PC factory reset without losing iTunes library

BuntyB

Hi, how do I save my iTunes library without losing it all if I changed to a new laptop or had to factory reset my PC?

Thanks

Ad86

Files that youve downloaded from Itunes you should be able to re-aquire onto your new/reformatted pc once you re-install Itunes.

Ben_T_2

Don't forget to `de-authorise` your music before changing machines as you only have a limited number of activations to grant you access to your files - unless that's all changed as it was quite some time ago that I got stung by that...!

Figment

Your itunes library should be treated the same way as any other data and regularly backed up to at least one other device.

Mista_C

Go into your "Music" folder and you should see another folder called "iTunes". Copy this entire folder over to another storage device, external hard disk drive or alternative. If you've got a lot of library items you'll need something with enough capacity to hold it all.

Once you've got your new PC/clean install on existing PC simply re-install iTunes then copy the folder back into "Music". Once you open iTunes it should be just how you last saw it.

almillar

Mista_C is spot on, you can just copy it all of 'My Documents' in one go and iTunes data will be included. Put in back onto the new computer, install and run iTunes, and the window will even be the same size as on your old computer.