How to keep my iTunes organised after a wipe..

[Zephyras]

Hi,

I'd like to format my MacBook Pro hard drive. My only real concern is how to get my iTunes off it (external USB HD) and back on it after the format is complete, without losing playcount, playlists etc?

Is there a simple way to do this?

Thanks

 

[yippy]

Very simple. First, make sure you consolidate the library. Do this by checking the "copy music to my itunes folder" box checked in the preferences and then go to file->library->consolidate.

After consolidating the library, just copy the entire iTunes folder onto your external. It is in /Users/<username>/Music/.

After reformatting, open iTunes the first time so it creates a library but then close it. Then just copy your iTunes folder backup overtop of the iTunes folder on the new system.