Can an iTunes Media folder be on a LAN network drive?
That is, remote from the Mac on which the library is managed, but (obviously) on the same LAN.
When "Copy files to iTunes Media folder" is set, and I import a CD via the managing mac, will the files land up on the network drive or into the iTunes folder on the managing Mac?
By organizing it should both relocate all current media as well as start using the new location from that point on. You're mostly okay there. Where you are not okay is iTunes doesn't look at your files directly. It only really looks at one single file, the iTunes Library.itl file which tells it where everything is located. You need to get both copies of iTunes using the same complete library (media + library file). The way you do that is using the option start method. You should only need to do that once unless for some reason the library storage drive is disconnected when starting iTunes, in which case iTunes will use the default location and you will need to option start again.
What are the iTunes library files? - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1660
More on iTunes library files and what they do - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITunes#Media_management
What are all those iTunes files? - http://www.macworld.com/article/139974/2009/04/itunes_files.html
Where are my iTunes files located? - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1391
iTunes 9 [and later]: Understanding iTunes Media Organization - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3847
By the way, both copies of iTunes will have to be the same version or the library will become unreadable to the older iTunes.
There are variants to the above but I am not going to type in all the possibilities unless you say something that tells me you need a different structure.
Similar Messages
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Win-7 64bit: moving iTunes media folder from default location to D drive
Dear all,
I cannot move iTunes media folder from default location on C drive to D drive on win-7 64 bit.
What I did was:
- Under iTunes> Edit > Preferences > Advanced I choosed new location for iTunes media folder on D drive
- Under iTunes > Library > Organize library > I choose consolidate fiels and then ok ( this should create a new library on new location )
Next I delete iTunes media folder on C drive and hope that on re-start iTunes goes to new location on D drive and picks new file arrangement.
But it does not happen - no matter what I do iTunes goes to its default location on C drive ....
I called apple senior advisor - and she told me that it's kind of "my fault" I have windows7 installed on PC and because iTunes is Mac oriented they will not give me support... And referred me to Microsoft ... What a lousy support!. I paid for it $25!! What for?By the way, I followed instructions as per link http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1364 - it did not work either. Can anyone share their success stories ? My C drive is not big and my music library ~ 100gB - I really need to keep iTunes media files in another location ... not a default place under User Login
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How to move library if iTunes Media Folder is not at default location
I need to move my iTunes library from my old laptop to my new one which should be simple enough but the problem is that my iTunes library database and content will not be in the same relative locations on the new computer - ie...I long ago ran out of space on my laptop HD and all my music has been on an external HD so my iTunes Media Location is not the standard "My Music" folder but instead points to E:/ITUNES EHD.
I would like to plug in the external HD to the new PC and copy the files to the new internal HD (as one of the reasons for buying the new computer was to do away with using the external HD for iTunes) and have the new iTunes point at the new media location but all the copied files have a pathway starting with E:/ rather than C:/ so iTunes immediately ignores them.
How can I transfer the files (including all the playlists other info) from the external HD to the new internal HD so that the "new" iTunes will recognise the files in their new location.
I hope this makes sense to somebody out there - please help or ask me any questions if I have not been too clear.This article should get you started:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/moving-your-itunes-library-to -a-new-hard-drive/48
The most important thing for a trouble free transfer is all you music files must be in your designated iTunes Music/media folder. That is set from the advanced tab in preferences.
If your current media folder is not set in preferences, you need to set it. If there are any music files outside the designated folder you need to consolidate your library.
The reason for this is that iTunes is extremely fussy about paths to files, but it can cope with a change in the path above the level of the designated media folder.
If you want to keep your current playlists etc, you will need to transfer your current iTunes folder containing the library files.
A simple way to do this is to install iTunes on the new PC then with iTunes closed drag the new iTuneas folder out of music to the desktop and replace it with the iTunes folder from the old PC.
You will need to adjust the permissions on the folder so your new account is the owner with full control.
Initially set the location of your iTunes music folder to the external drive and check that it all works.
Then you can move your files, by changing the location of your itunes media folder to one on the internal drive and then consolidating.
See this on moving the music folder:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1364?viewlocale=en_US
If I haven't explained it clearly enough post back with any questions. -
Trying to move iTunes Media folder won't stick
Ok so I'm stuck trying to get my iTunes media folder moved over to an external drive. I have a My Passport for Mac that I want to move my iTunes Media folder over to. I have followed these steps to move the folder but it does not seem to stick. iTunes for Mac: Moving your iTunes Media folder Every time I close iTunes and open it back up the folder location in the Advanced Preferences it right back to the default path and none of my music or movies are download just the links to pull them back down from the cloud. If I look on the external drive the files are all there and I can see them but iTunes does not want to switch to that folder preeminently.
