How do I stop iTunes copying the library to other computers?

I have an iMac and an MacBook Pro. I have my iTunes library on an external drive connected to the iMac. I don't want anything whatsoever in the iTunes library on my MBP, there's not enough space for it.
However, at some point in the past I have set up the two instances of iTunes so that whenever the MBP version detects that there's new stuff in the iMac version, it starts copying it over to it's own library. It does this for everything new that it detects - music, apps, video, the lot.
All I want to use iTunes on the MBP for is connecting to the iMac's library over the network and playing music that way. I don't want anything at all in the MBP iTunes library itself.
So, how do I stop this transfer process? What settings do I need to change, on which machines?
Thanks,
Owen

Why is it that I only work out what the problem is by typing out a question on the Discussion forums?
I went to my MBP iTunes and selected the iMac's iTunes icon in the sidebar on the left, then Settings on the bottom right, and turned off Automatic Import of everything.
Done!

Similar Messages

  • How can I stop iTunes scanning the card reader on my computer?

    OK - its not really my computer thats the issue - its my Granddads.
    Basically, his computer has an internal card reader. When you try to launch iTunes, it fails to open for 30+ mins.
    The cause appears to be the same issue that causes problems if a blank CD or DVD is in the drive - however, it is the card reader that is preventing iTunes from opening correctly. iTunes tries to scan the empty devices - which eventually causes Windows to mark the devices as having a problem and prevents them from working until after a reboot.
    I have confirmed that this is the cause by unplugging the reader internally - however this is not a solution as he needs the USB ports and the card reader slots for his daily use.
    I need to prevent iTunes from scanning these devices.
    Anyone got any ideas? This is urgent.
    System is Win 7 x64 Ultimate.

    Anybody?

  • ITunes album artwork - how can I stop iTunes downloading the wrong artwork?

    I was delighted to see that in the upgraded iTunes there is a facility to download album artwork using, I presume, much the same methodology as downloading track listings.
    While my experience of downloading track listings has largely been OK - save for the odd niggle; my experience of the artwork function has been appalling.
    Firstly, any release that is territory specific, e.g. UK only, or compilations, downloads the wrong artwork or no artwork at all. But also, the wrong artwork is attributed for classic albums by established acts. E.g. Genesis' Duke, downloads the artwork for Three Sides Line. Also, I have two Led Zeppelin albums and in each case, the art work downloaded was for the cheesy tribute group DREAD Zeppelin!!
    Can anyone from Apple comment on this?
    Also, if I manually insert the correct artwork; will this be overwritten if in the future I scan for updated artwork across my music collection? I have 65GB+ music on my hard drive, so that is an awful lot of album covers to get through!
    Thanks,
    A

    Manually added album art will not be overwritten.

  • How do i stop itunes skipping the tracks

    could somebody help??
    i have just bought a mac and when i play my albums through itunes it skips the track after about 20 secs of it playing

    I have had a similar problem, but it was on  the ipod and it skipped after one second. Make sure you have imported the files from a good source- an incomplete download or a scratched CD could cause this problem. Does this happen with all your music?

  • I have transfered my library my library to a NAS drive. How do I stop Itunes from creating the default folder on the local drive?

    I've transferred my Itunes Media Library to a NAS drive, and pointed Itunes (using the advanced preferences tab) to the relevant folder on the NAS drive. I have done this to free up disk space on a computer I primarily use for work but which I use both at home and at work. The NAS drive is at home. (To clarify, I am not expecting Itunes to function at work, only at home when access to the NAS drive is available).
    Under certain circumstances Itunes will start-up at work and when it does it will create the folder structure for the Itunes Media Library in the default location (on the local drive) instead of looking for the location I have specified (the NAS drive) which it should not be able to find when I am at work and telling me that it can't find it (which would be fine).
    How do I stop Itunes from recreating the default folder structure and defaulting the file path to the standard media library location on my local drive? Every time this happens I have to re-point Itunes to the NAS drive location, which often requires me to reconsolicate libraries which is tedious and time consuming. It seems that in the process of one of these consolidations I have lost some of the media files. They are still in the library (ie. visible in the Itunes window) but Itunes can't find the media associated with that file - identifying them with an excamation mark "!".
    Any help with this would be appreciated, as I have read several forums and threads, and despite trying several different approaches I have been unable to address the problem, which appears to be exacerbated by the laptop being remote from the NAS drive.

