how do I transfer music from Mac to PC

If the library is in the standard layout, an iTunes folder containing an iTunes Media folder, then share the music folder on the PC to the network, locate the shared folder on the Mac and copy in the entire iTunes folder, or use an external drive to do the transport.

If the media folder has been split out to another location, or not all media is in the media folder, then a little more preparation is required. More details if needed...

tt2

Start here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-8/share-files-folders

tt2

Hi turingtest2,

You seem knowledgable and I would like to ask for yours or the communities help with my similiar problem. I appreciate in advance any and all help I recieve from this post!!..

I am wanting to transfer from Mavericks to Windows 7 PC.....I have copied the entire MAC Itunes Library from my MAC to the desktop of my PC.

I just completed a fresh install of Itunes onto my PC and when I compare the iTunes folder structures between the two (MAC and PC), there are a few differences.

The differences are:

1. Have an empty iTunes Music folder in the MAC library and there isnt one at all in the PC library.

2. I have previous iTunes library folder in my MAC but no corresponding folder on the PC. I suppose this makes sense since this library was created a long time ago and maybe Itunes keeps old copies?

The Matches are:

1. Itunes Media Folder

2. Album Artwork

3. Itunes Library Extras.(ITL)

4. iTunes Library Genius (ITL)

5. Itunes Library (ITL)

6. iTunes Music Library (XML)

I synch both an iPhone and an iPad using my current MAC but I have to completely move my personal media off the "work" mac book to a windows 7 PC.

So, based on the folders above what folders do I copy from the MAC library to the PC lilbrary and will I need to delete anything that is currently in the PC library?

I'm in a pinch with this issue! 😟 I cant seem to find a recent article on this anywhere that has exactly what I need to understand my next steps....

Thanks in advance

Brian

Back in the day the standard name for the iTunes media folder was iTunes Music, now it is iTunes Media. If the iTunes Music folder is empty you can safely delete it.

Most times that iTunes is updated there are subtle changes to the database. The old copy is archived in the Previous iTunes Libraries folder and a new one generated. It is probably worth keeping the last three archived files.

Backup both devices on the Mac.

Delete the current iTunes folder (assuming this library has no content) from <User's Music> on the PC, then move the iTunes folder from the Desktop into <User's Music>. (If there is content move it out to a separate folder on the desktop to import to the new library later.)

Test that your devices will backip and sync with the new copy of the library. If you get a warning about erasing and reloading content stop, something has gone wrong.

When you're happy it is all working make a backup before deauthorizing the Mac and erasing the content there.

tt2

Hi Tt2

Thanks so much for the quick reply. I have done the backups and also verified everything is properly stored in the new Itunes library on my PC. Everything is working great at the moment. If I have any issues ill post back in this thread.

Thanks so much again!

Brian

You're welcome. 🙂

tt2

I have a related question. One of my elderly friends in another state needs music for her computer and doesn't know how to download it or import it. I have a Mac and she a PC running Windows 7 Premium. I want to send her more than a CD will hold. If I send her a USB drive or similar, it has to reformat when it goes from a Mac to a PC. Should I try something like Dropbox? If so, how would she download it? I've never used it for music files. Or is there a simpler way?

Unless this is music you've created and own the copyright to you are not permitted to make copies to give away to others. 😮

tt2

I should have clarified that this is a very elderly person and that the music is in the public domain.

... the music is in the public domain.

Fair enough. Use a memory stick sufficient for the media you want to send. Dropbox would a possibility if it is within the capacity of a free account but it might be hard to talk through setting up at the other end. Or you could send links to the public domain sources, but that has the same drawback.

tt2