How Do You Move an iTunes Library from Windows to Mac?
This is a question I get every now and then, and I finally decided to look into it. As I outline in my latest Macworld article, it’s actually quite simple. This wasn’t the case in the past, as you can see by googling for this subject. You’ll find articles about doing find/replace operations in an XML file to make the move work. I tried it out with the latest version of iTunes, and it’s pretty much transparent.
Hi Kirk,
thank you very much for your “manual” how to move iTunes Library from Win to Mac, but I have still one problem :(.
I will try to describe my situation.
I was using my iPhone 3GS with my notebook with Windows7, in iTunes I was syncing Apps automatically only, video and music files I synced manually (so my Library in C:\Users\..\iTunes contains Applications only) . Two weeks ago I decided to switch to Mac :), so I bought MBP and want to completely syncing my iPhone with iTunes in MBP. I used Senuti to transfer all my music, videos, voice notes, books to iTunes Library from my iPhone, than I ran iTunes, I saw all of this, so I want to sync it automatically with my iPhone. But when I press Apply button, I saw notification that my iPhone is synced with other library, so I can Cancel the request or Erase & Sync this iPhone with iTunes in MBP. I searched google and found some voodoo to do with XML and LIB files (change the Library Persistent Key…), I tried it for three times, without success :(. The Library Persistent Key has changed back every time I ran iTunes. I am desperate now, I haven’t problem to “Erase & Sync” my iPhone with iTunes on MBP if I will know WHAT it erase. I can’t lose Photos made with iPhone, Calendar, SMS, Contacts, Applications settings, Games saves in my iPhone etc.. I can’t find anywhere, WHAT it erases from my iPhone and what it syncs then. Can you help me please?
Thank you very much.
Michael Pezda
I have to say that I’m not sure. While your music and the rest is safe, I’m afraid that iTunes is going to delete everything on your phone, especially because you’ve changed platforms.
You can save all your photos by emailing them to yourself. As for the rest, I really don’t know.
I’d suggest you check Apple’s forums for an answer to this problem.
Hi Kirk. So I risked it, backed up iPhone and then pressed Erase & Sync. So…it deleted all my music and videos and books, but I have all of this in my iTunes on MBP, so then it synced it back. Everything is OK and now I am happy :).
Thank you and have a nice day,
Michael