iTunes Query

James79 · 16-02-2011, 19:22

Folks, this might be a simple query, but I thought Id ask anyway!!

Basically, my entire iTunes Library is stored in my "Music" folder within "My Documents". Now, what Im hoping to do is relocate all of the files onto an external hard-drive (in the event that something happens to the PC).

If I were to just copy these over to the external HD, Im sure my "Library" would throw a hissy fit cos it cant find the tracks.

Is there an easy way to transfer all the files over so that the "Library" knows where everything is??

Problem is - there are over 10,000 tracks (songs alone) and to have to go through them individually to tell the Library where they now are would take a bit of time!!

Thanks for the help!!

dilli-theclaw · 16-02-2011, 19:45

Work through all three steps here.

Don't worry if you are using windows or mac it's pretty simple. It must be as I did it this afternoon

idi banashapan · 16-02-2011, 19:48

it's easily done. from in iTunes, go to File > Library > Export Library and save out the file to your desktop. Next, copy your files to the new location. Open the Export file and run a find/replace to point the targets to the new location. remove the existing playlists in your library, then import the edited library file, which will re-add your playlists pointing to the new location.

I've done this a number of times myself and also use this technique when getting other iTunes installs on other machines to point to the one library over the network.

James79 · 16-02-2011, 20:04

Cheers folks - will give this a try in the next few days - now have to hunt for an external HD!! LOL!!

Pog66 · 17-02-2011, 13:03

just out of interest - does this only backup tracks purchased through Itunes or also tracks imported from other sources e.g. CD's, MP3 etc?

dilli-theclaw · 17-02-2011, 13:10

When I did it it copied everything I added from whatever source.

progers · 21-02-2011, 09:25

Why not use your external drive as a back up drive? You don't need to change anything then and you can access your music as before with the knowledge that you have a back up copy too.

Free synch software such as syncback available from http://www.2brightsparks.com/index.html would handle your back ups.

danielf · 21-02-2011, 10:40

^^

What he said. There's no point in moving the tracks to an external drive 'in case something happens to the pc'. What if something happens to the external drive? You need to back them up to the external drive, and leave your iTunes folder where it is. You won't need to tell iTunes anything if the library stays where it is.

James79 · 21-02-2011, 20:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by progers

Why not use your external drive as a back up drive? You don't need to change anything then and you can access your music as before with the knowledge that you have a back up copy too.

Free synch software such as syncback available from http://www.2brightsparks.com/index.html would handle your back ups.

Was kinda thinking that myself!! Have yet to get the External HD - but think I'll go down the backup root - otherwise I'll be making backups of backups!!