How to delete original files after consolidating files to iTunes Media folder

Put the original files (not in the iTunes media folder) into the trash.

What exacttly is Consolidating

Consolidating takes all the media files that are not located inside the iTunes media folder shown in iTunes prefs > Advanced, and copies them to this folder.

By default, iTunes already puts everything here and consolidating does not do anything.

This step is included "just in case".

and what is the iMedia file?

Nothing. The article states the iTunes media folder.

The iTunes media folder is where iTunes puts all the items you add to iTunes. Purcahss, RIP'd CDs, movies, music, audiobooks, etc.

The iTunes Media folder is located by default in /Music/iTunes/ folder.

It's best not to mess around inside the /iTunes/ folder. Don't move files or rename/delete them. Let iTunes take care of it.

They would be anywhere outside of /Music/iTunes/iTunes media/ folder.

Did you have them stored elsewhere prior to consolidating?

If you don't know, then you didn't.

Did you change iTunes prefs > Advanced - iTunes media folder location?

If not, then you did not have them elsewhere.

Again, consolidating is a safety net to get everything in one location (which already defaults to where it should be.)

By consolidating, everything in iTunes is inside the /Music/iTunes/ iTunes media/ folder.

MyTJB wrote:

So when I do a backup and restore from an external HD the only file I need to back up is the iTunes Media folder?

You should back up the entire /Music/iTunes/ folder.

The iTunes media folder only contains the media.

The iTunes library.itl file is the actual database used by iTunes.