Backing up iTunes : How?.

[Draeger]

I don't use iTunes myself, never have done so I know absolutely nothing about it.

A friend want's a new, larger hard drive fitted to her laptop as her current system is running dog slow as it is crammed full of junk. So we intend reinstalling the OS and all her apps from scratch, after backing up all her files etc to an external HD.

However, I'm not sure what the procedure is as far as backing up her iTunes stuff.

What exactly do I require to backup and then how do I get it all working again on a freshly installed system?. Is it just a case of backing up certain folders and then simply dropping them into the same places on the fresh install?.

Appreciate a few tips!.

 

[Draeger]

This. I'm surprised your friend doesn't back up her music anyway.

Nope, she is one of those "Ooohh!!, my PC won't work and I can't afford to lose all my stuff" types who never, ever backs anything up.

So it's just a case of copying the entire iTunes folder ( it's sat at about 17Gb worth ) then installing iTunes on the fresh system and then dropping the copied 17Gb folder back into place again?.

Do I need to do the File > Library > Export Library thing to get the .xml file?.

*EDIT* Posted the above while AbsenceJam posted his reply.

 

[Draeger]

Ok, started it off using AbsenceJam's method, looks like it will take a wee while to copy it all over.

Next you need to consolidate the library (File Menu) and check both boxes, it'll copy the files to the external.

When I clicked on "Consolidate" it didn't give me any option to tick any boxes, it just started copying everything to the external drive.

 

[Draeger]

Cool, thanks for the help guys, it's about halfway done now according to the progress bar.

 

[Draeger]

Just read on another forum the following info :-

2) Click Store>Deauthorize computer (This is on the top menu along with File of iTunes)


Deauthorizing makes it so her songs that have been purchased can be put back onto her new iTunes install without a problem

Is that correct?. Does this step require to be taken?.