Just incase anyone needs to know for trouble shooting I'm on a MacBook Pro, OS X 10.9.5 with iTunes 11.4(18) .Hey there MJDANO,
It sounds like you have copied your iTunes library to an external hard drive but you cannot get the library to open to your media files at all. I would use the following article to open the library, then do what you had been, and set the Advanced Preferences to point to that library again:
iTunes: How to open an alternate iTunes Library file or create a new one
Create or choose a different iTunes Library file
If iTunes is running, quit iTunes.
If you're using Windows, hold down the Shift key and from the Start menu, choose All Programs > iTunes > iTunes.
If you're using a Mac, open iTunes and immediately hold down the Option key.
You should see one of these screens:
If you don't see one of the screens above, you may want to try again. Remember to hold down the Option key if you're using a Mac or the Shift key if you're using Windows.
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
All the very best,
Sterling -
I need to free up space on my macbook pro as hard drive is full!! So with 20 000 photos/video clips and itunes I would like to move this to a external hard drive!
I have followed steps on apple support but when i get to the Change itunes media folder location and chosen external hard drive it will not let me access the new folder option ?? help?errrrrrrm!
Yes external drive shows up in finder on desk top and can change to in the media folder location thing!
My external hard drive is a WD Elements. I have no idea about permissions to the external? Do i Have to format external hard drive to a mac?
I am trying to follow the steps on the apple support page to transfer files (consolidate library etc) just cant get further down steps as the new folder option is greyed out!
Thanks for you help -
Itunes Media Folder location on external hd but computer hd still losing space
Hi, im importing all my old CDs to my itunes, however as my computer's hard drive was getting too full, i've changed my itunes media folder location to an external hard drive. but now, even though the music is being saved to an external hard drive, im still losing space on my computer's hard drive. Why is this happening? and how do i prevent it? Thanks
By organizing it should both relocate all current media as well as start using the new location from that point on. You're mostly okay there. Where you are not okay is iTunes doesn't look at your files directly. It only really looks at one single file, the iTunes Library.itl file which tells it where everything is located. You need to get both copies of iTunes using the same complete library (media + library file). The way you do that is using the option start method. You should only need to do that once unless for some reason the library storage drive is disconnected when starting iTunes, in which case iTunes will use the default location and you will need to option start again.
What are the iTunes library files? - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1660
More on iTunes library files and what they do - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITunes#Media_management
What are all those iTunes files? - http://www.macworld.com/article/139974/2009/04/itunes_files.html
Where are my iTunes files located? - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1391
iTunes 9 [and later]: Understanding iTunes Media Organization - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3847
By the way, both copies of iTunes will have to be the same version or the library will become unreadable to the older iTunes.
There are variants to the above but I am not going to type in all the possibilities unless you say something that tells me you need a different structure. -
How can I move my iTunes media folder from users/shared back to one user account?
I shared my music with multiple users on one macbook pro.
Like on the Apple support discussions described I changed the iTunes media folder to users/shared. My question is how to reverse that action? Once I reset the media folder location it tells me /users/name/music/itunes/itunes media, that would be right but the files remain in users/shared?Tell us what the underlying objective is in all this. You came here asking how to move a media folder but now we're getting into user libraries and moving things back and forth to their original locations. Why move it in the first place if you are just putting it back? Maybe you don't need to move things.
Read these to learn more about how iTunes works. If you move the wrong things you can end up breaking links. This goes double for moving things to other drives.
What are the iTunes library files? - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1660
More on iTunes library files and what they do - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITunes#Media_management
What are all those iTunes files? - http://www.macworld.com/article/139974/2009/04/itunes_files.html
Where are my iTunes files located? - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1391
It is almost certain that nothing you are doing will require removing the iTunes application itself. Asking that tells me you are doing something relatively complicated with insufficient background -- kind of like somebody asking me how to use a power saw. I can tell them, but when it sounds like their project is painting a room one begins to wonder if they are going about things correctly. That said, organizing/consolidating copies files. Open iTunes, get info on a track, look at summary and see where the file is now located iTunes uses to play the track. It should be in the moved location and it is okay to delete the others. -
Moved iTunes Media folder, now iMovie can't find it
I moved my iTunes media folder in order to share it between two users on the same iMac, following these instructions:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1203?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US
That worked fine, but now iMovie can't find the iTunes media library. I don't see a way to change this setting in iMovie, the way that you can in iTunes. There must be a simple solution to point iMovie to the new location, but if so I am missing it. Can anyone advise?
OSX 10.6.8, iMovie 09, iTunes 11.1anyone?
