Can't find iTunes library on New Computer

Discussion in 'Mac Basics and Help' started by rinibean, Feb 8, 2015.

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  1. rinibean, Feb 8, 2015

    rinibean macrumors newbie

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2011
    #1
    Hello all, I'm not too savvy, so be gentle with me.

    I have a new MBP. I'm trying to move my iTunes Library from my old computer (another MBP) to my new computer. I've tried to follow all the directions online, but the new computer is not picking up my old library.

    Here's what I did:

    On my source computer, I copied the iTunes folder (from Music>iTunes) to an external drive.

    My new computer has no added content, except the music I've purchased directly from iTunes. I guess they were moved over by the cloud automatically.

    On my new computer, I navigated to the Music Folder, then took the iTunes folder from my external drive, and moved it into the Music Folder. It gave me the option to "merge" or "replace" the iTunes folder that already existed there and I chose "merge."

    I opened iTunes with the "option" button, and chose the "iTunes Library.itl" file when it asked me to choose an iTunes library.

    This is where I'm stuck, it is not importing my music into iTunes. Inside of the iTunes folder, there is a "iTunes Music" folder and all the music is there. It just doesn't seem to be importing it into the program.

    Where have I gone wrong in this?

    Thanks for any help you can offer.
     
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  2. anonnymouse, Feb 8, 2015

    anonnymouse macrumors regular

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2011
    #2
    Start over. Use Migration Assistant.

    What version of OS X is on the old Mac?
     
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  3. phrehdd, Feb 8, 2015

    phrehdd macrumors 68040

    phrehdd

    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2008
    #3
    Why not just delete everything but your music in the iTunes directory and simply "add to library" and point to the music that exists now on your new system?

    It may take time to go through all the music but it should work just fine. If all your music is already organized, make sure the preferences match what you had on your previous system.

    Just a crude but an effective way to get your iTunes working.
     
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  4. Mickey8297, Feb 8, 2015

    Mickey8297 macrumors member

    Mickey8297

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2009
    Location:
    PA
    #4
    I would delete the entire iTunes folder on you new computer and copy the old iTunes folder into the Music folder. By selecting "Merge" instead of "Replace", it may not have transferred the old library file depending on the last modified date.

    If your library is too large and you don't want to copy the entire iTunes folder, leave the iTunes folder and iTunes Media and Album Artwork folders in place and delete everything else in the iTunes folder. Then copy the old library files over to make sure you are using the correct library file.
     
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  5. Dave Braine, Feb 9, 2015

    Dave Braine macrumors 68040

    Dave Braine

    Joined:
    Mar 19, 2008
    Location:
    Warrington, UK
    #5
    Assuming that your iTunes Folder is organised the same as the same as mine, that iTunes Library.itl file is inside a folder called iTunes.

    When you open iTunes with the Alt key held down, choose that folder and not the iTunes Library.itl file. That's how it works for me.
     
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  6. rinibean, Feb 9, 2015

    rinibean thread starter macrumors newbie

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2011
    #6

    This was the fix, but all I had to do was recopy the one "iTunes Library.itl" file from my old computer to the new one. When I merged the folders, for whatever reason the new computer "iTunes Library.itl" had a later date than the old computer "iTunes Library.itl" file, so it kept the newer file (which was the wrong one). Once I recopied this one file from the old computer it solved the problem.

    Thanks all!
     
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