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One way to migrate an iTunes collection to another drive
Authored by: leamanc on Jun 18, '08 09:14:44AM

I recently needed to do the same thing, but just did it with a little Unix mojo.

First I copied my ~/Music/iTunes folder to my new drive, /Volumes/Bigdrive, via the Finder (drag and drop).

Then I deleted my ~/Music/iTunes folder (just drag to the Trash and empty trash).

Then I used Terminal to make a symlink in my ~/Music folder, like so:

ln -s /Volumes/Bigdrive/iTunes ~/Music/iTunes

Then I re-launched iTunes and it was like nothing had happened. No missing files, all the playcounts are still there, etc. One thing I did find interesting is that iTunes picked up on the symlink and notices that my iTunes Library is at /Volumes/Bigdrive/iTunes.

Quick, painless, and seems easier than this hint.



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One way to migrate an iTunes collection to another drive
Authored by: jackster on Jun 18, '08 12:56:55PM

Maybe I am missing something here but the simple solution is as basically above.

Simple
1. Drag and drop your "entire" iTunes folder on new drive.
2. Hold down down the Option key while launching iTunes. It will give a dialogue to choose any "existing library" or to even create a new one. Choose existing.

Once set up in the external drive go to Preferences>General Tab and make sure the folder location is set properly to the new drive.

Done

I frequently move my entire library (over 230GB) to new external drives and it resides in a sparse image no less. I have never had any issues with album art, lists, ratings... This method also allows me to keep a separate smaller library on my MBP while traveling.

I hope that helps, but perhaps I missed something.



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One way to migrate an iTunes collection to another drive
Authored by: robleach on Jun 18, '08 01:27:50PM

I would have done the above unix mojo solution, but I didn't know about the option-key iTunes start-up trick! I need to move my library to an external disk, so I'll be using that one soon! Cool. Thanks. Is there a way to duplicate a subset of your library in another location, like say I want everything on an external drive, but keep a copy of all the songs of a particular playlist or star-rating to all be on my internal drive as well. Is there a way to do that easily so that it stays up to date dynamically? I.e., if I add songs to either library, they sync up when the external disk is connected?

Rob



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One way to migrate an iTunes collection to another drive
Authored by: jackster on Jun 18, '08 06:17:42PM

Great question Rob. Unfortunately, I don't know the answer.



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One way to migrate an iTunes collection to another drive
Authored by: schneb on Jun 23, '08 12:14:36PM
"Maybe I am missing something here..."

I do not let iTunes organize my music or videos, they are kept in separate folders. In doing it this way, I ran into link trouble unless I named the new drive exactly the same as the old one. Then I had inode problems, that being, if I ever moved or renamed a folder, the link would be broken--iTunes would not be able to track it. There are more issues that required a complete reimport from the new drive. Hence the hint.

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One way to migrate an iTunes collection to another drive
Authored by: DougAdams on Jun 18, '08 01:36:06PM

Careful using symlinks and aliases to stuff in your ~/Music/iTunes directory. Some apps expect the actual files and folders to be there, especially the XML file. Also, your com.apple.iApps.plist may not update correctly. This prefs file contains pointers to various iApp databases. If it doesn't update correctly, other apps may have trouble getting info from the correct XML file and you'll wonder why.

---
Doug's AppleScripts for iTunes
dougscripts.com



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One way to migrate an iTunes collection to another drive
Authored by: jackster on Jun 18, '08 06:08:29PM

I agree Rob about the caution. Several apps such as Awaken (alarm clocks) and various iApps may rely on the iTunes folder. I have learned a couple of lessons along the way. First, as indicated above, have a second, if even small iTunes folder in place on your system even if it is not your main iTunes folder. To potentially circumvent any problems. Second, the Option key at iTunes start up has an interesting feature to it. iTunes/OSX remembers the last iTunes folder opened. As long as you launch into and out of the proper iTunes library there should be no problems. If you do this prior to opening other apps that may rely on it I have not run into any problems.

Also I should note, I used to run a huge iTunes folder with an "alias" folder in the Home User on a desktop to my external drive. Never once had a problem with that for about 5 years. Now that I have moved exclusively to a MBP I have changed my methods. It has been a simple solution.



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One way to migrate an iTunes collection to another drive
Authored by: leamanc on Jun 19, '08 07:42:54AM

I understand all of you guys' concerns about using aliases. I have used them in the past, and you are right...some apps just don't like 'em.

I have had much better luck with symlinks though. In my experience, apps that access the filesystem in the "traditional Mac way" see them as the actual directory you're pointing too, and apps that are more "Unix-y" do well with them, of course.

I performed this operation on my Mac mini, which is basically my entertainment center. I do have a lot of apps that access the various iLife XML datafiles (Toast, EyeTV, etc.), and so far, so good.

In retrospect though, I should have just copied and held down the option key to pick a new iTunes Library. That sounds like the easiest and the most sensible way to do it.



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