Itunes Transfer Via Memory Stick

[237SJ]

I`ve got a bit of an Itunes problem. I had my ITunes library on my last laptop which died a sudden death but I had backed up my library onto a flash drive beforehand. When I got the new laptop, I plugged in the flash and imported the files from the flashdrive. When I try to play the music though, I get a message "The song ...could not be used because the original file could not be found. Would you like to locate it?" When I try to locate it, I can fine the itunes files and click select but nothing happens. If I plug the flash drive into the laptop, I can play the songs but when I unplug it and just try to play them from my library, I get the message. Any ideas as to what could have gone wrong?

[Milvus]

Have you told iTunes where your new library is?
this is the Apple version (I haven't used Windows very much)
Preferences (properties) /Advanced/iTunes media location
Click change, use the browser to find your media file location on your new system and select

[Buenchico]

Does the 'External Drive' section, here, help?
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527

[237SJ]

Milvus - the library looks the same as it always has on ITunes. All of the songs are listed it is just that when I try to play them, I can`t. I can`t import/sync them into the ipod either. Some random songs will sync (I think they might be the purchased ones) but the ones from the rest of the library won`t. I`m thinking it might be something to do with the format that they were held in on the flash drive but I`m not sure.

[Milvus]

If you add/import to your library then they will list in iTunes as you would expect. But when you play it will want to go where they are stored i.e. your flesh drive. It doesn't know where you have stored your new library on your new computer. Have you tried what I suggested?

[237SJ]

Yes. I have selected the file but nothing happens.

[Milvus]

OK. Again here I can only suggest what happens on a mac. Perhaps Chris can check this out on Windows.
Using that last route to the library file Preferences(properties)/Advanced - you should have a couple of check boxes - keep library organised and MOST importantly Copy Files to iTunes Media Folder when adding to library.
Are both of these checked if you have them?

[237SJ]

I have Windows 8 Milvus. I`m not sure how much difference that makes but I am sure that the whole problem would be more seamless if I had a Mac. I have always found Itunes to be very user friendly though but I can`t sort this problem out. I think I might have to beg some assistance from the guys in the local Apple shop (I need a new Ipod Classic so maybe I can can exploit their expertise in exchange for a sale).

[Milvus]

On Windows 7, there is a little black and white icon in the top left of the iTunes window. Click on that and a drop down list should appear. In that drop down list should be the preferences option. Click on that and then click on the advanced tab. Once that has opened, make sure the "Copy files to iTunes media folder when adding to library" ticked and then click Ok. You will then need to re add the music from your memory stick in order for it to be added to your iTunes library folder

[Milvus]

That reply above i from my son who despite years of training still has his moments on the dark side. I think there are two problems.
You haven't asked iTunes to add your memory stick music to the main library and possibly it doesn't know where that library is. My guess is you haven't done the first, do that and we can progress

[Buenchico]

>>>Perhaps Chris can check this out on Windows

Sorry, I wouldn't have iTunes on my computer if you paid me! It's horrid software that causes no end of problems and it's totally unnecessary.

[Milvus]

Good for you. Wise choice

[hc4361]

Have you actually copied the music files to your hard drive? It seems iTunes only has the shortcuts to the file locations, not the actual tracks themselves.

Connect your flash drive, open Windows Explorer and copy the music files over to your music directory.

[Gromit]

// it's totally unnecessary //

It is fairly necessary to sync purchases from your iPhone/iPod/iPad. Don't tell me, you would never have any of those.

If you haven't solved it yet 237SJ see this...

http://support.apple.com/kb/PH12368?viewlocale=en_US&;locale=en_US

[237SJ]

I know this question is eons old but thanks to everyone who replied. I`ve been putting off sorting this for ages and I have just managed to do it. I`m so pleased. Thanks again (Christ knows what I did but it worked)