New SSD... How do I transfer iTunes?

[davidg4781]

I installed a new SSD in my mini today. I'm needing to move over my iTunes library. In the past I would just move the folder over but podcasts would get messed up that way. I've also gone several years since I've done a clean install, I think since Mavericks maybe!!

Anyway. I have iTunes Match, so I can download everything. Right now, podcasts are missing some shows. Should I just move the folder over or is there any better way to do that, like have iTunes import everything from that folder?

 

[011]

When performing clean install for the macOS, I always copy whole iTunes folder and replace new one but I don't have podcast so I can't confirm that part of your question

Optionally you can add previously saved iTunes library coping iTunes media Folder to "Automatically Add to iTunes"

In the Preferences of the old iTunes, always check "Share iTunes Library XML with other applications", "Copy files to iTunes Media folder when adding to library" and "Keep iTunes Media folder organized".

 

[davidg4781]

What?! I never knew that existed!

I like that since it'll find anything that maybe was deleted but not removed from the HDD and put it back. I was always worried it was a bit of a mess in there, especially after I converted over to iTunes Match. I'm still not sure I'm all that keen on it.

 

[davidg4781]

So this is weird. I originally booted into the internal SSD and moved the iTunes Media folder over. I believe it was around 10 GB. None of my iTunes Match music was showing as downloaded.

I then booted into the external HDD. The Media folder shows it is 97 GB. But when I move it over it shows 59 GB being transferred and it’ll take 2 hours.

I think I’ll go take a shower. And I can’t get it to sign out of Find My Mac. Maybe that’s not necessary in a hard drive swap?

 

[Tech198]

What?! I never knew that existed!

I like that since it'll find anything that maybe was deleted but not removed from the HDD and put it back. I was always worried it was a bit of a mess in there, especially after I converted over to iTunes Match. I'm still not sure I'm all that keen on it.

You can store your iTunes folder on any drive you like, just need to tell iTunes about the location or uncheck copy as mentioned.

iTunes Match music can be redownloded.

I still prefer to keep iTunes library on spinning drive only for the sole instant capacity is always gonna be larger. Keep SSD for the space you need and off boot drive. As if OS X gets messed up, you can say goodbye to your music too.

 

[davidg4781]

Thanks. I'm not sure if I want to just keep the media on this one drive in my mini or have something central for everyone on the network to use. I really don't think it'll get much use since we mostly stream, but that will free up space on my HDD.

We have had trouble with our ISP lately, but internal WiFi is great. I wish I had some movies downloaded, if for anything to have a movie to watch as I wind down for sleep. I removed all the downloads recently to save space.

I ultimately want to move to a MacBook and not have a desktop, so having easy access to the media is somewhat of a requirement. If I do decide to keep a desktop I have no problems getting an enclosure and dropping a 1 TB HDD in there.