Backing up iTunes folder to external drive
 

Hey guys, I wish to backup my iTunes music onto my external drive as I want to restore my PC to factory settings. I know I could move the folder "iTunes" from the music folder (im on Vista) but will this keep the play count and the playlists?

Re: Backing up iTunes folder to external drive
 

Google suggested this link:

http://uneasysilence.com/how-to-back...indows-itunes/

It seems to fit the bill.....

Re: Backing up iTunes folder to external drive
 

The guide above is great if you store all your music in the i-tunes folder.
If you don't and it is located elswhere, you may need to make a few changes.

See here too:

http://hifiblog.com/past/2006/05/11/...music-library/

Re: Backing up iTunes folder to external drive
 

It looks like from reading that I only need to copy the whole iTunes folder including the iTunes Library.itl and iTunes Music Library.xml files

Re: Backing up iTunes folder to external drive
 

Do you let iTunes manage your library and keep it all in the iTunes folder?

Re: Backing up iTunes folder to external drive
 

Yes

Re: Backing up iTunes folder to external drive
 

Then that should be all that's required.

Re: Backing up iTunes folder to external drive
 

See screenie

Re: Backing up iTunes folder to external drive
 

So just to be sure, copy from Music folder to external drive, then copy folder back to Music from External drive.

Re: Backing up iTunes folder to external drive
 

Yes just copy the iTunes folder and it will keep the play count info and all that jazz.

I did that when I copied my library over from my windows PC to my iMac and the play count and all info was still there, including my podcast subscriptions.