bmcountry2002
Level 1
(4 points)
Q: How to add Library on a new computer
I copied my itunes folder (with all of my music) from my old desktop PC to a folder on my new laptop. I downloaded and opened itunes. i went to Preferences and selected that folder as the folder Itunes uses for my library. My trouble is that I can't see all of those albums and songs on Itunes. How do I get them to show up? I am sure it is something simple, I just cant figure it out. Any help would be MUCH appreciated.
Thanks!
Sean
PC, Windows Vista
hhgttg27
Level 5
(5,447 points)
You need to transfer the complete iTunes library structure, not just the media folders. See How to move your iTunes library to a new computer - Apple Support. Following this process, you need to:
- If necessary, consolidate the library on the old computer so that all music files are contained within the iTunes Media folder, in a structure that should look like this:
- How to move your iTunes library to a new computer - Apple Support describes what you need to do if you've added any content to iTunes on the new computer before migrating your library.
- Copy the complete iTunes folder (default location C:\Users\username\Music\iTunes) from your old computer to your new one, placing the iTunes folder in the corresponding location on the new computer. Depending on the size of your library, you can copy the library folders:
- across a network
- using a thumb drive
- using an external hard drive
- To make sure you're accessing the replicated library on the new computer, hold down SHIFT as you start iTunes - when you see this prompt:
click on Choose Library... then navigate to and select the iTunes Library.itl copied from your old computer.
Note also that changing the iTunes Media folder location setting in Edit > Preferences > Advanced does not determine where iTunes expects media files to be - that info is all contained in the iTunes database (the iTunes Library.itl file). This setting only controls (in conjunction with the Copy files to iTunes Media folder... and Keep iTunes Media folder organized settings) where iTunes places new additions to your library.