    angelofromnsw wrote:
    Can I put the ".itl" and other database files on the NAS, and if so where would I put them? I'm thinking that if the library file is only available at home then the ITunes library won't get corrupted at work when it can't find the media, in the event that I accidentally start up itunes eg. while opening an attachment or disc that can be read by Itunes.
    iTunes will start up and you will have an empty library.
    Can I put the ".itl" and other database files on the NAS, and if so where would I put them?
    Yes.
    Quit iTunes.
    Copy the /Music/iTunes/ folder on the NAS.
    Move the /iTunes media/ folder currently on the NAS into  the /iTunes/ folder you just copied to the NAS.
    Hold Option, launch iTunes, select Choose library... and select the iTunes folder on the NAS.
    You can delete /Music/iTunes/ folder on the internal drive.
    If you launch iTunes while NOT comnnected to the NAS, iTunes will recreate the /Music/iTunes/ folder and you will have an empty library.
    WHen you are again connected to the NAS, just do step 4 above.
    Do you know what the advantages and disadvantages are of having the database files like the ".itl" files stored locally versus on the NAS?
    Keeping everyhing together inside the iTunes folder makes it "cleaner" and simpler to manage everything.

  • How do I stop iTunes from automatically importing songs I listen to from my external hard drive into the music library?

    How do I stop iTunes from automatically importing songs I listen to from my external hard drive into the music library?

    Mac OS X: Double-Clicking a File Opens the Wrong Application - http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2291
    -= Changing the application used to open all files of a certain kind (written with reference to OSX 10.4 but may not have changed) =-
    1) In a Finder window highlight a file of the kind you want to change the application to open that kind of file.
    2) While that file is highlighted, select File > Get Info or press command (apple or propeller icon) + i to get a file information window.
    3) In the lower part of the info window there is an "open with" menu with a list of applications.
    4) If your application is already in the box then it is the default application for opening that kind of file and you don't need to do anything more.  Close the get info window.
    5) If the application showing in the menu is not the one with which you wish to open the file then select a new application. If your application does not appear there then select the "other..." and track down the application (usually in the Applications folder at the main level of the computer).
    6) If you wish to change all files of this type to open with this application in future, make sure the "change all" button is selected.
    7) Close the get info window.

  • How can you stop iTunes splitting up a cd in the music library

    How can you stop iTunes splitting up a cd in the music library

    Try highlighting the tracks in iTunes, right-clicking and Getting Info, then marking them as Part of a compilation.
    If that doesn't take care of it, read Apple's document (where the pic came from) -> Why aren't songs with the same album art grouped together?
    WTH.

  • How do I stop itunes from corrupting it's library on almost a daily basis?

    How do I stop itunes from corrupting it's library on almost a daily basis?  It's actually becoming infurating to use, and what's happening is I am losing my downloads since the last automated itunes backup (having to rename & replace the current corrupted library with the last backup which is usually a day or two old).  What can cause this?  Is there ANY alternative to using itunes for Apps (which is the sole use I have for it)?   If not, APPLE PLEASE REMOVE THE NEED FOR THE DATABASE SO IT DOESN'T HAVE THE ABILITY TO CORRUPT ITSELF...  :'(

    Things you see in iTunes are stored in various sub folders in your main iTunes folder as in:
    Image of folder structure and explanation of different iTunes versions (turingtest2 post) - https://discussions.apple.com/message/13025536 and https://discussions.apple.com/message/17457605
    Start iTunes and immediately hold down the option key.  Create a new library somewhere.  Go to your old iTunes folder and drag items to the window for the new library.  Maybe only grab a folder or part of one at a time.  It will copy these items to the new library (so you need lots of extra room on your computer).

