Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Possible Duplicate Music in iTunes after installing back up iTunes Lib. to new iMac

/I use iTunes on a MacBook 2,1 (OS X 10.6.8) to manage music for my iPad and iPod and would like to add an iPhone 4s soon. I have just purchased a new iMac (OS X 10.12.2) and would like to use the iTunes on the iMac to manage the music, I am thinking of backing the iTunes Library on the MacBook and installing it on the iMac. But I think I am going to encounter a problem. When I originally set up the iMac, part of that procedure was to establish a connection to the iCloud. After completing that procedure, I noticed Music entries in iTunes, (? downloaded by iCloud) which is music Selections I purchased from the iTunes Store with iCloud symbols to far right of the music Title. Can someone tell me when I download the back up iTunes onto the iMac, will the iCloud Music Title and the Back up Music Title both appear on iTunes, thus creating a duplicate? If so, is there any recommendation as to which to keep and which to trash and the best way to complete the task?

Posted on Jan 18, 2017 5:08 PM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Jan 19, 2017 6:05 AM

Hi Darrell,


I don't think this will be a problem. Here is the method Apple recommends for transferring your iTunes library to a new computer — if you go through this step-by-step, everything should work fine:


How to move your iTunes library to a new computer - Apple Support


Good luck! Post again if you need help.


Cheers

14 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Jan 19, 2017 6:05 AM in response to Darrell R Coe

Hi Darrell,


I don't think this will be a problem. Here is the method Apple recommends for transferring your iTunes library to a new computer — if you go through this step-by-step, everything should work fine:


How to move your iTunes library to a new computer - Apple Support


Good luck! Post again if you need help.


Cheers

Jan 26, 2017 5:14 PM in response to Darrell R Coe

Yes, they are all required. Move the entire iTunes folder in one go if you can .



Apple's 6 pages of exhaustively meticulous step-by-step instructions: How to move your iTunes library to a new computer - https://support.apple.com/HT204318 Use this if you suspect any of your media are not in the standard location (iTunes Media folder).


My one-sentence summary if you always 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 (Open a different iTunes Library file or create a new one - https://support.apple.com/HT201596).


When this is to a new drive/computer put the copied iTunes folder in the default location of Macintosh HD > Users > *User Name* > Music (or Home > Music) then you don't even need to start with the option key held down, iTunes will automatically look for it there. (Make sure there isn't anything already in the iTunes folder there that you want to keep since you will be replacing it with the one you are moving.) Remember to authorize the computer in iTunes to your Apple ID if you use this to sync to Apple mobile devices or play DRM protected media (e.g., movies).


Certain items used in iTunes related activities are not stored in the iTunes library folder but in special folders. If you are moving a library to a different computer you may wish to copy these too:


- Apple Music cache files: http://dougscripts.com/itunes/2015/09/new-flush-apple-music-cache-files/ -" ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.iTunes/SubscriptionPlayCache/ folder, which is sort of like an “iTunes Media” folder for Apple Music" "(This cache folder doesn’t apply to Radio music. Or to Apple Music you’ve added to your library for offline use, which is stored in your official “ITunes Media” folder.) "


- iOS device backups, various preferences files: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3285925


About iTunes library files - https://support.apple.com/HT201610 - Does not mention that a complete working library also includes other files and folders also in the iTunes folder.


More on iTunes library files and what they do - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITunes#Media_management


What are all those iTunes files? - http://www.macworld.com/article/139974/2009/04/itunes_files.html


Where are my iTunes files located? - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1391


iTunes 9 [and later]: Understanding iTunes Media Organization - http://support.apple.com/HT201979 - plus supplemental information about organizing to new structure https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6477809?answerId=26404702022#26404702022


Image of folder structure and explanation of different iTunes versions (turingtest2 post) - https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-7392 and making an iTunes library portable.

Jan 26, 2017 2:46 PM in response to Limnos

Richard or Limnos,


I have decided to use the procedure outlined in How to move your iTunes library to a new computer - Apple Support, since I do not suspect any of my media is not in the standard location (iTunes Media folder). I do have a question. As described above I have already backed up iTunes on my MacBook 2,1. I followed the Pre backup directions and selected the correct options on the iTunes Preference Advanced screen, but I ran across another document stating I should consider Consolidating the information in iTunes. Would you recommend this procedure and if you do recommend it, should I trash the original backup and make /use the new back up?.

