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how do i delete all my music folders?

I have just got a new laptop and the people in store moved my music from my old laptop to my new one. They managed to create 2 of everything and now I can't sort it out. I have tried uninstalling apple to reinstall it but it just saved all my previous libraries so I have the same problem! Can i delete all my music folders and start again from scratch? Please help? I am not very IT literate so need all the help I can get?

Windows XP

Posted on Oct 31, 2012 9:22 AM

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3 replies

Oct 31, 2012 3:45 PM in response to Limnos

Yes I have windows so how do I get this post into the correct forum? And - I have now deleted all the music albums and uninstalled itunes! Not sure where to go from here? I do have all my itunes stuff still on my old laptop though so I can always just keep using that laptop just for itunes until it dies on me or until I work out how to put everything onto my new laptop!

Nov 1, 2012 2:27 PM in response to daisysmith

These are two possible approaches that will normally work to move an existing library to a new computer.


Method 1

  1. Backup the library with this User Tip.
  2. Deauthorize the old computer if you no longer want to access protected content on it.
  3. Restore the backup to your new computer using the same tool used to back it up.
  4. Keep your backup up-to-date in future.


Method 2

Connect the two computers to the same network. Share your <User's Music> folder from the old computer and copy the entire iTunes library folder into the <User's Music> folder on the new one. Again, deauthorize the old computer if no longer required.


Both methods should give the new computer a working clone of the library that was on the old one. As far as iTunes is concerned this is still the "home" library for your devices so you shouldn't have any issues with iTunes wanting to erase and reload.


I'd recommend method 1 since it establishes an ongoing backup for your library.


If you have an iOS device that syncs with contact & calendar data on your computer you should migrate this information too. If that isn't possible create a dummy entry of each type in your new profile and iTunes should offer to merge the existing data from the device into the computer, otherwise the danger is that it will wipe the information from the device.


If your media folder has been split out from the main iTunes folder you may need to do some preparatory work to make it easier to move. See make a split library portable.


Should you be in the unfortunate position where you are no longer able to access your original library, or a backup of it, then see Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device for advice on how to set up your devices with a new library with the maximum preservation of data. If you don't have any Apple devices then see HT2519 - Downloading past purchases from the App Store, iBookstore, and iTunes Store.


tt2

how do i delete all my music folders?

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