Transferring iTunes music to memory stick

Loobeylou

I wish to back up my iTunes record library to a memory stick.

Presumably I start by going to My Music (I'm on Windows7 by the way) where I find the Music Library and the iTunes folder which has other folders within it such as artwork.

But then what ... how do I back this up to the memory stick so that if I need to have my computer wiped to start again I have it all backed up?

steve1980

Itunes Media -> Music

Loobeylou

I'm sorry Steve1980, can you please elaborate?

devizes18193

Loobeylou wrote: »

I'm sorry Steve1980, can you please elaborate?

go to my computer then open . then open c: then users then your account name then music then as above itunes then media and copy from there

Loobeylou

I was advised by a computer shop that I needed to transfer the actual file with all the records in it so that I could transfer it back to iTunes if necessary.

Will the method as detailed above allow that to happen?

Chickabiddybex

When you've found your files (I believe you have been pointed in the right direction by the people above) you need to copy and paste them onto your memory stick.
If you want to check if the file is the right one of not then right click it and go to properties.
It should say either "Type of file: MP3 Format Sound (.mp3)" or "Type of file: iTunes something or other (.m4a)"
(I'm not sure what the iTunes ones are meant to say because I don't use it)
The size should be between 3mb and 4.5mb for your average song.
If this looks right then it's fine and they contain all the details you need.

If you need any help with what I just said or the copy and paste process then please let me know!

Loobeylou

Many thankschickabiddybex, I am familiar with copy and paste and have now carried out the process of transferring the files.

Just to let you know that the type of file is listed as "MPEG-4 Audio (.m4a)".

Mista_C

Loobeylou wrote: »

I was advised by a computer shop that I needed to transfer the actual file with all the records in it so that I could transfer it back to iTunes if necessary.

Will the method as detailed above allow that to happen?

I think the shop is referring to the iTunes library database. If you want to restore your entire iTunes library so when you open iTunes it looks like it is now you will need to copy the whole iTunes Media folder including the .ITL file. I think the default name is iTunes Library.itl but it's possible you gave it a different name when you first set up the library.

If you only copy the music files themselves you would need to re-add them all to iTunes manually if you ever wiped your PC.

Chickabiddybex

Really? I thought you could import them all in one go.
Most media players do this - you just specify the folder they are in and it imports them.
As I said before I don't have iTunes myself but I'm 99% sure I've seen others do it.

Loobeylou

Mista_c - that is what my aim is ... if I ever have to get my system wiped I want to have a backup on memory pen. The shop advised that I would have to take the actual folder holding all the music files across so that if I wished to reinstate the music in iTunes in the future, I could then just transfer the folder back again, and it would restore it in iTunes exactly how it had been previously. And no, I would not have given it a different name.

The shop were advising me on how to rectify other glitches at the same time and unfortunately I couldn't remember all the different instructions!! Hence my questions here.

Does anyone else have any ideas on this one? I wish to make sure that I have done it the correct way.

Loobeylou

Anyone have any further ideas on this please?