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I have moved my library to an external hard drive and changed the location of the iTunes media folder in Preferences, but every time I close and re-open iTunes, I have to do it all over again. How can I make the iTunes media folder change permanent? I have an older machine with Windows XP.
I don't believe mounting the hard drive should be necessary, unless you have several external drives and want your computer to recognise them as folders, rather than drives. I've never had to mount a hard drive, ever. If you don't know how to do it, then it shouldn't be necessary now.
Try this:
Prepare iTunes so that it can see the external drive.
Make a note of which drive-letter the external drive has been allocated. (Look in Windows Exploer)
Look at the file location for a song. Make sure it plays (and therefore that iTunes has found it). Highlight it and select File/Get Info/Summary>Where: and make a note of the drive letter for that song.
Close and shut down the computer.
The next time you turn the computer on again, connect the external drive
Before you start iTunes - check the external drive in Windows Explorer. Is it ready, does it have the same drive-letter that it had last time? Can you go into the drive and see the files on it?
Once you can, start iTunes. (If the drive lettter has changed, you need to work out why before going any further.)
If iTunes fails to find your external drive, you need to check where iTunes is looking for your Library.
Select the same song you checked before (presumably iTunes can no longer find it). Follow the procedure for locating it. You should be able to see where iTunes thinks the file is. It's the drive that counts. Which drive letter is iTunes looking at? Is it the same one that it was previously (which should also be the same one that the drive has now).
What happens, which step do you have problems with?
Message was edited by: the fiend -
I lost my itunes media folder how can I export the photos from my ipad to another location
I lost my itunes media folder and also my iPhoto files. I have the majority of the photos from iPhoto library on my iPad. How can I get them from my iPad to another location. Like exporting them to a folder on an external drive.Is this possible. I know I can move photos I've taken with the ipad to a new iphoto, but how can a get the old iphoto photos from my ipad to a new location? I'm basically starting over. Don't ask what happened. It was horrible.
An external drive? Not sure that there is any way of doing that. There are a number of WiFi transfer apps that should let you transfer the photos back to the Mac itself. Look at some of these.
https://www.google.com/search?q=wifi%20photo%20transfer%20from%20iPad%20to%20Mac
This application allows you to transfer all iPad content back to your computer.
http://www.wideanglesoftware.com/touchcopy/index.php -
I have iTunes on a Mac with the iTunes Media folder stored locally and the music on an external USB-HD. The music files are Not copied to iTunes Media folder when added to the library.
Now I want to move my files from USB-HD to a NAS without losing any information or settings. I want to do the similar to my iPhoto library. I do not want to consolidate my files to iTunes Media folder. The articles I’ve read only discuss how to do if the files are copied to iTunes Media folder when added to the library. Any tips or trix?I have iTunes on a Mac with the iTunes Media folder stored locally and the music on an external USB-HD. The music files are Not copied to iTunes Media folder when added to the library.
How are you achieving the above? What are your copy setting in preferences? If you are manually overriding the copy-to by holding down the option key while adding media then that won't apply when you import a playlist (as in importing the .xml). When you import a playlist like that you are essentially adding the files to the library again and it will obey the preferences setting since you can't option add them that way.
Correct on the .itl. Only iTunes itself can edit that file.
I think you need to review your basic wants/needs in doing all this. If your reason for not wanting to use the Media Folder settiing is because you do not want it to go on the internal drive, but you don't actually mind if it organizes it as long as it is on the NAS, change the Media Folder preferences setting to the NAS and let it consolidate to there. If you want to move the stuff but keep it organized in your own folder structure you may need to do it as I suggested initially. Once it is on the NAS and iTunes recognize the file locations you can do what you can only do if you manually manage music which is move it around in Finder afterward once it is on the drive and recognized to tweak location to your final wishes. -
We have 6 ipods and 1 iphone in our house. We have different itunes accounts. We use one computer. How can we share each others music? I moved everybodies itunes media folder to the public music folder but when I open itunes I only see that accounts music. We need different itunes accounts. We share 1 computer but we have different user accounts on the computer.
Adding media directly to the media folder does not make it appear in the library. iTunes doesn't really 'look' at that folder except to go to specific files when you call upon them from a library. You have to drag new content to each user's library, that is assuming each user has their own library.
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Can you "lock" iTunes Media Folder location?
One of the things I hate about iTunes is that I keep my music collection on an external hard drive with mirrored RAID array. Songs I buy are automatically transferred onto that drive. But sometimes, the hard drive will go offline, for whatever reason - a power issue, bumped by someone, whatever. When that does happen, iTunes doesn't give you a warning, it just defaults to the internal Music folders. Until you realize that the hard drive is offline, every CD you rip, every song you buy will go straight to the iTunes folder on the Mac. When you finally reconnect that hard drive, and redirect iTunes to the iTunes Media Folder on it, you're hopelessly lost, with your music collection distributed between the two drives.
