HT204318: How to move your iTunes library to a new computer

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jfgvui

Q: moving itunes library to a new computer with different partition letters

Want to move my itunes library to a different computer (actually my older computer, which will be a dedicated itunes box). I know how to do it, except for one thing - am not sure how it affects things that in its new home it will be on partition 'D' rather than 'E' where it is now.  Can I still just copy everything over (via external drive) or will everything be left with the wrong drive letter?

iPod classic, Windows 7

Posted on Mar 11, 2015 12:14 PM

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Q: moving itunes library to a new computer with different partition letters

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  • by hhgttg27,

    hhgttg27 hhgttg27 Mar 11, 2015 12:26 PM in response to jfgvui
    Level 5 (5,407 points)
    iTunes
    Mar 11, 2015 12:26 PM in response to jfgvui

    As long as you've moved the complete library (database, media folders, artwork, ...), and its in the "standard" layout where:

     

    • the iTunes Media folder is in the same folder that contains the database file (iTunes Library.itl), and
    • all your media files are contained within the hierarchy of folders under iTunes Media

     

    you're fine.  First time you run after the change of drive letters, or moving the drive containing to another computer, hold down SHIFT while you start iTunes; when you get this prompt:

    Shift-Start Dialog.jpg

    click on Choose Library..., navigate to the iTunes library folder on the drive holding the library, select the iTunes Library.itl file and click Open.

  • by jfgvui,

    jfgvui jfgvui Mar 11, 2015 3:35 PM in response to hhgttg27
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iTunes
    Mar 11, 2015 3:35 PM in response to hhgttg27

    Thanks!

    But somehow something went awry, and now, while everything is there, I can't change or edit any details of the tracks.  The various fields are just non-editable.

    I thought maybe this was because files have ended up read-only, but it doesn't appear that that is the problem, they aren't read-only, but I just can't edit anything!  Nor can I edit the tags in the files themselves via windows (though I can change the names of the files).

     

    Note the PC has Vista (which I never used before, went from XP to 7, both of which I have no problem with, but now have used an old Vista licence I never used and am already starting to see why it got so much hate!  It's driving me mad with its refusal to let me do things with my own files!)

  • by hhgttg27,

    hhgttg27 hhgttg27 Mar 11, 2015 3:49 PM in response to jfgvui
    Level 5 (5,407 points)
    iTunes
    Mar 11, 2015 3:49 PM in response to jfgvui

    Could be a problem with permissions - see turingtest2's user tip on Repair security permissions for iTunes for Windows.  Can you play the tracks Ok in iTunes?

  • by jfgvui,

    jfgvui jfgvui Mar 13, 2015 10:28 AM in response to hhgttg27
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iTunes
    Mar 13, 2015 10:28 AM in response to hhgttg27

    Thanks - it seems it was to do with losing 'ownership' somehow. 

     

    I did eventually figure out how to retake ownership of the files, though it was a right pain to do as Vista didn't seem at all keen to let me have them back.  Wish I knew who this 'administrator' fellow was who tried to steal all my music (no sign of him here - I imagine him as a sinister elusive figure like the G-man in Half Life).

     

    In fairness, this problem was down to Microsoft rather than Apple.