Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Not all the music I have in Itunes is in the Itunes library, how do I make sure all is there to transfer to new computer

I am trying to move my Itunes Library to a different computer. When I put the Itunes library onto the external hard drive it only had a portion of the songs. Alot did not copy over. How do I make sure that all the songs in Itunes are in the Itunes Library stored on my computer?

iPod nano (4th generation), Windows XP

Posted on Mar 11, 2013 11:27 AM

Reply
1 reply

Mar 11, 2013 12:05 PM in response to mshodgy

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.


Note if you have iOS devices and haven't moved your contacts and calendar items across then you should create one dummy entry of each in your new profile and iTunes should merge the existing data 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 then 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.


tt2

Not all the music I have in Itunes is in the Itunes library, how do I make sure all is there to transfer to new computer

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.