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Level 1

8 points

I am trying to back up iTunes to an external hard drive. It only backs up music purchased. I have spent hours importing cds and making playlists which do not copy. How do I get ALL my playlists on to the external hard drive? Please help!!

Hello - I am trying to back up my I Tunes library on to an external hard drive (WD Passport). However, only music purchased from the ITunes store is copied. I have spent hours importing CDs and making playlists - none of which transfer. How do I get my complete (all playlists irrespective of source) copied on to the external hard drive? Please help!!

iMac (27-inch, Late 2013), iOS 8.3

Posted on May 5, 2015 12:21 PM

18 replies

Dpgade Author

Level 1

8 points

May 5, 2015 1:22 PM in response to charlyfromno

I used to have a Toshiba laptop and when I tried to transfer ITunes on to the new IMAC, again, it only gave me the music I purchased. So therefore I spent hours re-importing the CDs and re-creating playlists. I imported the CD's with ITunes by clicking "import". All the music (including purchased and imported cds) show up when I open I Tunes on my hard drive (IMAC) so I am not sure where else to look for them. I am almost regretting the decision of switching from a PC!!

Limnos

Level 10

411,259 points

May 5, 2015 1:33 PM in response to Dpgade

Dpgade wrote:

No - I am trying to back all the music that is on my IMAC on to an external hard drive.

From your description of the problem your files are scattered about your computer. While it is possible to back up this configuration it will entail you hunting around your computer yourself and copying all those files ones by one. The best thing to do is to consolidate the library so everything you need is organized in one folder and copy that folder. Unfortunately the Apple documents have instructions kind of scattered about which is why you are being provided with multiple references which may not see (to you) relevant but they do contain the instructions for getting your files into one location.

Very likely at some stage in the past you read some bad advice on the Internet on how to transfer a library from computer to computer and also undid the "keep organized" preference for iTunes which has resulted in things being everywhere. Yes, blaming this on transitioning from PC to Mac is a very convenient scapegoat for the problem. Actually the same thing would have happened if you had tried to change from PC to PC or Mac to PC and then you would have been saying that was a mistake too. 😉

Dpgade Author

Level 1

8 points

May 5, 2015 1:27 PM in response to Limnos

Thanks Limos. I have followed the instructions to consolidate all music, organize it, etc as suggested above - to no avail. When I search for "all my music" in the Finder = it gives me an .xml file which is text!! and so the frustration continues....

I am trying to back up iTunes to an external hard drive. It only backs up music purchased. I have spent hours importing cds and making playlists which do not copy. How do I get ALL my playlists on to the external hard drive? Please help!!