argustimewas Posted August 3, 2017 Share Posted August 3, 2017 My 2012 MacBook Pro hard disc has failed and I'm about to replace this laptop with a new MBP. I have a full back-up on Time Macine on an external hard disc, but I only want to restore my iTunes library (including carefully adjusted meta-data & album art together with playlists) to my new computer. Is there a step by step guide on how to do this selectively to avoid a full Time Machine restore please? PS: am enjoying The Next Track podcasts. Thanks. Link to comment
Ralf11 Posted August 4, 2017 Share Posted August 4, 2017 you want @wgscott or kirk but I think you can go back to any file and any time; also use search to find particular files and restore them any changes or additions to your library recently? why not just go back to the status before the crash? Link to comment
kirkmc Posted August 5, 2017 Share Posted August 5, 2017 There are two things to consider. The first is the iTunes Library.itl file, which contains playlists, ratings, and other metadata. The second is the files themselves, which contain their immediate metadata: name, artist, artwork, etc. So you need to restore both the iTunes folder in your home folder's Music folder, and the media folder, if it's in a different location. You fist need to turn on Time Machine on the new Mac, and have it inherit the existing backup. Then just go into Time Machine from the Finder, and find the appropriate folders, then restore them. I write about Macs, music, and more at Kirkville. Author of Take Control of macOS Media Apps. Co-host of The Next Track podcast. Link to comment
argustimewas Posted August 5, 2017 Author Share Posted August 5, 2017 Thanks Kirk. In doing as you advise will this avoid restoring all the other stuff I had on my previous broken MBP? I want to just retrieve the iTunes library and metadata. Link to comment
kirkmc Posted August 5, 2017 Share Posted August 5, 2017 Yes, anything you select individually gets copied, nothing else does. I write about Macs, music, and more at Kirkville. Author of Take Control of macOS Media Apps. Co-host of The Next Track podcast. Link to comment
argustimewas Posted August 5, 2017 Author Share Posted August 5, 2017 Fantastic! Thanks very much. Link to comment
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