Changing computer and iTunes Match

[ChrisHyder]

Hi guys,

Haven't been able to answer this one, so hope that one of you can help.

I may be changing my main computer in the not too distant future. This holds my main iTunes library and is synced to iTunes Match.

If I change computer, will I have to re-upload all the songs that iTunes was unable to match? Just slightly concerned that the fingerprints generated during index may differ slightly, leading to possible re-upload and duplication issues.

I am assuming that these issues will only come to light if I drag-and-drop my library to the new hard drive. If I download my entire collection from the Match servers, I'm guessing that all will be OK - will just take a long time to do!

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Kind regards,
Chris

 

[HazyCloud]

You've got 2 options.

1: Move your entire iTunes library folder to the new machine while making sure the directory matches what you currently have. If the directory isn't the same, your local music in iTunes won't work since iTunes can't find the original. Then when opening iTunes, hold down 'Option' or 'Shift' if using Windows and select your old .itl file.

2: Re-download all of your music from Match. I'd personally go with this to insure all of your music is upgraded to 256 kbps. If this doesn't matter to you, moving your iTunes library will take less time than this option.

 

[Mal]

If you move your whole Library folder, you won't encounter any issues, as it shouldn't even need to have Match turned back on. I would use Migration Assistant to move everything when you first get the new computer anyways, which will move not only the Library but the preference files as well.

jW

 

[ChrisHyder]

That's great, thanks for the heads up from you both.

I was thinking of making the move from PC to Mac, so it sounds like the best thing will be be to re-download the 100+ gigabytes of music!

Thanks again
Chris

 

[Mal]

That's great, thanks for the heads up from you both.

I was thinking of making the move from PC to Mac, so it sounds like the best thing will be be to re-download the 100+ gigabytes of music!

Thanks again
Chris

If you wish, but again, it's not necessary. The PC iTunes Library will convert automatically if you move it over, and Migration Assistant works from a PC to Mac, at least if you're running XP SP3 or newer.

jW