Can I transfer my itunes songs, delete and still listen

So can I transfer all my songs from my macbook to an External HD, then trash my songs on my computer, but still play them through itunes even if the ext HD is not plugged in?

THanks

 

No, all the files will be gone. They'll show up in the playlist, but the first time you try to play a song you'll get an error for missing file.

 

I have this really strong urge to squish that bug sheanhs and possibly destroy my screen in the process

 

hahaha I should put a disclaimer on how I am not liable for broken screens..

 

YES! This is possible, infact, i do it. I have a 500GB External HDD, which 200GB is filled with Music. Considering my MacBook only has a 120GB HDD, i would rather just use my external to hold all my media files. I dont have ANY music whatsoever on my laptop, but whenever i wanna listen to it, i just plug it into my external and play. Go to file->import->folder, and find the folder that holds all ur music within ur external once you find the first file, you should find em all. gl

 

it is physically impossible to play mp3s from a HD that is not plugged in as the first post asks.

 

ya we know notebookyoozer, that was not my question, but thanks anyways..

 

maybe you need to rephrase your question

 

No.

That's a different question altogether. Instead just change the default iTunes Music folder location. After you have backed up your files to the external drive and erased the files from your MacBook's hard drive Open iTunes and go to iTunes --> Preferences --> Advanced --> General and change the iTunes Music folder location to your external hard drive. The external hard drive must be plugged in to do this and must be plugged in to play any of the music files.

 

adding to above

you can also disable the "copy files to itunes music folder when adding to library", by unchecking the little box under Itunes/preferences/advanced. Then you can have music on your local HD, and have music accessable when your External is on..
Thus, have your cake, and eat it too
*note, you must of course add the external library after you've unchecked the option*

 

I clicked on this thread and sat down on the couch cause I wanted to see part of a movie that was playing, all the while thinking what the hell is that freaking bug smokin?

Then i got up and realized

Edit:
Actually, just wondering this myself. Could I transfer all my music to a 80gb iPod Classic and have that as my main "music folder"? Not as an external hd, but in iPod mode. It would be nice to free all 20 gigs of music I have on my computer so I can have room for other stuff.