smrty

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

Hi,

 

I have tried several options that I have found on the web, but non seem to work and my playlist are all blank ?

 

I have the usual content in Itunes, music, games, memos, tones..

 

I would like to use Itunes as I did on my old computer, on my new computer..

 

Thanks

Panasonic, Windows XP

Posted on Feb 14, 2016 8:06 AM

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

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  • by turingtest2,Apple recommended

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Feb 14, 2016 8:09 AM in response to smrty
    Level 10 (86,976 points)
    Apple TV
    Feb 14, 2016 8:09 AM in response to smrty

    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

  • by smrty,

    smrty smrty Mar 5, 2016 4:30 AM in response to turingtest2
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Mar 5, 2016 4:30 AM in response to turingtest2

    Hello,

     

    I have manged to find some time and followed your instructions in 'Method 1', yet my playlist are still all empty? Can you suggest what I can do so that they are complete on PC 2 (New PC) as they are on PC 1 (Old PC).?

     

    Thanks

    Graham

  • by turingtest2,

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Mar 5, 2016 6:29 AM in response to smrty
    Level 10 (86,976 points)
    Apple TV
    Mar 5, 2016 6:29 AM in response to smrty

    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

  • by smrty,

    smrty smrty Mar 12, 2016 5:36 AM in response to turingtest2
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Mar 12, 2016 5:36 AM in response to turingtest2

    Well at long last it has finally worked, thanks to your great advice and easy instructions..

     

    Graham

  • by turingtest2,Solvedanswer

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Mar 14, 2016 3:34 AM in response to smrty
    Level 10 (86,976 points)
    Apple TV
    Mar 14, 2016 3:34 AM in response to smrty

    That's good to hear.

     

    tt2