Jeffrey939

Q: moving original copy music to a new computer

I'm trying to consolidate all of my music onto my new computer. I think that I've been able to move all of the music, but when I access some of the songs from the library on my previous computer, I get a message that the song can't be played, because the original file is not located on my new computer. How do I transfer all of the original music files to my new computer's iTunes library?

iPod touch (5th generation), iOS 9.2

Posted on Dec 31, 2015 4:32 AM

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Q: moving original copy music to a new computer

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  • by braden85,

    braden85 braden85 Jan 1, 2016 1:46 PM in response to Jeffrey939
    Community Specialists
    Jan 1, 2016 1:46 PM in response to Jeffrey939

    Hi Jeffrey939,

     

    I see that you want to move your iTunes library from one computer to another. I have an article for you that can guide you into doing this in the most effective manner, and it can be found here:

     

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

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204318

     

    Thanks for coming to the Apple Support Communities!

  • by turingtest2,

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Jan 2, 2016 6:39 PM in response to Jeffrey939
    Level 10 (86,976 points)
    Apple TV
    Jan 2, 2016 6:39 PM in response to Jeffrey939

    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

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