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Resolved Question

how to transfer iTunes library to new computer?

by Oct 28, 2012 4:11AM PDT

I downloaded iTunes to my new computer but my iPhone will not back up - I need to transfer the iTunes library from my old computer to my new computer. I followed the iTunes instructions but it refers to "iTunes purchases". I need to transfer all music in the old computer iTunes library to the new computer. I tried to transfer via a flash drive but it transferred in some strange computer language. How can I transfer the iTunes library to the new computer? I don't really need the library on the old computer any more. I did deauthorize the old computer but that did not help.
I need to update my phone and can't because it asks me to back up my music and I can not do that - thus I can not update my phone.

Discussion is locked

slcounty has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
10 Posts
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Best Answer

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I thought....
by Forum moderator Oct 28, 2012 7:17AM PDT

...you merely install iTunes in the new computer, login to your account and everything updates automatically. Correct me if I am wrong.

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i thought......New
by slcounty Oct 28, 2012 8:34AM PDT

This did not work. I even uninstalled and reinstalled iTunes on the new computer. It will not copy the music from the phone - the music is in the iTunes on the old computer. Message comes up>"An iPhone can be synced with only one iTunes library at a time.

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Now go to the Apple site and follow their instructions
by mrmacfixit Forum moderator Oct 28, 2012 8:38AM PDT
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I thought....
by slcounty Oct 28, 2012 10:11AM PDT

thanks for the Apple site. I will try that tomorrow when I have a clear head. I thought I had checked that site out today but not sure. Thanks for your help.

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I thought...
by slcounty Oct 30, 2012 5:56AM PDT
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(NT) You're welcome. Pleased it worked for you
by mrmacfixit Forum moderator Oct 31, 2012 12:45AM PDT
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Apps
by Pete3p0 Apr 17, 2013 3:53AM PDT

Does this also copy over all your apps?

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(NT) Yes
by mrmacfixit Forum moderator Apr 18, 2013 5:55AM PDT
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Answer
copy & Paste to Docs
by Nov 3, 2012 4:45AM PDT

Go to the Music heading on ITunes, and when all your music comes up, Hit CTRL+A and then copy and paste the entire library into a folder in Documents. After you have done that, save the folder to a disc or flash drive, but it would have to be a large flash drive. Then use the device or disc that you used to save the music in the new computer and transfer the folder to your new computer. Open the folder and hit CTRL+A again and copy and paste to ITunes that is on your new computer. This should work. If the flash drive or disc isn't large enough for all your music, then you may have to do this in increments until all your music is reloaded. As you add new music to ITunes, copy and paste it to the folder you created for your music in Documents so that when you get another computer in the future, you will have it ready to transfer to ITunes again.

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or you could do it the way Apple suggests,
by mrmacfixit Forum moderator Nov 4, 2012 10:40PM PST

which obviously works, and preserve all your comments, playlists, artwork, playcounts, etc.

P

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