How to Move an iTunes Library to Another Computer

Moving an iTunes library to another computer is not a simple task of copying the songs. Other information, such as playlists, must also be moved, and are not stored in the same locations as the songs. Follow a specific process to ensure that all of your iTunes information makes the transition.

Things You'll Need

• Ipod
• ITunes for Windows or the Mac with default configurations
• IPod

Instructions

1. Configure your iPod to act as storage space. While your iPod is connected to your computer, select it from the "iTunes Source List" and select "iPod Options." Activate the "Enable disk use" check box, and hit "OK." Your iPod will be listed as a hard drive in "My Computer" on a Windows system, and in the Finder on a Mac.

2. Make room on your iPod. Assuming that your iPod is big enough to hold all of your music, you will need to ensure that it has enough free space. Again, connect your iPod to your computer and select it from the "iTunes Source List." Hit "Options" and select "Manually manage songs and playlists," then hit "OK." Remove existing content to make room for your library.

3. Move your playlists to your iPod. Start iTunes, select "File" and then "Export Library." Give the library a name and save it on your iPod removable drive.

4. Copy your songs to the iPod. First, create a folder on your iPod. Then, use iTunes to copy the songs to the new folder. Once all of the songs have been copied, disconnect your iPod.

5. Connect your iPod to the new computer, and copy the music folder from the iPod to the iTunes Library on the new computer.

6. Export your playlists to the new computer. If the other computer is a Macintosh, open iTunes, select "File," and then "Import Library." Choose the library saved on your iPod. If you have a Windows system, open iTunes, select "File," then "Import Library," and then choose "XML files" from "Files of type." Select "Open," and your playlists will be duplicated on the new computer. When finished, open iTunes, choose "iPod Options" and then make sure that "Automatically update all songs and playlists" is selected.

7. Authorize iTunes on your new computer. When prompted, enter your Apple ID and password to authorize iTunes. If you have already authorized five computers (the iTunes Store limit), then you will need to deactivate iTunes on a computer before authorizing your new system. To do so, open iTunes on the computer you wish to deactivate, open "Options," then "Advanced," then "Deauthorize Computer for Apple Account," and when prompted enter your user ID and password.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish