Backup iTunes Music - Why do I need to backup my iTunes Music files?

Backing up your iTunes Music is a good idea, either to burnable media or BackupRight. Otherwise, if you loose your music files you will need to re-purchase or re-download your music.

How do I backup my iTunes Music to CD or DVD?

  • Step 1: Launch iTunes.
  • Step 2: Select 'Library' in the 'Source' list.
  • Step 3: Click the 'Browse' button or choose 'Show Browser' from the 'Edit' menu.
  • Step 4: Make sure 'All' is selected for 'Genre', 'Artist', and 'Album'.
  • Step 5: Click any song in the list, then choose 'Select All' from the 'Edit' menu.
  • Step 6: From the 'File' menu, select 'New Playlist From Selection'.
  • Step 7: Choose a name for your new playlist.
  • Step 8: From the iTunes menu, choose 'Preferences' (In Windows use the 'Edit' menu).
  • Step 9: Choose the 'Advanced' tab.
  • Step 10: Choose the 'Burning' tab.
  • Step 11: Select 'Data CD or DVD' as the disc format.
  • Step 12: Click 'OK'.
  • Step 13: Select the playlist that you just created and then the 'Burn Disc' button.
  • Step 14: Insert a blank disc and click 'Burn Disc' against.

Note: You can only burn a CD or DVD from the files in your playlists. If the playlist is larger than will fit on a single disc, iTunes will let you use multiple discs.

Restoring your iTunes Music files from CD or DVD

  • Step 1: Insert your backup disc into your computer. The disk will show up in iTunes.
  • Step 2: Select the disc in the 'Source' list.
  • Step 3: Click the 'Browse' button in the upper right.
  • Step 4: Select the files you want to restore.
  • Step 5: Drag the files to 'Library' in the 'Source' list.

How do I backup my iTunes Music using BackupRight?

  • Step 1: Launch BackupRight and login.
  • Step 2: From the 'Backup Set' menu, select 'New' and then 'File Backup Set'.
  • Step 3: In the 'Name' section enter 'iTunes Music Backup' and click 'Next'.
  • Step 4: Navigate to the location where your iTunes Music files are installed. Typically on Mac OS '~/Music/iTunes/'.
  • Step 5: Check the box next to the 'iTunes Music' folder and click 'Next'.
  • Step 6: In the 'Backup Schedule' area you can use the default and click 'Next' or customize your settings.
  • Step 7: In the 'Encryption Setting' select 'Default' if you want to use your current encryption key and click 'Next'.
  • Step 8: Click 'Finish' and relax.

Restoring your iTunes Music backup using BackupRight

  • Step 1: Launch BackupRight and login.
  • Step 2: From the 'Restore' menu and 'Select Restore Source', select 'iTunes Music Backup'.
  • Step 3: In the 'Restore Source' section, check the box next to the first directory.
  • Step 4: Click the 'Restore Files' button.
  • Step 5: In the 'Restore Files' window select where you want the restored files to be saved.
  • Step 6: Click 'Start'.