Getting ready to reformat. What do I need to back up?

[mr wrong]

First off, please bear with me.

I read the "relocating iTunes" sticky, but have a few specific questions:

I am going to be doing a fresh install of windows, and completely reformatting my drives.

Contained on the same drive (F) as my music is a folder (which I will be backing up) that contains the following:

Album Artwork (folder)
iPod Games (folder)
iTunes Music (folder)
Previous iTunes Libraries (folder)
iTunes Library (iTunes Music Database File)
iTunes Library (XML Document)

Contained in the same folder as all my music files is another iTunes Folder, which contains:

Album Artwork (folder)
iTunes Music (folder)
iTunes Library (iTunes Music Database File)- Much smaller in size than the above one.
iTunes Music Library (XML Document)- also much smaller in size.

When I copy everything back over, I plan on keeping everything on the same drive (F), so the locations of the files will stay the same.

My questions are:

When I re-install iTunes, can I point it to the above folders and have everything remain the same as it is now?

Are there other files, or folders I need to copy in addition, or instead of the above?- If so, where are they?

And finally, when all is said and done, will I be able to plug my iPod into my computer without it, or iTunes noticing anything different?

I would really appreciate any guidance.

Thanks in advance.

 

[cjmnews]

That should work. Just be sure to keep the same login name.

I was wondering though if you would like to try using the iTunes Backup (File->Backup to Disc) which will burn all these files to DVD (or lots of CDs) and after you install you should be able to open iTunes, insert the first disc and answer yes for iTunes to restore it. Since you have the files in a non-standard location you may have to specify Drive F as your location before you restore with iTunes.

 

[S2_Mac]

You should be fine. To get iTunes app to recognize your library, you'll want to start iTunes with the Shift key held down; when a dialog pops up asking for a new or existing library, choose existing and then locate the most-current "iTunes Library.itl" on the F: drive. With this info, iTunes should be able to automatically locate your music files.

(If your "new" iTunes will be the same version as on the "old" system, you could also use your old preference files. There's two: C:\Documents and Settings\<userName>\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iTunesPrefs and C:\Documents and Settings\<userName>\Local Settings\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iTunesPrefs.)