gatorfancl

Q: I have my library on a desktop.  This includes CDs that worked copied into the library. How do I access these cd tunes on my laptop?

I am trying to access my entire library on my laptop.  Currently, I can only access purchased content not all of the CDs I copied into the library. How can I get access to these on my 2 in one.  I have authorized the 2 in 1 and have enabled homesharing but still can't access the entire library.

Posted on Sep 13, 2015 7:21 PM

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Q: I have my library on a desktop.  This includes CDs that worked copied into the library. How do I access these cd tunes on my ... more

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  • by alex_h1,

    alex_h1 alex_h1 Sep 15, 2015 6:35 AM in response to gatorfancl
    Community Specialists
    Sep 15, 2015 6:35 AM in response to gatorfancl

    Howdy gatorfancl,

    Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities.

     

    I see that you'd like to share your iTunes library over your network between multiple computers.  Make sure and follow the steps below for Home Sharing on both computers to ensure it is configured properly.

     

    Share your iTunes library over your home network - Apple Support

     

    Take care.

  • by turingtest2,

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Sep 15, 2015 12:25 PM in response to gatorfancl
    Level 10 (84,964 points)
    iTunes
    Sep 15, 2015 12:25 PM in response to gatorfancl

    These are two possible approaches that will normally work to move an existing library to a new computer.

     

    Method 1

    1. Backup the library with this User Tip.
    2. Restore the backup to your new computer using the same tool used to back it up.
    3. Deauthorize the old computer if you no longer want to access protected content on it.
    4. Keep your backup up-to-date in future.

     

    Method 2

    Connect the two computers to the same network. Share your <User's Music> folder from the old computer and copy the entire iTunes library folder into the <User's Music> folder on the new one. Again, deauthorize the old computer if no longer required.

     

    Both methods should give the new computer a working clone of the library that was on the old one. As far as iTunes is concerned this is still the "home" library for your devices so you shouldn't have any issues with iTunes wanting to erase and reload, which is a possible drawback when using home sharing to copy content.

     

    I'd recommend method 1 since it establishes an ongoing backup for your library.

     

    Note if you have iOS devices and haven't moved your contacts and calendar items across then you should create one dummy entry of each in your new profile and iTunes should  merge the existing data from the device.

     

    If your media folder has been split out from the main iTunes folder you may need to do some preparatory work to make it easier to move. See make a split library portable for details.

     

    tt2