How to Move iTunes from One Computer to Another

In a way, iPods have revolutionized the whole music listening experience. The sound quality is absolutely amazing (to say the least) and constant innovations from Apple have ensured the device is miles ahead in the 'looks' department as well. Every one who uses an Apple iPod is definitely aware of Apple iTunes, the software require to download and install music in iPods. A Huge iTunes library is very common with people storing thousands and thousands of songs along with a few videos and movies. You will also require a backup of sorts for your iTunes library, so that even if a computer malfunction erases it off, you have something to fall back upon.

Transferring iTunes Using Your iPod

Step 1
You will first have to connect you iPod to your computer, through the USB cable.

Step 2
Click and open iTunes application on your computer. Under the devices section, on the source panel, select your iPod. Then click SUMMARY → MANUALLY MANAGE MUSIC → OK → APPLY. This will 'enable disk use' on your iPod.

Step 3
Click EDIT → PREFERENCES → ADVANCED → GENERAL. Select the option - copy files to iTunes music folder when adding to library; and click OK. Go back to the ADVANCED menu and click on CONSODILATE LIBRARY → CONSOLIDATE.

Step 4
Close the iTunes window. Go to 'My Computer' and locate your iPod in there. Using your mouse, simply drag your iTunes folder and drop it directly on you iPod icon. You have copied the music.

Step 5
Connect your iPod to the other computer you need to transfer iTunes on, locate it, and simply drag and drop the iTunes folder anywhere you wish to on the computer.

Transferring iTunes Using External Drives

Step 1
To start with, ensure all the music you want to transfer is in the iTunes Music folder, under 'My Music'. If not, add music files you require in this folder.

Step 2
Close our iTunes window, and go to your iTunes folder, by clicking - MY DOCUMENTS → MY MUSIC. Attach your USB flash drive to the computer. Simply drag and drop this folder in your flash drive memory.

Step 3
Detach the flash drive, connect it to the other computer you wish to transfer music to, and copy-paste or cut-paste the iTunes folder there. The above given method to transfer music from one computer to other using a flash drive can be used to transfer music from a CD/DVD drive or any online backup services.

Transferring iTunes Using iPhone

Step 1
Another way to transfer music from one computer to another is using your iPhone. You need to have iTunes software installed on both these computers. When you connect your iPhone to the computer via the USB port, you will have the option of synchronization. Sync your iPhone and computer through this software.

Step 2
During this process, iTunes transfers new songs from iTunes library to your iPhone and vice versa. You will find various options in the 'music sync' control panel, to help you customize your synchronization process.

Step 3
Once the process is complete, simply disconnect your iPhone from the computer and connect to the other one. Again select the 'music sync' option and iTunes will transfer all new songs from the iPhone to its library.

Since you have now learned about moving iTunes from one computer to another, take a backup as soon as possible to save you the blues in case your computer crashes.