Driving myself crazy trying to transfer library to a new computer

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Level 1

5 points

Driving myself crazy trying to transfer library to a new computer

Hi,

I've figured out how to copy music files that aren't iTunes purchases from my old computer's library to my new computer's library using home sharing.

Now I can't figure out how to sync with my phone with my new computer so that my old library (podcasts, playlists, etc.) will stay on the phone.

In my library I can select "This computer" and "Owner's Library." Owner's Library is my old computer's library. As I said, I've copied all of my music files to "This Computer." Now when I sync my phone it looks as if everything on my phone will be deleted and the library listed as "This Computer" will replace it. That means I'll lose my playlists, podcasts, etc.

I'm not sure if I'm even making any sense here, but can anyone help me do a complete library transfer from my old computer to my new computer, then be able to sync my phone so that I don't lose anything from the phone?

Thanks

Chris

iPhone 5s, iOS 7.1

Posted on May 1, 2015 7:47 PM

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Answer 1

hhgttg27

Level 5

5,597 points

May 2, 2015 9:38 AM in response to fatgreta

Using Home Sharing like this only transfers media from one library to another. As you note, playlists, ratings, etc. will not be replicated. Also, since you have two logically distinct libraries - and as an iDevice can only be synced with one library at a time - you end up with the situation where existing content on any iDevice will be erased before syncing on the 2nd computer.

These issues are resolved by copying the complete iTunes library (database, artwork, associated files as well as media) between computers. By default, the library is self contained within the C:\Users\username\Music\iTunes folder, with a structure like this:

Inclusion of the iTunes database file (iTunes Library.itl) ensures that all playlists, etc. are replicated; also, since copying the complete library results in a duplicate of the identification that is used to control sync operations, there is no risk of erasing existing content before syncing. See How to move your iTunes library to a new computer - Apple Support for information about steps you need to follow, and turingtest2's user tip on Make a split library portable for more details of the library layout that facilitates moving the complete library from one PC to another.

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