Migrating iTunes to new storage area

[Contratrombone64]

Hi - anyone had any dealings with this? If you did, and it was painless, please share you tips? I'll not only be migrating purchased music, but downloaded CDs from my collection.

I want to move my iTunes library from my Toshiba laptop, to an external 1 Terabyte Disc Drive.

[Contratrombone64]

I found this, might just work but I've not tried it as yet

The most sure fire way to insure nothing is lost, and you retain your Library information (playlists, etc) is to change iTunes Media folder after which you can have iTunes take care of the transfer. There are faster ways to perform this, however this is the best way as it insures no information is lost.

WARNING: Having an external hard drive for your data is very smart as the chance of data loss at any point in time might be minor, however over a span of several years it goes from a probability to a certainty that data loss will occur if you do not have a backup. Saving all data in a single location (either on a computer or on an external hard drive) should be avoided as all technology will fail at some point.

Step 1 - Open iTunes and plug up your external drive
Step 2 - Edit-Preferences-Advanced
Step 3 - Hit browse and navigate to where you want to relocate your iTunes Media Folder. (I recommend creating a folder for this somewhere on the external drive)
Step 4 - Hit Ok until the Preferences disappear
Step 5 - File -> Library -> Consolidate Library

This process can take anywhere from minutes to several hours depending on the amount of music. iTunes will automatically move all media and update your iTunes library to only reference the new location.

After this process has completed (insure songs play by testing random ones);

You may go ahead and delete the original songs, and this will not affect your iTunes library.
Source(s):

Geek Squad Agent