Moving music to new computer

[peapod1980]

Who else has had to do this--move an iTunes library from one computer to a new one? We (read: Mr. Pod) transferred the entire (supposedly) iTunes music library onto an external hard drive, then hooked up the drive to the new computer, but there are still missing files. I said the fact that files would be missing is "impossible," and Mr. Pod laughed at me; you can never use the word impossible in relation to computers, says he.
So, any thoughts on why? Is it possible that there is some sort of big brother element attached to the files that would prevent transferring music that had been "shared" from PTP sites? I haven't figured out if there's something in common with all the missing files, that's just a guess.

 

[Ocean Lover]

I believe this is one way Apple prevents music sharing. I realize that it's your new computer but Apple doesn't know that. When my hard drive crashed I thought all was lost. I found a program online ( I may have had to purchase it I can't remember) that transfered all our songs directly from the ipod. If you have all your songs on your ipod then this would work. The other option is burning cd's or dvd's of your whole library. (yikes)

When all else fails? [ame="http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=copy+itunes+library+to+new+computer&btnG=Google+Search"]copy itunes library to new computer - Google Search[/ame]

Good luck Pea...it can be done!

 

[Mango]

Did he use the export feature in Itunes and burn to disc first? or did he drop and drag?
OL, the program you are talking about is called IPOD copy.

 

[Ocean Lover]

Did he use the export feature in Itunes and burn to disc first? or did he drop and drag?
OL, the program you are talking about is called IPOD copy.

I'm not sure if that was the same program but I do remember now that I downloaded a trial version so I didn't have to pay. I only needed it the one time so it worked out.

 

[peapod1980]

OL, I knew going into it it was going to be a pain because of how protective Apple is, I just didn't anticipate how frustrated I'd get. I researched the different ways to do it in order to pick the "best" way, and it seemed that the recommended way was to use the external hard drive because then--theoretically--you'd have all the music moved to the same place, and it would be backed up there. It's just that now I have a mystery of why not all the files moved...? I definitely think I'd prefer to have used the program that allowed a direct transfer from iPod to new puter, but at this point I'd have to delete everything I've done and start over using that method.
Mangy, he just dragged and dropped everything on to the external hard drive. I think that's what you're asking me, at least. I'll look at the program, thanks for the link.

 

[Ocean Lover]

OL, I knew going into it it was going to be a pain because of how protective Apple is, I just didn't anticipate how frustrated I'd get. I researched the different ways to do it in order to pick the "best" way, and it seemed that the recommended way was to use the external hard drive because then--theoretically--you'd have all the music moved to the same place, and it would be backed up there. It's just that now I have a mystery of why not all the files moved...? I definitely think I'd prefer to have used the program that allowed a direct transfer from iPod to new puter, but at this point I'd have to delete everything I've done and start over using that method.
Mangy, he just dragged and dropped everything on to the external hard drive. I think that's what you're asking me, at least. I'll look at the program, thanks for the link.

I feel your frustration....the kids got a new computer last spring and I never moved itunes b/c I knew it would be a hassle. They have to use mine when they want to buy/browse for new songs.

 

[Ocean Lover]

You may have seen this but jic...http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300173

 

[peapod1980]

You may have seen this but jic...http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300173

OL, I read that thing until my eyes bugged out!
Almost everything made it--well, about 300 songs didn't, somehow, but I guess about 1,500 things did. I just have to go find the wayward sheep now. Mr. Pod says to make a new folder on the external containing all the missing songs, but I'm almost tempted to burn CD's because the external and I don't know each other very well.

 

[Smiling JOe]

My guess is that your music which was saved from CD's actually transferred onto the portable hard drive. As mentioned above, Apple has you by the short and curlies (one reason to not go with apple). They don't want you making copies of the itunes, so they make it where you cannot. Lose your computer, buy a new one? good luck. I hear that you can contact Apple and tell them about your situation, and give them the list of actual songs which were "lost," they might work with you and get you a copy to transfer to the new computer.

For the future, I'd recommend any downloads of music, not be purchased from itunes, and then you can make copies for your different players and you can have a back up in case your CD gets scratched. If you bought the actual CD, you would be able to play it from anyone's CD player. Companies like Apple and Microsoft want you to purchase a copy for each player or computer. Both of those companies can kiss my @ss.

 

[Ocean Lover]

OL, I read that thing until my eyes bugged out!
Almost everything made it--well, about 300 songs didn't, somehow, but I guess about 1,500 things did. I just have to go find the wayward sheep now. Mr. Pod says to make a new folder on the external containing all the missing songs, but I'm almost tempted to burn CD's because the external and I don't know each other very well.

You have a ton of music. I wonder if SJ is right...the purchased tunes...did they transfer?