ITunes and Time Machine

Hello,
My 2006 iMac has a 160G hard drive. More than half that is the iTunes library! And lately, the hard drive is getting too full.
I back up with Time Machine onto a Western Digital USB external hard drive with 320G capacity.
I'm thinking I should put the iTunes library on the WD external HD.
Will I have to delete all my HD back ups to do this? Should I re-format the WD external HD?
Or should I buy a new 2T external HD which would be big and fast, usable when I upgrade to a new iMac later this year?
What new external HD would you recommend?
Many thanks,
Art

A couple of things.
First I'd recommend against using WD EHD, their enclosures tend to have problems with OS X.
Next is NEVER use the TM drive for any storage than TM. If you want to store your media library on an external HD (which is a very good idea) get another EHD and dedicate it for media, including your iTune, iPhoto (or Aperture) libraries.
As far as what drives I'd recommend they would be:
OWC Mercury Elite Pro series
Lacie Quadra d2 series series
G-Tech G drive series
All are of similar build quality and features. Personally I use Lacie but wouldn't hesitate with either OWC or G-Tech.

Similar Messages

IPhoto, iTunes, and Time Machine

I have a late 2009 Mac Mini running Mavericks. The Mini has a 200gb drive. Is it better to have iPhoto, iTunes and Time Machine on an external hard drive? I understand it doesn't matter where the location is as long as you have adequate drive space. That is not what I am asking. Another words, you have a separate external drives for EACH one. Does it make sense to have separate drives for iPhoto, iTunes and TM. All of these external drives plugged into the Mini. I am thinking of the recovery as well as if one drive crashes then you are not dead in water,
I am thinking this way because iPhoto alone can get fairly large as well as iTunes. It makes sense to me to have separate drives for each one. Anyone else have this type of setup at home?

Thanks for the response. I understand that I would need a backup of all three drives. However, I was asking if it is better to have your iPhoto and iTunes libraries on separate drives versus using 1 large drive to hold the data. The other point, iPhoto and iTunes can get fairly large in size over time. So, do you use 1 large external drive or use 2 separate drives. Obviously, I know that when a drive crashes, you may or may not be able to recover any data off of it. Obviously, I know that you need a backup of the drives in case of drive failure.
I would like to know if other Apple users have separate drives for iPhoto, iTunes and TM? If so, which manufacturer are you using?

Problems with new iMac and Maverick: ITunes and Time Machine

Just upgraded from an old to new iMac, migrated my data from my old machine and installed Maverick. Couple of major problems.
1. My iTunes library won't open. I've been into the library folders but can't work out how to get the old library to load. Decided to try a sync back from my iPhone but while the phone tells me that it has synced with my Mac, the music hasn't moved across.
2. Time Machine doesn't work. On my old machine I was using an external Omega hard drive but when I plug it into the new Mac it isn't even showing up on the desktop. Clearly there's a connection of some sort as the disc is powering from the Mac. Prior to upgrade, I was getting messages that Time Machine couldn't be updated but I put that down to my failing elderly Mac, which kept crashing, freezing and needed replacing. Perhaps the external drive was dying too.
Any suggestions welcome.
Thanks,
Mike

I dragged the installer from the install disk to my desktop and was more successful in installing problem CS2 apps. Make sure to update everything as well. Some times it takes a restart to get the finickiness out of PS.

2 external hard drives with iTunes and Time Machine

Hi folks.
My 160gb hard drive on my iMac is full so I've bought 2 x 1tb external hard drives, my plan being to move my iTunes library to one of them (as this uses the majority of space) and run it from there and use the 2nd hard drive with Time Machine.
My question is this, will Time Machine backup any changes to my iTunes library if it isn't on the computer's internal hard drive?
Thanks!
Brian

Just be sure the iTunes volume is formatted +Mac OS Extended (Journaled).+ Most drives come formatted for Windoze, and TM can't back them up.
See #1 in [Formatting, Partitioning, Verifying, and Repairing Disks|http://web.me.com/pondini/AppleTips/DU.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of the +Using Snow Leopard+ forum) if you need to reformat and aren't sure how.

Trouble with itunes and time machine

i am having trouble with my iphone and thought it may have been itunes, so i went into time machine and tried to replace my current version of itunes with the last one. Everything went fine until i got right to the end of replacing it. it said i didnt have the authorization to do that...or something along those lines... now i cant even open itunes, ill click on it and it just bounces once and thats it. can anyone help me!?

I haven't been able to back up to my FreeAgent external hard drive
The TM disk is your backup destination and I assume it is the Seagate FreeAgent disk. The source is your Mac.
Wireless. I have a Seagate FreeAgent external hard drive plugged in by USB to the mac.
You say it is connected via USB, yet your are saying backups are done wirelessly.
From Terminal, can you post the output of tmutil destinationinfo (remove any personal information as you see fit)?

