A question about iTunes library access.

Question

Level 1

14 points

A question about iTunes library access.

I just got a MacBook Air, having used iTunes for years on iPods, iPhones and an Ipod but originally on my WIndows PC which I still use as my main machine. inlcuding putting CDs onto iTunes. I have around 300 albums on there.

I cannot view my iTunes library on my Macbook although I have authorised it. I have unauthorised all 5 devices and authorised each one again, but still on my Macbook my iTunes library is empty apart from 4 tracks I bought directly on iTunes.

Suggestions gratefully received!

MacBook Air, iOS 5.1.1

Posted on Jul 15, 2012 12:05 PM

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Answer 1

Jul 15, 2012 12:24 PM in response to Lindajane37

Your libary is still on your PC where you put the files. You did not put any files on your MBA except the ones you bought on iTunes. They do not magically transfer themselves between computers. You can do this if you set up Home Sharing.

iTunes: How to share music and video - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2688 - about Music Sharing and Home Sharing

Home Sharing Support page - http://www.apple.com/support/homesharing/

iTunes: Setting up Home Sharing on your computer - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4620

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Answer 2

Lindajane37 Author

Level 1

14 points

Jul 15, 2012 12:30 PM in response to Limnos

thanks for your reply. I have already set up home sharing.

But maybe I am confused (maybe is the wrong word - I am!) I thought all my itunes files were on itunes in the cloud...

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Answer 3

Jul 15, 2012 12:58 PM in response to Lindajane37

Anything (with some limitations) you buy from the iTunes Store is in iCloud.

If you subscribe to Match then things you have are uploaded to iCloud.

CDs you downloaded to your PC are only in the iTunes library there unless you copy the whole library or the media files to the Mac, or you subscribe to Match.

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Answer 4

Lindajane37 Author

Level 1

14 points

Jul 15, 2012 3:08 PM in response to Limnos

That's helpful thank you. I now get the difference. I have looked on my PC (via Windows Explorer) but finding the itunes library is not simple. There are several files -inlcuding .exe ones. Is there any more adviceyou can give me about which files I need to copy to my Mac?

I will also have a good look at Match to see what that;s all about.

thanks again

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Answer 5

Jul 16, 2012 6:28 PM in response to Lindajane37

The .exe files are the application files. your Mac will have hte mac version.

Look at this article.

Where are my iTunes files located? - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1391

Copy the whole folder, complete, to the equivalent location on the Mac (as also indicated in the article). iTunes will then start up with your old library.

What are the iTunes library files? - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1660

More on iTunes library files and what they do - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITunes#Media_management

What are all those iTunes files? - http://www.macworld.com/article/139974/2009/04/itunes_files.html

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