Here are the typical layouts for the iTunes folders:
In the layout above, with the media folder (everything in the red box) inside the library folder, the library is considered to be portable. That is it can be moved to a new location or drive without breaking the links between the database and the media.
The basic non-fatal manipulations are:
- You can connect to an alternate set of library files by holding down Shift (Win) or Option (Mac) when starting iTunes.
- You can move the library files to a new location (then connect as above) as long as the media stays put.
- You can move the library files and the media together if the media folder is a direct subfolder of the library folder.
- If you have already moved/copied the media content from a subfolder of the library folder to a different location then you only need to copy the library files for it to appear as if you have moved the entire library in the way allowed above. I.e. just copy the library files into the parent folder of the media folder.
- You can rename the media folder to iTunes Media (if it isn't already) if the media folder is inside the library folder.
- iTunes uses the name of the folder holding the library files as the window title. Having made a library "portable" you may need to take a final step of renaming the library folder to iTunes or, if the library files have ended up at the root of a drive, moving all of the library files and content folders into a new folder called iTunes.
After each change you need to open, test and close the relevant library before attempting another change. If a change broke the library, undo it or revert to using the previous set of library files.
Before you start any media files that are outside of the media folder should probably be consolidated, particularly if you want to end up with a fully portable library. If the library is in the old style layout then it should be upgraded to iTunes Media Organization (Library > Organize Library > Rearrange files in the folder <Media Folder>) to ensure that iPod Games, Mobile Applications etc. are brought inside the media folder otherwise certain manipulations may mean that these items will need subsequent relinking to the library.
So, with that general background covered let's see if we can't make some concrete suggestions just for you.
I'd suggest you start by making sure iTunes is using the new iTunes Media Organisation layout, except they've stopped using that description. You'll find an option under File > Library > Organize Library... Reorganise files in the folder "<Media folder name>". Catchy huh? Tick the box if it will let you, then click OK.
Now identify the active iTunes Library.itl file. From what you've said this should be the one at \iTunes\iTunes Library\iTunes Library.itl which should have today's modification date if you've accessed it. If in doubt use my script iTunesXMLPath to determine the active library folder.
Assuming they are not already there, and with iTunes closed, copy the active library files iTunes Library.itl, iTunes Library Extras.itdb, iTunes Library Genius.itdb, sentinel and the folder Album Artwork to the folder \iTunes. Ignore the .xml file as iTunes will rebuild it automatically. If there are existing versions of the files or the Album Artwork folder inside \iTunes move these to some temporary location to await final destruction.
Now click the icon to start iTunes and immediately press down and continue to hold the SHIFT key until asked to choose or create a library. Click choose and navigate to the file \iTunes\iTunes Library.itl. Check that all is still well with the library and that media can play.
Use Edit > Preferences > Advanced to change the media folder location to \iTunes\iTunes Library. After changing the location iTunes may go though an "Updating your library phase", don't interupt this.
Now use Edit > Preferences > Advanced and uncheck the option to Keep iTunes Media Folder organized, apply the change, then go back and turn the option on again. iTunes should reogranize all your media correctly in the \iTunes\iTunes Library folder.
Close iTunes, rename iTunes\iTunes Library as \iTunes\iTunes Media. Start iTunes again. Check under Edit > Preferences > Advanced that the media folder location has been updated to \iTunes\iTunes Media, correct if not.
At this point you should move any older copies of the library files and album artwork folder to a safe place for later deletion.
It is also possible that there are files in your folder structure that aren't connected to iTunes. I'd suggest you get a copy of iTunes Folder Watch, then scan your folders with it and add any new files that it finds. You may need to dedupe later in which case you want to delete the copies added to the library today.
After all the moving about you might have some redundant folders. I have a script for cleaning up called CleanDeadArt which should help with that.
I think I've covered everything, but it's much easier to do than describe. Take things slowly and check before moving on.
tt2
