Copying iTunes Library

Posted by: Mat Cork on 21 February 2009

Apologies if this has been raised before...I have done a search.

I have my iTunes stored on my desktop, I want to transfer the library to my laptop. It's 28GB of music and I have a portable hard drive...what is the best way to do this? I've heard that if I copy it to the HD and then onto the laptop, iTunes won't recognise it?

Also, wondered, if my PC crashes, is there no way of putting the contents of my iPod onto another machine?

Sorry, I'm sure somewhere this will have been addressed...thanks

Posted on: 21 February 2009 by rega1

I believe all you need to do is find where your library is located on your desktop, and move it to the hardrive, then to the laptop. Copying to HD, then re-ripping may cause issues, but I can not say for sure. Be careful setting up your prferences. You don't want to automatically "sync" your iood when you plug in. If your library on your laptop has less music because you decided to delete tracks on your PC, it will remove those tracks from your ipod. There is a program out there you can use called "sharepod". It works great for moving files.

If your machine crashes I believe you can move your ipod library to another machine by registering that machine with itunes. Or use the sharepod program....

rega1

Posted on: 21 February 2009 by winkyincanada

I have done what you are proposing with no problems. Once you have the files where you wnt them (I strongly suggest puting them in the default iTunes music folder on your laptop), if iTunes doesn't immediately recognise the files, just "import" them into your iTunes library.

Posted on: 21 February 2009 by pcstockton

ensure that you do NOT "COPY" the items to your iTunes folder.

Then you will effectively double your storage space.

go to options and de-select "Copy to iTunes Folder"

It will be selected by default.

Posted on: 22 February 2009 by Mat Cork

Thanks folks, it did work a treat as you advised. Many thanks.

Posted on: 23 February 2009 by rega1

quote:
Originally posted by Mat Cork:
Thanks folks, it did work a treat as you advised. Many thanks.

glad to hear it. Hope all is well

rega1