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Q: Load iTunes to a new computer

I originally loaded iTunes onto my desktop. 5 years later and it now has a virus - I can't get online.  I want to move my complete iTunes library to my laptop.  Or better yet, put it on my external drive so I can move it if this virus thing happens again.  Can I do this?  (Step-by-step instructions would be appreciated! :-)  )

Windows XP

Posted on Jan 2, 2016 1:30 PM

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Q: Load iTunes to a new computer

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  • by Niel,

    Niel Niel Jan 2, 2016 1:33 PM in response to Dianepix
    Level 10 (313,422 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 2, 2016 1:33 PM in response to Dianepix

    Click here and pick the option which best fits your situation. If desired, put the entire library onto the external drive, launch iTunes with the Shift key held down, and choose it.


    (137925)

  • by Dianepix,

    Dianepix Dianepix Jan 2, 2016 1:45 PM in response to Niel
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 2, 2016 1:45 PM in response to Niel

    Do I have to do it from the desktop? As I said, there's no internet access on that one any more...

  • by turingtest2,

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Jan 2, 2016 1:46 PM in response to Dianepix
    Level 10 (86,976 points)
    Apple TV
    Jan 2, 2016 1:46 PM in response to Dianepix

    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. (In your case you might want to this manually, simply copying the iTunes folder to the root of the external drive)
    2. Deauthorize the old computer if you no longer want to access protected content on it. (Needs a network connection so skip this)
    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 entire iTunes library folder into the <User's Music> folder on the new one. Again, deauthorize the old computer if no longer required. (Can you get a local connection or is that down too?)

     

    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 normally 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. (If you need to tweak the library but cannot manage it on the old computer I should be able to help repair broken links on the new one.)

     

    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

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Jan 2, 2016 1:48 PM in response to turingtest2
    Level 9 (58,844 points)
    iPhone
    Jan 2, 2016 1:48 PM in response to turingtest2

    tt2, can you take a look at this thread regarding iTunes and Windows? Ripped CD's to itunes on windows 10. Lost 130 out of 150 CD's that were Ripped'

     

    Thanks.

  • by turingtest2,

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Jan 2, 2016 3:18 PM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 10 (86,976 points)
    Apple TV
    Jan 2, 2016 3:18 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

     

     

    tt2

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Jan 2, 2016 3:19 PM in response to turingtest2
    Level 9 (58,844 points)
    iPhone
    Jan 2, 2016 3:19 PM in response to turingtest2

    I've seen it. Thanks again for your valuable assistance.

  • by turingtest2,

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Jan 2, 2016 3:40 PM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 10 (86,976 points)
    Apple TV
    Jan 2, 2016 3:40 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

    Any time.

     

    tt2

  • by Niel,

    Niel Niel Jan 3, 2016 5:54 AM in response to Dianepix
    Level 10 (313,422 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 3, 2016 5:54 AM in response to Dianepix

    Yes, but that computer doesn’t need to be connected to the Internet.

     

    (137952)