How do I use a newer iTunes library on an older version of iTunes?

Question

How do I use a newer iTunes library on an older version of iTunes?

I have an iTunes Library on my MacBook Pro running iTunes 11.1..5. I want to copy the library to my older G5 PowerPC with an older version of iTunes which has recently had a new drive installed (because of the old drive failing) and new Leopard System (the limit for the G5).

It seems I cannot just copy it to the G5 because I get a message like "cannot open iTunes Library because it is a newer version" or somethihng like that. It suggests updating iTunes but iTunes is upgraded to the max on the G5..

How can I convert my iTunes Library to run on the older version of iTunes? There are several suggestions available online, but none of them seem to fix the problem.

Anyone know how to fix this? My iTunes Library is extensive and I cannot even entertain the thought of reloading all that music and video!

G5/g4/g3/MacBook G4/MacbookPro, Mac OS X (10.5.5)

Posted on Apr 16, 2014 9:16 AM

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Answer 1

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Apr 16, 2014 9:38 AM in response to Victor Di Napoli

In the iTunes folder on the G5...

Delete the file iTunes library.itl.
Move the iTunes library.xml (or iTunes Music library.xml) to the desktop.
Start iTunes.
iTunes menu File > Library > Import playlist and select the iTunes library.xml you moved to the desktop.

You can then delete the file on the desktop.

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Answer 2

Limnos

Level 10

428,189 points

Apr 16, 2014 10:08 AM in response to Chris CA

The method Chris CA outlines is the best and pretty much only option but you will lose some metadata such as date added and ratings. There isn't any workaround for losing date added. There is a workaround for losing ratings (which I almost never use) if you want to do some work assigning playlists in the newer iTunes according to rating, transferring those playlists to the old iTunes version by export/import, then re-assigning ratings based on those playlists.

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