Music From Old iTunes account into new iTunes Account

[erock1972]

Hey Everyone -

Have a unique situation and I've been searching for some type of answer for awhile but haven't been able to find the right solution.

In my divorce the ex took the mac and assumed control of the itunes account we shared. My ipod touch is still associated with this account and has a mix of ripped CDs as well as music purchased from the itunes account she now has. I have recently purchased a new mac book and have created a whole new itunes account. I would like to migrate the music from my iPod into the newly created itunes account. Will I be able to play the music purchased from the old itunes account in my new one? Hope this makes sense.

thanks

[bwh79]

You have to authorize your new computer to play content from the old account. Up to five computers can be authorized to play content from a single account, and a single computer can be authorized to play content from any number of accounts. From within iTunes, select "Store -> Authorize this computer" from the top menu and input the ID and password for the account associated with the files. This won't actually transfer the purchases to your new account, it will simply authorize that particular computer to play them -- they still "belong" to the old account. If you don't have access to that password, then you're out of luck. And even if you do, actually getting the content back off the iPod and onto your computer is another issue entirely, but a quick search of these forums will probably point you in the right direction.

[rockmyplimsoul]

Take a look at this article on how to transfer music from your iPod to your computer:
Copying Content from your iPod to your Computer - The Definitive Guide | iLounge Article

As far as what's playable on your new computer/ new iTunes account, as long as the iTunes purchases are "iTunes +" songs (i.e. not the old protected 128 kbps type) they'll play just fine on your new computer. A few years back iTunes stopped protecting music, so iTunes + songs from one library will play on another without any special authorization.

Once you get your songs transferred from your iPod to your new library, you'll want to find which songs might be protected. To do that, simply create a smart playlist defined as "Kind contains Protected" (note: use the Kind criteria, not Media Kind).

If you find any of these songs, they will play on your library only if it is authorized to do so. When you try to play one of these songs you'll be prompted for the password of the account used to purchase them. If your ex hasn't changed the iTunes account password, then you can authorize your new computer and your iPod will be able to play them too. After that, your ex will only be able to de-authorize your computer if she accumulates 5 authorized computers, at which time she can "de-authorize all" and then re-authorize her computer with a new account password. If there are less than 5 computers authorized, she has no way of de-authorizing yours unless someone at Apple customer care does it for her, which may not happen.

Good luck, and sorry about your situation!

[erock1972]

Hey Guys....thanks for the response on this. Based on the feedback I was able to get the music to transfer and authorize my computer to access the old itunes account. Thanks again! e