How to Back up Your iTunes Media

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Launch iTunes and open Preferences.

   This process can be different on Macs and PCs.
   
   Mac: iTunes → Preferences PC:
   Edit → Preferences
2. 2

   Step 2: Once in preferences

   , Click "Ok" once you've double-check that it is indeed selected.
   
   With this option checked, iTunes automatically makes copies of files you add to your library and puts them into the iTunes Media folder.
   
   If you wish to save space on your hard drive, you may want to delete the original files after you've confirmed the copies exist in the Media folder. ,, Click "Ok." Copies of your media files with now be added to the iTunes Media folder.
   
   You've finished consolidating. , If you're using a Mac, your hard drive should be either on your desktop or in your Finder sidebar; if you're using a PC, your hard drive should be in My Computer. , This folder is in different places depending on what device you're using.
   
   Mac OSX: /Users/*Your username*/Music Windows 7 or 8: \Users\*Your username*\Music\ Windows Vista: \Users\*Your username*\My Music\ Note: if you can't find the location of your iTunes Media folder, navigate back to the Advanced tab of your Preferences screen and search for the location of the folder up top. , If you have many files or large files, this process can take a while.
   
   When this process is complete, you've successfully backed up your iTunes Media folder.
3. 3

   Step 3: click the Advanced tab on the far right.

4. 4

   Step 4: Click the check box next to "Copy files to iTunes Media folder when adding to library."

5. 5

   Step 5: Click File → Library → Organize Library.

6. 6

   Step 6: Check the box that says "Consolidate files."

7. 7

   Step 7: Quit out of iTunes and locate your external hard drive.

8. 8

   Step 8: Find your iTunes Media folder.

9. 9

   Step 9: Drag and drop the iTunes folder to your external hard drive.

Detailed Guide

About the Author