In iTunes, how can I move my music on one laptop to another?

Question

In iTunes, how can I move my music on one laptop to another?
I bought a new computer and installed iTunes. I need to get all my music onto this computer from my old one. Alternatively, how do I get all my music and videos from my iPod onto a new computer???

Answer

PROBLEM SOLVED!brbrNote If all of your music is already on your iPod then just use Method .brbrTransferring iTunes Music make sure that your iTunes is set to quotmanually manage musicquotbrbrMethod brDownload iDump or any other similar software from download.com for free.brbrThe following steps are tailored for Windows XP. It will work for Vista as well but the steps may be slightly different. Also, this method does not require third party software or an internet connection. This method will transfer ALL songs from iPod to computer. Use Method to transfer specific songs.brbrMethod brgtConnect iPod to computer.brgtStart.brgtMy Computer.brgtDouble Click iPod icon.brgtTools.brgtFolder Options.brgtView.brgtSelect Show Hidden Files amp Folders and click OK.brgtRight click iPod Control folder.brgtSelect Properties.brgtUnselect Hidden and click OK.brgtA window will pop up. Select Apply changes to this folder, subfolder and files and click OK.brgtDouble click iPod Controlquot folder.brgtDouble click Musicquot folder.brgtYou will notice folders labeled F, F, F, F, F, etc.brgtOpen up iTunes side by side with this window. Make sure that the Music Library is displayed and make sure that iPodiTunes is set to quotmanually manage music.quotbrgtIn iTunes select EditgtPreferencesgtAdvancedgtand make sure that Keep iTunes Music Folder Organized and Copy files to iTunes Music folder when adding to Library are checked and click OK. You should also make sure that your iPodiTunes is set to Manually Manage Songs so that you have control over what you want to add or delete to do this select the iPod icon under Devices on the left column of the screen and select Manually Manage Music under Options..brgtDrag all of the yellow folders not the Read Me files directly into iTunes Music Library. Im talking about the part that has song name, artist, track number, etc.brgtDone.brbrMethod brUse your iPod as an external hard drive note if you do this you wont be able to listen to any of the songs through the iPod this method is primarily for ease of transferring music. Locate the actual music folder which iTunes uses to displayplay your songs.brgtFor most computers its going to be in StartgtMy MusicgtiTunesgtiTunes Music.brgtAfter you have located the music folders open up the iPod window by going to StartgtMy ComputergtiPod Drive.brgtPlace the windows side by side and drag the music folder into the iPod window. Now you are using the iPod as external hard drive instead of an MP player. If you want you can even transfer word documents and photos as well.brgtOnce you get to the computer in which you want to transfer the music you simply open the iPod StartgtMy ComputergtiPod Icon and drag the music folders into the iTunes Library interface the largest part of the screen which displays song name, artist, track number, etc.. Now that music is on a new computer.brgtJust make sure to delete those music folders in the iPod because they will be taking up valuable space. I would make sure the songs transfer successfully first though.