mileage may vary. If swallowed do not induce vomiting (that's gross). I think Apple should buy me a Beatles cover song.

Message was edited by: billandwende

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Answer 2

Jun 7, 2010 10:10 AM in response to chimom

I just tried this with Windows XP, and it worked like a charm!! I was having the same problems as CHIMom, in that the transfer appeared to be successful. However, when I went to open a file, it kept saying I had to "locate" the song.

Instead of drilling down to the file level, I selected all folders in the itunes Music folder, and it worked. (Agree, deleting them was a bit daunting, but I had them all stored on an external hard drive.)

Thanks, billandwende, for the great help!

Suzanne

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Answer 3

chimom Author

Level 1

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Jun 7, 2010 11:36 AM in response to billandwende

Billandwende, thank you for working on my problem. The good news is, my iTunes is in good working order now. I didn't get to use your solution, though, because as I re-added the songs from my external drive I poked around the different settings and clicked a few other things I hadn't tried before. I'm not sure exactly what I did, but this time when I restarted iTunes it was good to go. All I know is the Apple directions alone did not work for me.

I'm glad that you helped another poster, at least! I'll save your directions in case this happens again.

Thanks again for your input.

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Answer 4

Jul 30, 2010 8:09 AM in response to chimom

Hi,

I'm was having the exact same problem as you. I also added the music folder to the library and it worked well. However, it does not add my ratings, the number os plays and all those details. Just the library and that's it. I'm satisfied the way it is, but anyone nows if it's possible to also add these other things?

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