  • How do I stop ITunes from loading songs into library when played from an external hard drive

    How do I stop ITunes from loading every song I play into my library from an external hard drive?

    Mac OS X: Double-Clicking a File Opens the Wrong Application - http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2291
    -= Changing the application used to open all files of a certain kind (written with reference to OSX 10.4 but may not have changed) =-
    1) In a Finder window highlight a file of the kind you want to change the application to open that kind of file.
    2) While that file is highlighted, select File > Get Info or press command (apple or propeller icon) + i to get a file information window.
    3) In the lower part of the info window there is an "open with" menu with a list of applications.
    4) If your application is already in the box then it is the default application for opening that kind of file and you don't need to do anything more.  Close the get info window.
    5) If the application showing in the menu is not the one with which you wish to open the file then select a new application. If your application does not appear there then select the "other..." and track down the application (usually in the Applications folder at the main level of the computer).
    6) If you wish to change all files of this type to open with this application in future, make sure the "change all" button is selected.
    7) Close the get info window.

  • Is there an easier way to transfer your iTunes library on windows to a mac than copying the library to a usb and plugging the usb into the mac and put the library in the iTunes file

    is there an easier way to transfer your iTunes library on windows to a mac than copying the library to a usb and plugging the usb into the mac and put the library in the iTunes file? I recently swapped to Mac and this is how i moved the library from windows to mac and library is in tact but is there an easier way? My cousin just imported her cd's again, but it was harder for me as i have an ipod with over 150 apps and i needed to move them. i think it would be helpful if i knew of an easier way so i can help a friend move his. Thanks

    The general method of use is to download a script (double-click or right-click and use Download or Save As...) to a folder of your choice, e.g. your Desktop, Downloads folder or create a folder at ...\iTunes\Scripts. Select a playlist or highlight some tracks in iTunes and then double-click on the script to execute it. If no specific tracks are selected the script will try to work with all tracks in the current playlist or sometimes the entire library.
    tt2

  • How do I stop iTunes from starting up in the other active Windows sessions?

    I have multiple (3) user accounts on a windows (Vista) computer. When I start iTunes from one account iTunes wants to also start up on each of the active windows accounts and continues to attempt to start iTunes after some time period (90 seconds?).
    I get a error screen on the attempts for the User that should not be starting iTunes that reads:
    You cannot open the application "iTunes" because another user has it open.
    Ask the other user to quit the application, then try again.
    I want iTunes to run within only one account. How do I stop iTunes from starting up in the other active accounts?

    Connect iPhone - iTunes will launch
    select iPhone in iTunes' left column
    in iTunes' main window untick "Automatically sync ..."

  • HT1597 How can I STOP iTunes from automatically trying to add podcasts to my iPod when I plug it in and sync it, so I can manage the files? I have already unchecked "Sync Podcasts" and "Automatically include,"yet EVERY time I sync it,it still transfers po

    How can I STOP iTunes from automatically trying to add podcasts to my iPod when I plug it in and sync it, so I can manage the files? I have already unchecked "Sync Podcasts" and "Automatically include,"yet EVERY time I sync it,it still transfers podcasts as the last step, and at other times randomly, when trying to just add some MP3's to a playlist, for example.  I can't seem to find any other option to uncheck, and can't find an answer from my so-far internet searching.

    erict, you blew me away with that suggestion! It was something so simple I couldnt believe I hadnt thought of it! But in the end it didn't work, which I was really surprised about. On Windows anytime anything was moved itunes was hoplessly lost, but on this mac it still kept up with everything. I tried renaming folders, moving folders, and even renaming moved folders but it still kept trying to import.
    I even went as far as deleting EVERYTHING i had moved to the Mac, which didnt really work. It still kept trying to import what wasnt there which made it continue to freeze up. However, after doing this it, the freezing was not nearly as bad. It gave me enough of a break to cancel it through the itunes dialog box at the top of the app. So in the end, thats all I really needed to do, only before I had deleted everything the freezing would not allow me to do it.
    So now Im reimporting everything again, only slowly, and only a few Artists at a time.

