Migrating iTunes library from old system to new

[eridium]

I just upgraded to an iMac G5 from a TiPB G4. The new iMac prompted me to do a Firewire transfer, and so I did -- OS X beautifully updated my new system and it was the easiest migration ever but for one snag: my iTunes library and playlists did not migrate. All of the song files are there, and I found an iTunes Library file that I believe is the key ... perhaps I have to import that? But I don't want to do anything until someone advises me to do so. I don't want to make a mistake with my library and have to make new play lists.

How can I painlessly import my old iTunes library to my new system? Perhaps I should go to my old PowerBook and first Export the library before importing anew? Please advise on this procedure, thank you!

[funkycfunkydo]

i did something similar when i got my external hd for my music. I think you can get everything by just snagging the entire iTunes music folder and dropping it on the new machine. (Make sure to locate the library location the iTunes advaanced prefs [on the new machine that is])

[eridium]

Interestingly when my new iMac ran System Updater it downloaded a bunch of new versions including an iTunes update -- and that did it! All of my playlists and songs (which were already copied over from the system transfer) miraculously reappeared in iTunes as if they'd never disappeared.

This is a thorough and interesting discussion about how iTunes manages song files etc:

http://discussions.info.apple.com/webx?14@234.84MsaHJg4dj.0@.68b5c774

[chutem]

The iTunes library file must be copied/moved to the new computers itunes folder (ie the same location just on the new machine). iTunes uses this file so it knows wher to look for your music files. If you relocate this all should be well I think. You should make sure that your music files are in the same place as they were on the PB.