How to set up external hd for MBP?

[iNeed]

hey everyone. i just ordered my first mac (mbp 13") and am really excited. I currently have an external hd i use with my old pc laptop and wish to use it as a time machine back up device for my mbp. i still have a lot of files on there (itunes, homework, etc...) that i want to move to my mbp hd first. then format my hd so that i can use it with time machine. could anyone give me a tutorial (here or a link to youtube) that would explain how i should go about doing this? i would appreciate it.

 

[DesmoPilot]

- plug the HD in (via USB or whatever your particular external uses)
- copy desired files to new MBP
- using disk utility (found in applications/utilities/disk utility) format the external HD to Mac OS Extended (journaled)
- wait a bit for the formatting to take place, then tell OS X that you want to use it for time machine

 

[iNeed]

thanks for the reply. would i then just tell itunes to import my folder from the mbp hd after i move it there from the external drive? will that import my music, movies, and iphone apps into itunes?

 

[DoFoT9]

no, you need to hold down ption: when opening up iTunes - that lets you select your library etc. then you will be fine make sure you put the library in the correct spot though!

 

[iNeed]

where's the correct spot?

 

[DoFoT9]

where's the correct spot?

thats up to you lol! if you want to store it on your laptop - copy everything to it. if you want to store everything on your ext hard drive - copy everuthing there lol.