rlake66
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Q: I want to migrate iTunes to a new windows computer (first is a Windows 64 bit Win 7) as is the newer machine.  I installed latest version of Itunes on the new machine but get an error - cannot open Itunes.itl library because library is newer than iTu

I am trying to port my Itunes library to a new machine (windows 7 64 bit) and install a new version of Itunes.  I copied the library of music between machines and installed the latest version of Itunes on the new machine.  It did not work.  I get the error that the music cannot be played because the iTunes cannot open the iTunes library as it has been created by a newer version of iTunes?

iTunes (latest version), Windows 7, 64 bit

Posted on Jan 22, 2016 9:54 PM

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rlake66

Q: I want to migrate iTunes to a new windows computer (first is a Windows 64 bit Win 7) as is the newer machine.  I installed la ... more

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  • by jeremy_v,

    jeremy_v jeremy_v Jan 24, 2016 8:12 AM in response to rlake66
    Community Specialists
    Jan 24, 2016 8:12 AM in response to rlake66

    Hi rlake66,
     

    Thanks for visiting Apple Support Communities.
     

    I see you're receiving a message on your new PC that your iTunes library was created with a newer version of iTunes.
     

    Make sure you've downloaded iTunes from Apple and updated it as described in Get the latest version of iTunes.
     

    Next, see if the steps in Get the latest version of iTunes apply to your situation.
     

    Additionally, you can find a good overview of moving your iTunes library to a new computer in How to move your iTunes library to a new computer.
     

    Sincerely.

  • by turingtest2,

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Jan 27, 2016 5:04 AM in response to rlake66
    Level 10 (86,362 points)
    Apple TV
    Jan 27, 2016 5:04 AM in response to rlake66

    rlake66 wrote:


    ... iTunes cannot open the iTunes library as it has been created by a newer version of iTunes


    This error can sometime be a symptom of a corrupt library, or preference setting. See Empty/corrupt iTunes library after upgrade/crash.




    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 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