Grant Wrangler
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Moving the iTunes Library
Q. My son has an iPod. He has downloaded many songs and videos from iTunes. Can I store his music and videos outside my computer?
A. Yes, you can move the iTunes music folder. But if you want to maintain his playlists, ratings and history, you must do it correctly.
First, open iTunes preferences. In Windows, click Edit>>Preferences. In Mac, click iTunes>>Preferences. Click the Advanced button. Make sure that "Keep iTunes Music folder organized" is selected. Then click OK.
Now, reopen iTunes preferences. Click on the Advanced button and click the Change button. A window will open that allows you to navigate to a new location for the iTunes library folder.
Click the New Folder button and create a new folder to contain the library contents. Name the folder and click Create. Then click Choose in the Change Music Folder Location window.
In the Advanced window, click OK. You'll receive a message that the location of the library contents will be changed. Click OK.
Next, click the Advanced menu in iTunes. Select Consolidate Library. You'll receive a message saying that the music will be copied to the iTunes folder and that the change cannot be undone.
Click Consolidate. Now you can delete the original iTunes music folder. However, be careful not to delete the iTunes library files. These will be in the same location as the iTunes music folder. If you delete them, iTunes won't recognize the songs in the library.
Since it is easy to download a lot of music from iTunes or to rip music from CDs, it is a good idea to store it on a separate hard drive. I have one on my computer dedicated solely to my music files. You should also take the time to back this drive up. You never know when disaster will strike!
Retrieved March 10, 2006 from Kim Komando Show Tip of the Day
