jimgilbride
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Move external 3tb itunes library to new mac

Currently have Mac mini running snow leopard with iTunes on external 3tb usb drive. Going to buy new Mac but unsure how to move iTunes. migration assistant documentation is ambiguous. Do I need to attach a new external drive with at least 3tb on new Mac and migrate via network which could take days If migration assistant is even configured correctly to point to external drive? OR can I just unplug original 3tb usb drive from Mac mini and plug into new Mac And forgo any data copy? Currently time machine is NOT managing iTunes library because of the size required.

Mac OS X (10.6.7), Itunes

Posted on Jun 30, 2015 10:51 AM

by HaraldS,Apple recommended
HaraldS HaraldS
Level 2 (324 points)
Mac OS X
A:

Make sure, the data files and media are on the external disk.

- The data file typically is something like .. path to ../iTunes/iTunes Library.itl

- The actual media typically are in  .. path to ../iTunes/iTunes Media/

If it is all there, do the following.

 

On your old system:

Run iTunes and deauthorize the computer with iTunes and Audible, if you are using that.

Quit iTunes on your old system and unmount the drive. Unplug the drive.

 

DO NOT RENAME THE DRIVE!

 

Plug it into your new system and launch iTunes with the Option key depressed. It will then allow you to browse for the data file.

 

If iTunes is a newer version, it will convert the data file and you are good to go.

Log into iTunes.

Authorize the computer.

 

That should be it. If you want to move the library on your new system, you should have iTunes do that by going into Preferences>Advanced and selecting a new location.

Posted on Jul 3, 2015 3:49 PM

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jimgilbride

Q: Move external 3tb itunes library to new mac

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  • Helpful answers

  • by joe_7399,

    joe_7399 joe_7399 Jul 2, 2015 11:14 AM in response to jimgilbride
    Community Specialists
    Jul 2, 2015 11:14 AM in response to jimgilbride

    Hello jimgilbride,

     

    Welcome to the Apple Support Communities!

     

    I understand that you would like to move your iTunes library, which currently exists on an external hard drive, to your new Mac. To complete this process, please use the attached article as a resource. The specific sections that will be relevant to you are Before you begin and Use an external drive. 

     

    How to move your iTunes library to a new computer - Apple Support

     

    Have a great day,

    Joe

  • by jimgilbride,

    jimgilbride jimgilbride Jul 2, 2015 5:44 PM in response to joe_7399
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 2, 2015 5:44 PM in response to joe_7399

    Joe,

    Thank you for your reply, however it only addresses part of the Question. The iTunes library is on an external drive, so is it as simple as unplug from old system and plug into new system. Or it is a requirement that the data must be physically moved to a new drive, (with its added cost), because of some internal process to build and authorise the new iTunes library. I ask this because 4 terabyte is not built into any macs, thus requiring an additional purchase.

    jim

  • by HaraldS,Apple recommended

    HaraldS HaraldS Jul 3, 2015 3:49 PM in response to jimgilbride
    Level 2 (324 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 3, 2015 3:49 PM in response to jimgilbride

    Make sure, the data files and media are on the external disk.

    - The data file typically is something like .. path to ../iTunes/iTunes Library.itl

    - The actual media typically are in  .. path to ../iTunes/iTunes Media/

    If it is all there, do the following.

     

    On your old system:

    Run iTunes and deauthorize the computer with iTunes and Audible, if you are using that.

    Quit iTunes on your old system and unmount the drive. Unplug the drive.

     

    DO NOT RENAME THE DRIVE!

     

    Plug it into your new system and launch iTunes with the Option key depressed. It will then allow you to browse for the data file.

     

    If iTunes is a newer version, it will convert the data file and you are good to go.

    Log into iTunes.

    Authorize the computer.

     

    That should be it. If you want to move the library on your new system, you should have iTunes do that by going into Preferences>Advanced and selecting a new location.