If I buy a MAC, how can I transfer my iTunes library from a PC? - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

Skylab · #1 (**permalink**) 10-10-2006, 12:07 AM

I'd like to get a MAC, but my iTunes is on a Windows-formatted external HD. I have never owned a MAC. If I plug the USB drive into a Mac, will it be able to read it?

TIA

applebook · #2 (**permalink**) 10-10-2006, 12:08 AM

Is your HD formatted via FAT32? If so, then Macs should be able to read it without any problems.

On your Mac, configure iTunes' folder directory to your iTunes folder on your external HDD, and you're set.

Skylab · #3 (**permalink**) 10-10-2006, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by applebook

Is your HD formatted via FAT32? If so, then Macs should be able to read it without any problems.

On your Mac, configure iTunes' folder directory to your iTunes folder on your external HDD, and you're set.

Yep, FAT32. It's really that simple? Just plug the drive in and the Mac will see the files?

COOL! Thanks!!!

applebook · #4 (**permalink**) 10-10-2006, 12:25 AM

I can't guarantee anything, but generally this is true. In fact, OS X can actually format FAT32

I'm using an external HD right now to store all of my WAV and ALAC files, but Windows can't read the HD, yet OS X can, so the lesson here is that you should use Windows to do the original formatting, so that both operating systems can recognize the drive.

Skylab · #5 (**permalink**) 10-10-2006, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by applebook

I can't guarantee anything, but generally this is true. In fact, OS X can actually format FAT32

I'm using an external HD right now to store all of my WAV and ALAC files, but Windows can't read the HD, yet OS X can, so the lesson here is that you should use Windows to do the original formatting, so that both operating systems can recognize the drive.

That works perfectly. My work computer will have to always be a Windows PC. But I'd like to get a Mac to mirror my iTunes library, and then have that Mac live in my Stereo as a music server. I could then keep the library on the Windows PC, but move files over to the MAC to keep it updated there, and have that in the Stereo.

mshan · #6 (**permalink**) 10-10-2006, 01:56 AM

I think (I'm not sure) that OS X can read files from NTFS, but only read and write to FAT32.

Google for Apple's Bootcamp to get further details.

Chef Medeski · #7 (**permalink**) 10-10-2006, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab

Yep, FAT32. It's really that simple? Just plug the drive in and the Mac will see the files?

COOL! Thanks!!!

I have a Windows Formated FAT32 harddrive that holds all my music happily sitting in my Vintage Apple G3 PowerMac right now. Works Perfect. Reads, writes, sounds good, tastes good.....

You only have to wry about NTFS... by then Windows realized it wasn't wise to have an open format cause that isn't monopolistic

shawntp · #8 (**permalink**) 10-10-2006, 04:15 AM

There also is an XML file in your windows collection. I am not sure if Mac supports importing this. What I did when I moved over is opened up the windows xml library file and did a find replace of the windows locations ...something like this:

c:\documents and settings\Shawn\Music\iTunes\
to the Mac equivilant
file://localhost/Users/shawn/Music/iTunes/

And then copied the whole thing over and it took like a minute to move it. There probably is other ways bit I did not lose a thing (play count/etc). Also this was with iTunes 6.

Skylab · #9 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 01:34 AM

Thanks guys!

blessingx · #10 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mshan

I think (I'm not sure) that OS X can read files from NTFS, but only read and write to FAT32.

This is correct. And BTW if you want to get finicky people all up in arms, it's Mac, not MAC. MAC is Machine Address Code. It also plays well with cheese. Anyway, don't say I didn't warn you.

And Skylab you probably already know this, but you could share your libraries with each other and play your PC tunes on your Mac through the network (as long as both machines are on).

miTunes75 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 07:22 AM

I just purchased my mac mini in August. I have never had a problem. I strongly believe my hdd on the PC is formatted in NTFS. The mac can read the drive fine. (I have the two computers networked together). I can copy files from the pc to the mac.

You should be fine

Calroth · #12 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 11:45 AM

I'll tell you the best way of doing this, but you want a DVD recorder for it (which many people have).

In the latest version of iTunes, in the File menu, there is an option to backup your entire library. You can backup on the PC and restore on the Mac. No problems with that. You just keep feeding it blank DVDs or CDs until everything is recorded.

Why is this the best way? Because, as a side-effect, you get a set of backups of your music. Which is a very good idea indeed, IMO.

kugino · #13 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calroth

I'll tell you the best way of doing this, but you want a DVD recorder for it (which many people have).

In the latest version of iTunes, in the File menu, there is an option to backup your entire library. You can backup on the PC and restore on the Mac. No problems with that. You just keep feeding it blank DVDs or CDs until everything is recorded.

Why is this the best way? Because, as a side-effect, you get a set of backups of your music. Which is a very good idea indeed, IMO.

well, knowing how big skylab's collection is, i think this would take a bit of time...might be a good idea in theory, but in practice could be quite a chore.

Calroth · #14 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kugino

well, knowing how big skylab's collection is, i think this would take a bit of time...might be a good idea in theory, but in practice could be quite a chore.

OK, I concede that when you're approaching 400GB of music, the theory breaks down

Still a good idea for the rest of us.

pojen_h@hotmail. · #15 (**permalink**) 10-12-2006, 12:47 AM

Yes, OS X can read NTFS partition, but won't be able to write/delete files on NTFX partition without third party software.

As other mentioned, FAT32 are fine. OS X can read/write on FAT32.

If you go from windows to mac, you might need to convert song tag so that it properly displayed on MAC. search "ID3 tag itunes" should give you necessary steps to properly transfer your entire iTunes library to a mac.
(the tag problem mainly encounter if you have non-english title music)

The other option is have a PC running 2k/XP, and access that NTFS partition through network. Since that hard drive is controlled under 2k/xp, when OS X send read/write command through network, the NTFS partition will think it is windows read/write on it. All you need to do is to direct your iTunes library path to network hard drive. (Thanks to SAMBA)

ps. I am a mac user.