Transferring iTunes to new computer

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Transferring iTunes to new computer

Hi folks, im sorry to ask something that has probably been asked and answered a million times but I'm really struggling. I've looked back through the forum and can't find any answers related to me, I've read and tried loads of tutorial I've found but still getting nowhere.

IVe bought a new laptop, and want to transfer everything over from my old one, while at the same time I want to keep all my music in a differentmy named folder, and also for it to be in a different location. I downloaded iTunes on the laptop, and used an external drive to move over all the music, and all iTunes folders.

Ive got the folders located in the places I want, and have all the music added to the new iTunes. All my playlists are there, at least their names are. They playlists themselves are all empty. It seems none of the (what I believe is called) metadata has transferred over. All my play counts etc are at zero. I've tried several things, including changing the file paths in the XML file which I thought would have helped.

Anyone with any experience of this? Or know what else I can do?

Posted on Nov 25, 2015 6:11 AM

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Answer 1

jason_pax_82 Author

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Nov 25, 2015 6:29 AM in response to jason_pax_82

one thing I forgot to mention is that the new laptop I've switched to is Windows 10 whereas the old one was 8. Not sure if that would make a difference or not

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Answer 2

turingtest2

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Nov 25, 2015 7:24 AM in response to jason_pax_82

Migrate an iTunes library from one computer to another

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

Method 1

Backup the library with this User Tip.
Deauthorize the old computer if you no longer want to access protected content on it.
Restore the backup to your new computer using the same tool used to back it up.
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.

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.

Should you be in the unfortunate position where you are no longer able to access your original library or a backup then then see Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device for advice on how to set up your devices with a new library with the maximum preservation of data.

tt2

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