Transferring an iTunes library to a new iMac

[Rich1963]

I purchased a new iMac, and instead of using Apple's migration services, I want to set up the computer as a new iMac, and simply transfer any files over the network from one iMac to the other that I wish to move. I have one problem, and i cannot find an answer on these forums or Google.

I currently have about 7 TB of iTunes movies, TV Shows, and Music stored on an external drive (a Drobo). What I am wondering is what files I need to transfer to the new iMac so that it has all of the database information, as well as connecting the Drobo, which contains that actual movies, TV shows, and music, to the new iMac.

I can find information about transferring a library to an external hard drive using the iTunes preference menu, and transferring a library to a new computer and loading the entire library onto the computer's internal hard drive; but not this.

I would also gladly take any information about additional tips and tricks when setting up a new iMac from scratch. I'm hesitant to use the migration tool Apple provides, as this iMac contains 9 years of old files and programs I would like to avoid transferring to the new iMac.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Just use migration assistant and choose to migrate only the files you require. Or just add the external drive to your new mac and point the iTunes at the file on your external drive in preferences and run them from there without ever putting them on your mac. Or use icloud, or copy and past from your external drive or a load of other options like connecting using Ethernet or file sharing or using airdrop.

 

[wpalomine]

Just copy your entire music folder from your old computer. This will have the library xml and album cover files.