copy itunes to another computer- free program needed

[techidave]

from what i have read, Apple doesn't make it easy when you need to move your itunes to another computer because of hard drive crash or virus infection.  I will be using an external hard drive as opposed to cd or dvds.  Her library is bigger than what her iPod will hold, so that isn't an option.

Will the standard windows copy and paste work with out presenting problems?  I have found a few pieces that claim to do it but they do cost money. Like igadget or ipodcopy.  I am looking for something free for this particular client.

I have found this article here, is it really this easy?

What do my fellow dc'ers have to say about this topic?

[Josh]

Windows copy will work and has worked for me in the past. Simply copy your folder over to the new system and point itunes towards it. Another option is to copy the music directly from your ipod to a music folder of your choice, set that folder as your library preference, and then check the option to "allow itunes to organize my media". This will rename the files from the strings of random characters to organized folders based on the tags.

[lanux128]

i don't use iTunes but have noticed these articles from Lifehacker, maybe they could give you some pointers.

• http://lifehacker.com/100388/ask-lifehacker--copy-an-itunes-library-to-a-new-computer
• http://lifehacker.com/229747/move-itunes-to-another-computer-and-keep-library-data-intact
• http://lifehacker.com/238296/ultranewb--how-to-move-your-itunes-library-to-an-external-drive

[techidave]

I have read that on the old computer it "needs to be deauthorized" before doing anything.  is this really necessary and what happens if it doesn't get done?

[Josh]

It only needs to be done if you have media that is DRM protected. Most of the times this comes into play with Video files as iTunes has been DRM-Free for audio for a while now. For the transfer, you simply need to de-authorize your existing system (You are allowed 5 aurhorized systems).

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1420

[sajman99]

I also don't use iTunes, but this article entitled "iTunes Damage Control" strikes me as a nice reference:
http://grandstreamdreams.blogspot.com/2009/12/itunes-damage-control.html