How do I save playlists when I reinstall iTunes?

My understanding is that (BEFORE you uninstall or reinstall iTunes) you have to export your library.xml file to a safe place (external hard drive) in order to preserve playlists. In iTunes, click on File, then Library, then Export library, and choose where to save it. You can also just save individual playlists by doing File > Library > Export playlist.

Once they are safely saved, uninstall/reinstall iTunes and then import the playlists back in.

I haven't done this procedure start to finish myself though; I'm noticing there is no "import library" choice but there is an "import playlist" choice, so to be extra careful, maybe save playlists individually?

Hope this helps!

All of your library information, including playlists, play counts, ratings, etc., is saved in your iTunes Library.itl file. So save that file in a safe location.

After you reinstall iTunes, move your original iTunes Library.itl file that you had saved in a safe location into the iTunes folder, overwriting the one that was created during the installation process.

Removing and reinstalling or upgrading iTunes on the computer that has your library should not cause you to lose any data. You should backup anyway. If you're planning to connect your device to a different or rebuilt computer see Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device.

tt2

But where is a safe location?

Do I have to export to an external hard drive or memory stick?

Can I save to my laptop's desktop?

thanks

f

Francis1955 wrote:

But where is a safe location?

A separate physical drive big enough to hold all the content and with room for future growth...

Do I have to export to an external hard drive or memory stick?

Yes.

Can I save to my laptop's desktop?

No.

tt2