Jan 27, 2017 4:57 PM in response to Darrell R Coe

Darrell, I was just reading about this Consolidate function, and it doesn't sound like it applies to your situation. It's intended for people whose media files are scattered around in different locations, as an easy means of rounding them up together in one place.


Here's the article I was reading: iTunes for Mac: Change where your iTunes files are stored


So my recommendation is to go ahead as planned. As always, we are here if you need us.


And hey, it looks like you've recently moved up to Level 2? Congratulations!

Jan 31, 2017 4:16 PM in response to richard grant

Richard or Limnos,



I have a question regarding the procedure to transfer the backup iTunes data to the new computer. If you look at How to move your iTunes library to a new computer - Apple Support, Part 3, the steps are listed below:

1 Locate the iTunes folder on your new computer:

• Mac: Click your desktop to make sure that you're in Finder. Then choose Go > Home from the menu bar at the top of your computer screen. Double click the Music folder.

• Windows: Navigate to \Users\username\My Music\iTunes.

2 Drag the iTunes folder in this location onto the desktop.


The following steps outline how to transfer the backup data to the new computer:

1 Locate the external drive on your new computer:

• Mac: On the desktop.

• Windows: In My Computer or Computer.

2 Double-click the external drive icon to open it.

3 Drag the iTunes folder from your external drive to the Music folder (Mac) or My Music Folder (Windows) on your new computer. The transfer might take a while if you have a lot of content.

Step 3 states that I should drag the iTunes folder from my external drive to the Music folder on the new computer.


WWHAT WAS THE REASON FOR DRAGGING THE iTUNES FOLDER ONTO THE NEW COMPUTER'S DESKTOP? DID IT SERVE ANY PURPOSE? AS FAR AS I COULD TELL. THERE IS NOTHING THAT REFERS BACK TO THAT FOLDER

Step 6 instructs me to open iTunes and view all the data should be transferred.


Darrell

Jan 24, 2017 1:38 PM in response to richard grant

Richard,

I want t thank you for responding to my issue ad I apologize for taking so long to reply. I am going to take you up on your reply of "Good luck! Post again if you need help". I just completed the back up of iTunes from the existing MacBook 2,1 to an extenal HD and found the various Folders listed below:

iTunes Lib...Extras.itdb

iTunes Lib...Genius.itdb

Tunes Lib.itl

iTunes Media

iTunes Music

iTunes Music Library.xml

Mobile Applications

Previous iTunes Libraries


Are all these Files required to be transferred to the new iMac?

Darrell

Jan 27, 2017 6:43 PM in response to richard grant

Thanks Richard,


My reaching Level 2 can only be attributable to Consultants like you. I have had some wonderful individuals helping me resolve issues and some of who are excellent Instructors. You all are to be congratulated for your dedication in putting in long hours in assisting those in search of better understanding Apple Products. There may be times when you may not feel appreciated, but I feel without individuals like you, I would be lost. You all are valuable. Thank you!


Thanks for following up Richard. I would still be sitting there waiting for Limnos to provide his input. I will proceed as planned. I'm sure I do not I fall in the category of having my music spread spread out in different locations. Though, I will read the document to get a better understanding of the process.


Thanks again and I will contact you if I need further help,

Darrell

Jan 31, 2017 4:25 PM in response to Darrell R Coe

WHAT WAS THE REASON FOR DRAGGING THE iTUNES FOLDER ONTO THE NEW COMPUTER'S DESKTOP? DID IT SERVE ANY PURPOSE? AS FAR AS I COULD TELL. THERE IS NOTHING THAT REFERS BACK TO THAT FOLDER


It means you don't have to deal with the potential issue of merging the contents of the new but otherwise empty library with the library you've copied from your previous computer. It could be deleted instead.


tt2

Jan 31, 2017 10:16 PM in response to turingtest2

turingtest2,

Thanks for your input. I did a test run and I found that when I moved the iTunes folder to the desktop, there was no iTunes folder in the Music Library. Am I correct in saying, when I complete the data transfer and verified it in iTunes, I could then trash the desktop iTunes older? If so, then there should be an additional step after 'Open iTunes.

I just wanted to be thorough, since I was following the Apple document. Thanks Again,

Darrell

Possible Duplicate Music in iTunes after installing back up iTunes Lib. to new iMac

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.