Eyeball_34

Q: Transferring old itunes to new computer worries

Hello,

 

Very new on here and really looking for some expert advice as to how to solve my concerns.

 

My old pc is looking like its going to give up very soon and im looking at getting a new one .

 

All the information ive read online about transferring your iTunes to a new computer is seeming very complicated.

 

From what ive learnt so far I need to first and foremost download the latest version of iTunes onto my new device whether it be another pc or mac and then go to the old machine and copy my iTunes folder to an external hardrive.

 

I must then go to the new computer and copy this file into my desired location, preferably in the music folder and then open iTunes and connect my ipad.

 

What happens then? does the ipad simply sync and everything is as it was on my old machine for example with all my apps and photos and videos etc all present, or am I missing something completely?

 

The way I am reading it, it sound as if the iTunes library backup merely contains the music that a person may have on their device and carry's that over. I don't use it for music at all, only for apps which I have loads, photos which im really worried of loosing and books.

 

On my current machine I make backups to the computer weekly, What does the iTunes folder actualy contain? Does it hold all my pictures, videos, books, apps.

 

If it doesn't contain all the vital information to carry everything over to the new device when I get it, how do I then sync to the new machine without loosing any of my stuff?

 

If someone could provide me with a step by step instruction as to how to get my old iTunes to my new computer without loosing a single app, photo, video or book and make it as stress free as possible so that it will connect to the new computer as if there has been no change,  I would be very gratefull.

 

Thankyou.

iPad Mini, iOS 9.2.1, mini 4

Posted on Mar 13, 2016 3:28 AM

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Q: Transferring old itunes to new computer worries

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  • by turingtest2,

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Mar 16, 2016 9:37 AM in response to Eyeball_34
    Level 10 (85,813 points)
    iPod
    Mar 16, 2016 9:37 AM in response to Eyeball_34

    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