Sunset1994 Author

Level 1

9 points

How do I backup all iTunes contents correctly?

Hi,

I need to transfer all my iTunes files to a new computer.

Due to a lack of storage I already transfered my iTunes movies and TV shows to a second harddrive (D) on my computer. I gave iTunes the respective paths. That's probably not the best way to do it, but I did it that way some time back unfortunately. The other contents of iTunes are still on my other drive (C).

Can I now easily back up all those folders on my other drive and the regular iTunes folder in My Music? What else do I need to backup? If I recall it correctly, the iPhone backups are located in the AppData somewhere, right? Can I simply copy those folders?

I only have basic iTunes skills but I can follow instructions quite well. I'd appreciate any help and advise!

Thank you!

iPhone 4S, iOS 6

Posted on Jul 28, 2013 7:26 AM

21 replies

Sunset1994 Author

Level 1

9 points

Jul 31, 2013 11:02 AM in response to turingtest2

Thank you. I think it worked and I now have all folders including the TV Shows I outsourced before back in one iTunes folder. All I have to do know is backup this iTunes folder, right?

Now, when I put it back into a new iTunes, will I do the following steps in this order?
1. Install iTunes

2. Put iTunes folder into "D"

3. Launch iTunes with Shift and select the iTunes Library file in D/iTunes

Will it work like this? Is there any additional steps I have to take?

Again thank you, you've been really helpful!!

turingtest2

Level 10

278,263 points

Jul 31, 2013 11:21 AM in response to Sunset1994

Indeed simply backup the entire iTunes folder. I'd recommend the tool I suggested earlier becuase you can use it again to copy over incremental changes, and install it on the new system to do the restore and then do the ongoing backups for security. If your backup drive is drive E:, for example, you can even test it by shift-starting iTunes and opening the clone. You're not limited to restoring to D:\iTunes; as long as you keep the internal structure the iTunes folder can be moved\restored to any path that is convenient so if you happen to end with a single large C: drive you can put it back in <User's Music> or at the root of the drive as you wish.

And you're welcome, always happy to help. 🙂

tt2

gresquer

Level 1

1 points

Dec 1, 2013 11:09 AM in response to turingtest2

tt2,

I have saved all my movies in iTunes on my iMac. My sister who has a Windows based machine would like some of the movies not in her library. Does it make a difference that a movie saved on a OSX machine can play in iTunes on. Windows machine?

Thank you!

turingtest2

Level 10

278,263 points

Dec 1, 2013 12:10 PM in response to gresquer

Movies that play in iTunes on a Mac running OS X will also play in iTunes on a PC running Windows. You may need to authorize your sister's computer for your Apple ID. You can transfer the files over your network, with a memory stick, or an external HDD.

tt2

gresquer

Level 1

1 points

Dec 1, 2013 2:10 PM in response to turingtest2

Thank you so very much. Having for most of my adult life dealt w/DOS & Windows, I am still trying to learn what can and cannot be done on OSX.

turingtest2

Level 10

278,263 points

Dec 1, 2013 2:35 PM in response to gresquer

You're welcome. 🙂

tt2

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How do I backup all iTunes contents correctly?