Tips & Tricks|Moving iTunes Library to a New PC

The most painless way I have tried so far. There are two (2) parts to your iTunes Files & Library, files are self explanatory and the library will include your playcounts, playlists etc etc.

If you sync your iPhone or iPod you need to move your entire library so that you won’t have to make a new partnership.

Here’s what you need:

1. iTunes
2. USB HDD
3. Patience

Step 1: Copy your files to Ext HDD

• Plug-in the USB HDD to source PC
• Start iTunes
  • Edit > Preferences > Advanced (tab)
• Point it to your USB HDD click ok
• File > Library > Organize Library… Consolidate Library
• 
• iTunes will now copy the files over to your HDD
• Exit iTunes
• Step 2: Move your Library to Ext HDD
• Start > Run… type in the library location
• 
• Copy the files to your Ext HDD
• 
• Eject your HDD
• ==========================================
• Step 3: Move files to new PC
• Hold Shift key and click on iTunes you will see this menu.
• 
• Select Choose Library and point it to the ITL files in your Ext HDD
• iTunes should start up will all your stuff visible now
• Edit > Preferences > Advanced (tab)
• change from Ext HDD to NEW PC click OK
• File > Library > Organize Library… Consolidate Library

this time your files will be copied to the NEW PC

• wait for the operation to finish. Then double check that everything was moved in my case the apps were not moved so I had to do that manually.
• Exit iTunes
• Step 4: Move library to new PC
• Copy the ITL files from your Ext HDD to your new PC
• Point to this new ITL location using
• Hold Shift key and click on iTunes trick.
• Now iTunes will be looking at the ITL files and content on the NEW PC instead of the Ext HDD.
• You are now finished! You may now connect your device and rest assured that your content won’t get scrubbed off your iPod or iPhone.