  • How do I stop iTunes from using the cloud?

    I use iTunes primarily for listening to podcasts.  I recently upgraded to version 11.1.
    Now, it used to be that I'd refresh podcasts, download the subscribed ones, listen to them, delete them. done.  I just opened iTunes and under one of the podcasts, there were about a hundred old ones; I used to be able to show everything on one page, now I have to scroll 4 or 6 pages to see what I want.  The "new" podcasts have a little cloud icon, so I guess that's where they are, or downloaded from.
    Two questions:  how do I delete these files, and how do I stop from using the cloud for podcasts?
    (This is a repeat question, because SoonerDoc1 marked it as solved, and it's not)

    That doesn't fix it as the podcast with the cloud logo show up as/in unplayed, I subscribe to CNET First Look Podcasts, some download and some don't download but have a cloud logo. Seems very random. iTunes is a badly written application that is getting worse after every new release.  If iTunes doesn't improve soon I'll downgrade to iTunes 10.7 which was just about use-able. for the second time.

  • Have a new PC desktop with 4 hard drives, new c, d and old c, d, My ipad library is in old c, how to get my itune open the right drive, it keeps on open in new c drive.

    Have a new PC desktop with 4 hard drives, new c, d and old c, d, My ipad library is in old c, how to get my itune open the right drive, it keeps on open in new c drive. It said my computer is not authorized. I want to move all the old c to the new c drive, or get the itune to open my old c drive when I log in.

    might be some help on one of these links.
    Windows - Change iPad default backup location
    http://apple-ipad-tablet-help.blogspot.com/2010/07/change-ipad-default-backup-lo cation.html
    Windows - Changing IPhone and iPad backup location
    http://goodstuff2share.wordpress.com/2011/05/22/changing-iphone-and-ipad-backup- location/
    Sync Your iOS Device with a New Computer Without Losing Data
    http://www.howtogeek.com/104298/sync-your-ios-device-with-a-new-computer-without -losing-data/
    Syncing to a "New" Computer or replacing a "crashed" Hard Drive
    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3141
     Cheers, Tom

  • How do I stop iTunes from breaking out all the songs in one album into multiple albums?

    How do I stop iTunes from breaking out all the songs in one album into multiple albums when the artist has many collaborators on the different songs, for example Timbaland?  I want to just listen to the full album with all the songs, instead of having to play every song separately.

    For your solution, see Steve MacGuire's helpful article:  http://samsoft.org.uk/iTunes/grouping.asp

Maybe you are looking for

  • Custom command problems on Mac OS X

    I am seeing a problem with custom context commands in our custom connector that is also reproducible with the sample FTP connector shipped with the SDK.  I am using Adobe Drive 3.2.0.41 on Mac OS X 10.8.2 For my test I am connecting to a FTP server a

  • Firefox exe dont stop after closing the browser

    firstly i open firefox then when i want to close it i press the x button. it closes. but the firefox.exe process doesnt close. so my computer locks. the cpu usage raise 100%. i cant do anything. my solution is closing the process from the task manage

  • Setting up a physical standby on a server with a different structure

    I am having a few issues trying to set up a physical standby database. The primary database has a different naming structure than the standby and they are at different sites. Physical is /var/hpsrp/ctrorp03/oradata/u0x/<DB_NAME>/<DB_UNIQUE_NAME> and

  • Error 16 , the help that you suggest does not work!

    I had Acrobat XI monthly subscription, computer crashed, when I open my Adobe ID to download on new computer XI is not there anymore it is DC and it downloads but I get error 16 when I try to open it.  Have Windows 7.  I have done all the suggestions

  • Music in Itunes App blank.

    So I get on iTunes on my iPhone and all seems well except for the music category. The screen is blank. I tried using it through my music player which works but when I preview a song and exit to browse other songs, the minimized song is half cut off.