transferring itunes library to external hard drive?

1. Close iTunes
2. Move the entire iTunes folder from <User's Music> to your external drive, e.g. as X:\iTunes where X: is your external drive
3. Click the icon to launch iTunes
4. Immediately press and hold down the shift key
5. Keep holding shift until asked to create or choose a library
6. If iTunes opens normally close and go back to step 3.
7. Browse to the iTunes Library.itl file in X:\iTunes.

See also: HT1589: How to open an alternate iTunes Library file or create a new one

tt2

Thanks, turingtest2 - the only caveat is that you need to press and hold the Option key on a Mac instead of the Shift key, I assume the Shift key works on Windows machines.

kshap82 wrote:

Thanks, turingtest2 - the only caveat is that you need to press and hold the Option key on a Mac instead of the Shift key, I assume the Shift key works on Windows machines.

But since this is the Windows forum...

and Shift/Option is noted on the link tt2 posted.

Ach, terribly sorry, I didn't notice that before, of course you're right - I only found the page via Google search and didn't read carefully enough. So...no caveats, but thanks again for posting the procedure.

kshap82 wrote:

.... thanks again for posting the procedure.

You're welcome... 🙂

tt2

I tried to copy my entire iTunes folder from a Windows 7 laptop to a portable hard drive. Then I held down the Shift key while opening iTunes. It would not open...error box says Entry Point not found. Then another error box said iTunes was not installed correctly and to please reinstall iTunes. (This was on laptop.)

I now have iTunes in two locations, but I canot access either one. Please help!

The aim is to move the iTunes (library) folder from User's Music. The iTunes (application) folders in C:\Programs Files and/or C:\Program Files (x86) should be left alone. Move whatever you moved back to where it came from. Will iTunes start now?

See Make a split library portable for more on moving the library around.

tt2

I moved the files back to laptop (and yes, it was the ones that should have been left alone....yikes). I get the same error message when I try to open iTunes.

Thanks so much for your help,

Linda

You can probably repair each Apple component in the programs and features control panel, otherwise see Troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Windows updates for detailed advice on reinstalling iTunes.

tt2

I will try your suggestions....will report back later. Thanks again!

I downloaded SyncToy, and it is in the process of transferring/backing up my iTunes library to the external hard drive. I needed to get a new printer last night, and now I have printed out your article on split libraries. I may have to reread in the morning when I am rested.

Not sure, either, about repaiing iTunes...but I will tackle that in the morning, also.

thank you again,

Linda

Before I could try the suggestions in my printout of Troubleshooting issues article, a box popped up saying there was a new version of iTunes. I downloaded it and installed it, and now iTunes works. yay! Thank you again for your help.

Linda

You're welcome. 🙂

tt2