Thought I'd moved iTunes Media to external HD but still on MBP

[rachaelworld]

Hi there,

I did a search and couldn't find the info I need so apologies if this is a repeat question....

I'm trying to free up space on my 13-inch, Mid 2009 MBP running OS 10.11.6 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
8 GB 1067 MHz DDR3

I have just followed what i thought were the instructions as basic as they are to drag the iTunes folder from within my Music folder under my Home folder in Finder, and drop onto my external hard drive. This is also the HD that I use for my Time machine back ups. It appears to have worked, and I have pointed iTunes to it and seems all good, however I still have all the files still on my MBP. Obviously given that the idea is to free up space I want to remove them, but I'm confused that in both places including the Apple site where I found the instructions, neither of them mentions having to delete the original files. So I don't wanna just in case I'm being a dumdum and missing something.

Have I forgotten a step? Is everything cool, it's just instead of moving the files I copied them? How should I have done things differently to move instead of copy? Do I remove the CONTENTS of all the folders on my MBP or do I delete the whole iTunes folder within my Music folder?

Thanks a million, in advance
R

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

Just delete the whole folder. Then next time iTunes opens, point it at the folder on your external.

 

[rachaelworld]

Just delete the whole folder. Then next time iTunes opens, point it at the folder on your external.

Ok, great. Why did I end up seemingly copying the files over instead of moving them? Or is that just the way it goes?

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

The default behaviour when dragging any file to an external drive is to copy it. You can, however, hold command before dragging, which will move the file or folder instead. I find this handy from time to time.

 

[rachaelworld]

Thank you so much, you have answered all my questions

 

[campyguy]

Have you also pointed iTunes to that location, under Preferences > Advanced Preferences > iTunes Media folder location? Using the modal dialog that follows pressing the "Change" button will log and store your designated location.

You do not need to delete the source folder. You can also select the Media folder you want to use by selecting the relevant Media folder by holding down the Option Key on your keyboard when starting up iTunes.

 

[rachaelworld]

While I appreciate you taking the time to reply campyguy, I feel I should point out to you that you could have saved your time if you had read my post more carefully, as firstly I state upfront that my aim is to recover space on my internal hard drive which would necessitate the removal of the original files, and secondly I say clearly that I have already pointed iTunes to the new location. Nevertheless, thank you.

Have you also pointed iTunes to that location, under Preferences > Advanced Preferences > iTunes Media folder location? Using the modal dialog that follows pressing the "Change" button will log and store your designated location.

You do not need to delete the source folder. You can also select the Media folder you want to use by selecting the relevant Media folder by holding down the Option Key on your keyboard when starting up iTunes.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

I want to point out that if you start iTunes without having the external drive mounted, iTunes will create a new empty library in the default Music folder, and point to that at default, since it can't find the one on the external drive.

Just FYI if you ever do that, and don't get why iTunes doesn't show the music on your external drive, when you finally connect it again.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:
Something to be aware of...

If you've moved your music library to an external volume, you now have to take responsibility for BACKING IT UP to a SECOND external drive.

One copy of the music IS NOT ENOUGH. If that drive fails, you lose everything.

Two copies is "the minimum".
A third copy would be better.

 

[campyguy]

While I appreciate you taking the time to reply campyguy, I feel I should point out to you that you could have saved your time if you had read my post more carefully, as firstly I state upfront that my aim is to recover space on my internal hard drive which would necessitate the removal of the original files, and secondly I say clearly that I have already pointed iTunes to the new location. Nevertheless, thank you.

You're welcome, and I did read your post, carefully. No offense, you did not indicate whether or not you had changed the Media folder in the Advanced portion of iTunes's Preference - the main reason I replied at all, as I did not see anyone else offering up that key bit of information, and I was quite clear myself. "Pointed iTunes to it" isn't really that clear, to me…