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Q: Trying to move iTunes library from one external drive to another......

I'm trying to move my iTunes library from an external drive that's almost full to a new one that's empty and larger.  When I did everything I thought I was supposed to do, I couldn't play a song without the old drive remaining connected. Did I miss something??  Running an iMac w/Snow Leopard and iTunes 11.4.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8), 3GB RAM, 750GB HDD

Posted on Jun 12, 2016 10:33 PM

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Q: Trying to move iTunes library from one external drive to another......

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  • by theratter,

    theratter theratter Jun 12, 2016 11:25 PM in response to Xman iMac
    Level 4 (3,907 points)
    Desktops
    Jun 12, 2016 11:25 PM in response to Xman iMac

    See this article: How to move your iTunes library to a new computer.

     

    This is from user turingtest2:

     

    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.

  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Jun 13, 2016 6:14 AM in response to Xman iMac
    Level 9 (53,936 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 13, 2016 6:14 AM in response to Xman iMac

    It helps to state what is was you did that you thought you were supposed to do, otherwise we are guessing.

     

    Moving a library: Quick answer if you use iTunes' default preferences settings:  Copy the entire iTunes folder (and in doing so all its sub-folders and files) intact to the other drive, hold down the option/alt key (shift on Windows) while starting iTunes, and when requested to select a library select the iTunes Library.itl file in the copied folder.  https://support.apple.com/HT201596