How do I transfer my Itunes content from one PC to another?

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

Did you backup the complete library including the iTunes Library.itl file?

On the new computer did you restore the iTunes folder into the default path of <User's Music>\iTunes?

Ideally you would have restored the backup before installing iTunes. If you made the backup first, then installed iTunes on the new computer, then tried to restore the backup of the library then it is likely that you have all the media but a set of new empty library files has replaced the ones from the old machine. Reconnect the external drive to your original computer and manually copy the files iTunes Library.itl, iTunes Library Extras.itdb and iTunes Library Genius.itdb to the drive, then move it back to the new computer and copy those three files into the iTunes folder. Launch iTunes. You should see all your media and playlists.

tt2

That's good to hear. 🙂

tt2