[mshan]

If I purchase songs from the iTunes store, then later change the hard drive in my computer, what happens to my purchased iTunes songs (i.e. will the encryption on the purchased songs prevent me from playing them on my "new" computer?)?

 

[Lilac_Wine]

Move the songs to the new hard drive. If they get deleted and are not backed up they are lost.

If you are reinstalling the OS on the new drive, I would first deactivate that computer from your iTunes account. Once everything is moved and reinstalled re-activate the account on the new system and everything should work. You can have 3 (or maybe 5 – I forget) computers associated with anyone iTunes account.

 

[Nospam]

Worst-case scenario, iTunes thinks it's a "new" computer and asks you if you want to "authorize" it to play the music. You can have up to three "authorized" computers.

You can also call Apple and ask them to "de-authorize" all computers linked to your account. You would then "authorize" your computer, and all would be good in the world