How do I transfer my iTunes library...

So, I'm getting a new computer. My old one is at my parents house and has my entire iTunes library on it. I know I can't just plug my ipod into a new computer and upload the songs onto it, but I'm sure there's a way to transfer the library from my old computer to my new one.

How exactly can I do that? I assume it has something to do with an external hard drive, but I'm not sure.

Anyone know?

 

Just go to your Macintosh HD > Users > (your username) > Music > iTunes > iTunes Music and you'll find all your music in folders.

Copy all that onto your external HDD and then put it on your new computer in the exact same path.

All you need to to afterwards is authorize the computer within iTunes and you'll all set.

 

^^^
That plus don't forget to also copy the iTunes Library database file aswell. Otherwise all your playlists, rating, playcount etc will be lost.
Actually scrap all of that the best thing would be to just copy the entire iTunes folder.
a

 

The simplest way to transfer a library is as follows:

1. Copy your entire "iTunes" folder from your computer to wherever you would like it on your external HDD.

2. Quit iTunes if open. relaunch it while holding Opt+Shift, it will ask you to create a new library or "Choose Library"

3. Press "Choose Library", navigate to the new iTunes folder location, select the iTunes folder, and press Choose.

4. It should go ahead and load up the external library, with the preferences set properly to copy any new media to the external location. You move it back the exact same way.


This is much easier and faster than the Consolidate Library method. Good luck, and make sure you are running the most up to date version of iTunes. And alway make sure you have it all up and running correctly before deleting the original files.

EDIT: HAHAHA, I should read entire posts before I respond >_<

To transfer to a new computer, all you need to do is Transfter the "iTunes" folder on your computer from its current location on the old computer to the default location on the new computer. If moving it to a new mac, it will be in your Home Folder/Music (~/Music). In that Music folder is simply a blank iTunes folder by default that has an empty iTunes library, you should be able to just delete the default iTunes folder, move your original one to the new computer using an external HDD or network (faster, requires a one time transfer), and when you launch iTunes all will load up just like you were used to.

 

You could always use an application called Sharepod. That way you can just copy the music out of your iPod onto the new computer.

 

If you have an Ipod, you just use it as an external harddrive as well. On iTunes there should be an option to check where it says use iPod as harddrive. Then on 'my computer' your ipod should show up and you can drag files in and out of it without it affecting the inner ipod contents

 

except that loses a lot of stuff and just copies the music files... if you have it copied off without using just as a hard drive, it can keep your ratings and everything else.