iTunes question
Discussion
Rebuilding my wife's laptop - she's bought music from the iTunes shop. When I reinstall iTunes will she be able to redownload them? I have done a backup of the HDD but I'm pretty sure it won't be as simple as copying over the files due to DRM.
Also, will there be a problem with it wiping her iPod when it gets plugged in and sees a fresh install of iTunes as I've heard this has happened to people in the past.
Problem is compounded by the install of iTunes being knackered and won't run...
Also, will there be a problem with it wiping her iPod when it gets plugged in and sees a fresh install of iTunes as I've heard this has happened to people in the past.
Problem is compounded by the install of iTunes being knackered and won't run...
Depends on when tracks were purchased from the iTunes store, it went DRM free last year I think, certainly I can shuffle recent stuff I've purchased around machines with no problem.
You won't get an option to re-download tracks, although Apple have been good recently and allowed me to re-download of some movies after they 'disappeared' from an AppleTV, just had to get in touch with customer support.
There is plenty of software to pull tracks off an iPod before re-synching, otherwise you are correct, you'll lose everything off the iPod. A quick google should sort you out, or i'm sure someone with a properly functioning memory will be along to give you some names.
You won't get an option to re-download tracks, although Apple have been good recently and allowed me to re-download of some movies after they 'disappeared' from an AppleTV, just had to get in touch with customer support.
There is plenty of software to pull tracks off an iPod before re-synching, otherwise you are correct, you'll lose everything off the iPod. A quick google should sort you out, or i'm sure someone with a properly functioning memory will be along to give you some names.
NiceCupOfTea said:
Rebuilding my wife's laptop - she's bought music from the iTunes shop. When I reinstall iTunes will she be able to redownload them? I have done a backup of the HDD but I'm pretty sure it won't be as simple as copying over the files due to DRM.
Also, will there be a problem with it wiping her iPod when it gets plugged in and sees a fresh install of iTunes as I've heard this has happened to people in the past.
Problem is compounded by the install of iTunes being knackered and won't run...
It will be as simple as copying the files across, bringing them into the new library, then signing into the iTunes store and authorising the computer.Also, will there be a problem with it wiping her iPod when it gets plugged in and sees a fresh install of iTunes as I've heard this has happened to people in the past.
Problem is compounded by the install of iTunes being knackered and won't run...
She won't be able to re-download them.
The new iTunes should ask about what to do with the iPod when it sees it.
NiceCupOfTea said:
Can you talk me through "copying the files across"?
I have managed to get iTunes working and am looking at the "purchased" bit. Export / Export library seem to want to create xml/txt files. I just want to same the mp3s somewhere.
Do "File->add to library" and browse for your MP3 files.I have managed to get iTunes working and am looking at the "purchased" bit. Export / Export library seem to want to create xml/txt files. I just want to same the mp3s somewhere.
No, I want to make sure I have the files before I flatten the machine.
I have copied the user\mydocs\mytunes\itunes folder but it doesn't seem to include the files she downloaded.
Do I have to save them out somewhere or are they stored somewhere else?
I don't know what it is about iTunes but I find it so counterintuitive.
I have copied the user\mydocs\mytunes\itunes folder but it doesn't seem to include the files she downloaded.
Do I have to save them out somewhere or are they stored somewhere else?
I don't know what it is about iTunes but I find it so counterintuitive.
NiceCupOfTea said:
Ah - I think I have tracked down the files.
Does iTunes store *all* its music in MyMusic\iTunes?
If you tell it to, yes.Does iTunes store *all* its music in MyMusic\iTunes?
Now, this next bit is from the Mac version of iTunes 10, so your mileage may vary a bit on Windows.
Anyway, there's an option in the Advanced section of the preferences that says "Copy files to iTunes Media folder when adding to library", which does exactly what it says on the tin.
If not ticked, the songs are added to the library, so appear in the list, but remain in their original location.
Probably already said, but here goes anyway:
Your songs will be either in one location or scattered about the place depending on the option mentioned by CJ above.
If it's not ticked, then scattered, but in the menus, you'll find an function to "consolidate...." - if you select that, then all songs, videos, and ringtones will be moved to the default install path, unless you pointed it to a different folder as shown in the Advanced tab of Preferences.
So, if you've done that, then you can copy those files off before doing anything with the drive.
If you also copy the Library.xml file, that'd be handy, but not a necessity.
On installation of iTunes in the rebuild, set up the Preferences as you like them, then quit.
Move the Library.xml file into the same location it came from (make a note if it don't think you'll remember!)
Now let's assume you've optioned the features CJ referred to, then simply copy the song files into the folder specified (default or chosen) above those two options.
Launch iTunes, and you should be all set.
If the above seems too convoluted, then just drop the folder of all the songs onto iTunes when running, and it'll recreate the Library again.
As for the iPod - as per CJ's suggestion, set up your iTunes Store account first, then when it's connected iTunes will recognise it from before, and she'll be able to access all the songs purchased - DRM'd or not.
The iPod should not have anything removed, but you should set the option for auto-sync devices on connection to off (unticked), if Apple still check that tickbox by default.
Your songs will be either in one location or scattered about the place depending on the option mentioned by CJ above.
If it's not ticked, then scattered, but in the menus, you'll find an function to "consolidate...." - if you select that, then all songs, videos, and ringtones will be moved to the default install path, unless you pointed it to a different folder as shown in the Advanced tab of Preferences.
So, if you've done that, then you can copy those files off before doing anything with the drive.
If you also copy the Library.xml file, that'd be handy, but not a necessity.
On installation of iTunes in the rebuild, set up the Preferences as you like them, then quit.
Move the Library.xml file into the same location it came from (make a note if it don't think you'll remember!)
Now let's assume you've optioned the features CJ referred to, then simply copy the song files into the folder specified (default or chosen) above those two options.
Launch iTunes, and you should be all set.
If the above seems too convoluted, then just drop the folder of all the songs onto iTunes when running, and it'll recreate the Library again.
As for the iPod - as per CJ's suggestion, set up your iTunes Store account first, then when it's connected iTunes will recognise it from before, and she'll be able to access all the songs purchased - DRM'd or not.
The iPod should not have anything removed, but you should set the option for auto-sync devices on connection to off (unticked), if Apple still check that tickbox by default.
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