Transfering my iTunes library to a new computer...how do I do it?

[Stl_Cardinals_Fan]

So my hard drive is almost full, I have 1.1GB free space (was only an 18GB hard drive to begin with) and I'm hoping to simply get a new computer for Christmas because this one is almost 8-9 years old (was made to run Windows ME, crashed about 4+ years ago and was retrofitted with more RAM to run XP).

The only problem with a new computer is that my iTunes library is on this one. I read the instructions here http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1382?viewlocale=en_US on how to back up the entire library to discs. My question is can I download iTunes to the new computer and then just restore the library to the new computer's iTunes as it says in the article?

Has anyone done this before?

[gmoney168]

There's a thing called Tune Tools or something. Basically, you hook up the 2 computers w/ a cable that comes with it, and it transfers the songs. Takes quite a while, but the only work you do is hook up the computers. If I remember right, I think it's pretty cheap.

[demonpower55]

I'm assuming you have an iPod. Google "Sharepod" and the program basically allows you to copy the files, music, and movies from your iPod into your new computer. I hope this helps, because I've had viruses a couple of times where I had to drag my songs from my iPod to my PC.

[Stl_Cardinals_Fan]

There's a thing called Tune Tools or something. Basically, you hook up the 2 computers w/ a cable that comes with it, and it transfers the songs. Takes quite a while, but the only work you do is hook up the computers. If I remember right, I think it's pretty cheap.

Thanks for the tip, but I would rather do it the free way as Apple suggests. Thanks for the tip...if all else fails I may go to that.

I'm assuming you have an iPod. Google "Sharepod" and the program basically allows you to copy the files, music, and movies from your iPod into your new computer. I hope this helps, because I've had viruses a couple of times where I had to drag my songs from my iPod to my PC.

I did see something about that somewhere on Apple...is that how you've done it in the past? I have most of the original CD's anyway so that wouldn't be a problem to add again, but the stuff I've purchased from iTunes is my main concern. How did you transfer music...just drag it?


Also, is anyone amazed at the puny 18GB hard drive of mine? I mean I found 500BG hard drives at Best Buy for about $100, lol

[gmoney168]

I have most of the original CD's anyway so that wouldn't be a problem to add again, but the stuff I've purchased from iTunes is my main concern. How did you transfer music...just drag it?

If you just reload all of the CD's, here is how to get the purchased songs onto the new computer:
Go to the iTunes store, and click on account. Sign into with your iTunes store info, and it will bring up a page with stuff like ID, payment info, etc. There is one section that says Computer Authorizations. You need to authorize the new computer to play songs that your account has bought in the past. All of your songs that were bought prior to using the new computer will be transferred over once the computer is authorized.

[angel0430]

Thanks for all the info on all this

[demonpower55]

I did see something about that somewhere on Apple...is that how you've done it in the past? I have most of the original CD's anyway so that wouldn't be a problem to add again, but the stuff I've purchased from iTunes is my main concern. How did you transfer music...just drag it?

Yep, that's how I've always done it, and it's free too. You basically download the program and drag it to your iPod, when you enable the iPod as a hard disk. Then, on your new PC, plug in your iPod, but ignore what iTunes says and open your iPod from My Computer and run the program. The program will drag out the files from the iPod to your new PC.

[GangGreen52]

I just did it a couple weeks ago and found something on the iTunes site that told you how. I just looked but wasn't able to find it.


However if your looking for a good laugh..