First off, WHY can't iTunes notify you that it can't find the designated iTunes Media Folder? It'll notify you about just about every single other bloody thing that happens in the computer?
Second, is there a way to LOCK the iTunes Media Folder onto another drive, such that iTunes can't find the iTunes folder on the Mac HD?
Third, is there an easy way to scan the library on my Mac HD and on the external HD to find out which files are missing from the external HD and need to be manually added to the library?
ks in advance!
ThanHi Jonathan, it annoyed the heck out of me too. Answers to your questions:
No idea, it’s probably trying to be “helpful”.
I don’t believe you can lock iTunes the way you want, but you CAN stop iTunes from running WITHOUT THE DRIVE YOU WANT I got sick of manually transferring songs when this happened to me too. In my case my library is on a network server (NAS). I wrote the following AppleScript to deal with the situation and it will work for any externally connected drive, network, USB, FireWire etc.
So to explain the script: I’m asking Terminal to list the directory contents of the iTunes Library folder on the external drive. If it can, it makes iTunes start. If it can’t (the “on error” bit), it beeps at you and displays a dialog box that tells you it cannot start. I then save the script as an App, and give it the same icon as iTunes has, but a different name (‘iTunes Custom Launcher” for example). Then I remove iTunes from the Dock and put my custom launcher in the Dock instead. Doing this means the only odd thing you will see is that when the launcher starts iTunes, there will seem to be two iTunes icons in the Dock, but only while iTunes is running.
— Start of script
tell application "Terminal"
try
do shell script "ls \"/Volumes/Music/iTunes Library\""
tell application "iTunes" to activate
on error
beep
display alert "iTunes will not start until the Network Music Library is available"
end try
end tell
tell application "Terminal" to quit
quit
— End of script
In order to use the script, you will need to replace the folder location of the iTunes Library. If you’re not familiar with Terminal, see what Finder says the name of the Disk (or network share) is when it is connected. Assuming your iTunes Library is called “iTunes Library”, the format of the third line of the script is:
do shell script “ls \"/Volumes/<disk or share name>/<folder>/<sub-folder…>iTunes Library\"”
If, like me, your iTunes Library folder is at the root of the external drive, you only need to replace <disk or share name> with the drive name and forget about the <folder>/<sub-folder…> bit. If you’re not sure what to do to the script let me know and we can do more Q&A to see exactly what you need to make the script look like.
So, the main steps:
Open the AppleScript Editor and copy/paste the script into the blank window
Save the script as “iTunes Custom Launcher” and choose to save it as an Application.
Copy/Paste the app into your Applications folder using Finder
To give the new app the same icon as iTunes has (optional), in the Applications folder, select iTunes and copy it. Do a “Get Info" on your new app and select the little icon in the top-left of the info screen so it has a blue outline, then do command-V (paste).
Remove iTunes from the Dock and add your new app.
For your question 3, I would just go into the music folders of whoever logs on to your mac and manually move whatever folders for artists/albums/songs are there; it should be the last time
Let me know if you need more help
Message was edited by: SilverSkyRat -
ITunes Media Folder location can't be changed in Advanced Settings
I used to keep the iTunes Media Folder on an external hard drive. Now I copied the iTunes folder to the default location on my local hard drive. Once I changed the folder location in the Advanced Settings to the default settings everything worked fine for a week. Suddenly iTunes can no longer find the files unless I connect my old external hard drive. Reveal in Finder shows that iTunes is still looking at the old folder location despite the change to the local hard disk location in Advanced Settings. I tried changing the Advanced Settings folder locations back and forth but iTunes keeps pointing to the old external hard drive. Software Update is up to date. What can I do? Thanks.
I just looked at the "iTunes Music Library.xml" file with TextEdit. There are references to the external hard drive everywhere. It appears that the path to the iTunes Media folder just does not reflect the location selected in Advanced Settings.
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Whist moving my iTunes folder to an external hard drive, (I was following this post: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1364) I seem to have accidentally deleted the itunes Media folder - I misread the last action point!
All the files transferred to the external hard drive as I can see them and I am able to copy them into itunes, but only links, and they're still organised.
Can anyone help me restore the folder structure so itunes can see the music?
I added a new cd to itunes so I could see where it is now saving music and it created a new folder where the music now resides (I guess as a deleted the file structure from previous it needed to create a new one). I thought I would be able to copy and paste the old music into this newly created fold but it doesn't seem to have worked.
Any advice on what I should do would be greatly received
(I'm using windows vista)Stop with the whining.
Download past purchases from iTunes
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