Lou801

Q: How can I update my iTunes library on my external hard drive?

I have moved my entire iTunes library onto an external hard drive as I have run out of storage on my computer. Now I want to add new songs and videos etc to my external hard drive iTunes. I open up iTunes and select the library on my external hard drive to open it up and then I use the 'add to library' button in order to put the media from my computer on to iTunes on my external hard drive .

It appears as if the songs and videos are on the iTunes program on my external hard drive, however the actual files are still on my computer. If I delete the files that are on my computer and try to play the media on iTunes it says that the file cannot been located.

So basically I want to be able to permanently put new stuff on my iTunes and transfer the files over to my external hard drive.

VIN, MacBook (13-inch Late 2009), OS X El Capitan (10.11.3)

Posted on Aug 30, 2016 11:27 AM

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Q: How can I update my iTunes library on my external hard drive?

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  • by Rysz,Apple recommended

    Rysz Rysz Aug 30, 2016 12:52 PM in response to Lou801
    Level 7 (20,237 points)
    iTunes
    Aug 30, 2016 12:52 PM in response to Lou801

    You need to let iTunes copy the files to the library. I suggest selecting both options highlighted on the below screenshot.

    iTunes copy.png

  • by Chris CA,Apple recommended

    Chris CA Chris CA Aug 30, 2016 2:26 PM in response to Lou801
    Level 9 (79,451 points)
    iPhone
    Aug 30, 2016 2:26 PM in response to Lou801

    Lou801 wrote:

     

    I have moved my entire iTunes library onto an external hard drive

    How did you do this?

    1. Quit iTunes.
    2. Copy the entire /Music/iTunes/ folder to the external.
    3. Hold Option, launch iTunes and select Choose library...
    4. Select the iTunes folder on the external.

    This is all you need to do.