Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT
I put a copy of my iTunes library onto an external hard drive. I tried to choose the library using my Macbook Air 2011 and it says the library was created with a newer version of iTunes and wouldn't allow it. How can I make this library work with my older MacBook?
If there is an iTunes Library XML file in the iTunes folder then you could potentially create a new empty library and import the XML file to rebuild the library for use with the older version. Failing that you need to reconnect to a more recent version of iTunes and export the library as an XML file, before going back to the Macbook Air 2011 where you can import it.
tt2
If there is an iTunes Library XML file in the iTunes folder then you could potentially create a new empty library and import the XML file to rebuild the library for use with the older version. Failing that you need to reconnect to a more recent version of iTunes and export the library as an XML file, before going back to the Macbook Air 2011 where you can import it.
tt2
Yes, you no longer need them. The only reason you might want them is if you plan to use the library on a newer system and want to recover the original date added information that was lost using the process above.
tt2
Locate the library on the external drive and rename the files:
iTunes Library.itl
iTunes Library.xml
iTunes Library Extras.itdb
iTunes Library Genius.itdb
to say:
iTunes Library (Old).itl
iTunes Library (Old).xml
iTunes Library Extras (Old).itdb
iTunes Library Genius (Old).itdb
Then use the option-start-iTunes method to create a new empty library somewhere convenient such as the desktop. Close iTunes and copy the files:
iTunes Library.itl
iTunes Library Extras.itdb
iTunes Library Genius.itdb
into the iTunes folder on the external drive. Option-start-iTunes once more to open this copy of the empty library, then use File > Library > Import Playlist to import iTunes Library (Old).xml.
tt2
I think this is potentially helpful but I need step by step instructions. There is an XML file in the copy of my library on the hard drive. Can you point me to those?
Okay thank. This is very helpful. Especially since it doesn't required me manually moving all the media files.
You're welcome. 🙂
tt2
One last question? Can I delete the"(old)" files from the folder old the hard drive after I'm done importing or do I need to keep them?
Help using newer iTunes library on older MacBook Air