Itunes and time machine (authorization)

Hi all,
After a recent apple update I lost the ability to connect wirelessly to the internet. I have reverted back to an older system set-up and have rectified this problem however now I can't play any of my itunes purchases. I believe this is because I changed the username of my apple account after the latest time machine backup I made. It says I am signed into the correct account but if I try an play anything it asks me to authorize the computer again. If I put my password in at this point it opens a file and starts to play however there is no picture or sound just a grey window? I have tried the help on the apple website and it didn't help at all as I had to get the latest version of itunes which required an update of safari, quick time and the operating system (to 10.5.8) so I lost the wifi again.
Anyone had this problem?

A couple of things.
First I'd recommend against using WD EHD, their enclosures tend to have problems with OS X.
Next is NEVER use the TM drive for any storage than TM. If you want to store your media library on an external HD (which is a very good idea) get another EHD and dedicate it for media, including your iTune, iPhoto (or Aperture) libraries.
As far as what drives I'd recommend they would be:
OWC Mercury Elite Pro series
Lacie Quadra d2 series series
G-Tech G drive series
All are of similar build quality and features. Personally I use Lacie but wouldn't hesitate with either OWC or G-Tech.

Restoring iTunes from Time Machine

Yesterday I did a clean install of Snow Leopard on my MBP. Now I would like to restore my iTunes library from my Time Capsule. I ensured that I did a full back up of my OS prior to the clean install. However, now when I enter Time Machine (the Star Wars interface), the backups created yesterday and before are not available. It shows the backups, but it won't let me access them. Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Hi, and welcome to the forums.
Since you erased everything, and set up one or more new user accounts, those accounts may not be recognized as being the same as the ones on your backups. One user, even an Admin user, doesn't normally have access to a different user's files, and Time Machine enforces that on the backups as well.
Also, when you erased your MBP's disk, it got a new UUID, which is how TM and OSX keep track of drives, so it's treated as a different one. By the way, the next backup will be a full one because of that.
Try the procedure in #E3 of [Time Machine - Troubleshooting|http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/Troubleshooting.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of this forum).
If that doesn't work, your best bet is to start over, and use +Setup Assistant+ to transfer most or all of your stuff. See #19 in [Time Machine - Frequently Asked Questions|http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/FAQ.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of this forum), for details and instructions. You'll need to start with the green box there.

Restoring itunes using time machine

Hi everyone,
I'm not hugely computer literate so please be gentle.
I managed to delete my ENTIRE itunes folder... apps, music, playlists, etc. Is it possible to restore itunes exactly as it was? I have a time machine back up from yesterday that would work.
So far I've managed to use TM to get all the music, apps and video back so I'm not stressed but it was basic and messy and not as organised as itunes was before I deleted everything.
So can you help? Can I restore itunes using time machine or not?

TheShield wrote:
Hi, im actually in the same boat here, im in the process of re installing my OS and i want to restore Iphoto and itunes as it was. So correct me if im wrong, all i have to do is on my Mac go to this folder (<MacintoshHD>/users/<yourname>/music )and than jump into time machine ? That would take me directly to the folder i have in view on my mac ? Once i hit restore, will this restore all my apps, songs, iphone and ipod back ups etc ? Thanks for your help all.
Probably not.
How and why are you reinstalling OSX?
Assuming you erased your internal HD before installing OSX, your best bet is to use +Setup Assistant+ when it reboots to transfer your apps, users, and data from your backups. See #19 in [Time Machine - Frequently Asked Questions|http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/FAQ.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of this forum).
If you don't do that, but set up a user account instead, that account probably won't be recognized as the same one on your backups, so you won't have permission to restore from them.

How to restore iTunes on Time Machine

When I try to restore my lost music on iTunes with Time Machine, it tells me that iTunes cannot be modified as it is an integeral part of OS X.
There has to be some way to restore this lost music (Thank you, Onyx!) and I would appreciate your good help.

Neil,
I have a list of iTune Libraries within Macintosh HD. None can be opened or restored via Time machine. i get the following: "The alias "iTunes Library 2013-09-26.itl" can't be opened because the original item can't be found."
What to do?

HT201250 Restore playlist to iTunes from Time Machine backup

I need to restore my playlist to iTunes from Time Machine backup. Anyone know how?

cindy1023 wrote:
i had a hacker get in my computer, got all my info used my name and passwords to convert safari into windows on another computer? and APPLE IS THE ONE GAVE HER THE PASSWORD.
There is no way to "convert" Safari into Windows. And very unlikely for a hacker to get into a Mac.
But, ok, your system is all messed-up somehow.
First, what version of OSX is on your Mac? If you don't know, click the Apple icon at the upper-left of the screen and select About This Mac. You'll see a display like this:
We need the Version number.
Second question: do you have backups made with Time Machine (on an external HD or the like) that you want to restore, or do you want to start your Mac over fresh, the way it came from the factory?
p.s. i dont have the disc it came with , my daughter set it up for me to get started !
You may need that, depending on what version of OSX you're running, to restore the backups or start fresh.
You really should have a copy of the original disc, as there's an Apple Hardware Test on it, tailored to the hardware on that Mac. You'll need it it there's ever a problem. If your daughter can't send it, call AppleCare (800-275-2273),and give them your serial number -- they can send you a replacement for a nominal fee.
Sorry, but it's late here, and I'm going to bed, but will be back tomorrow.

Backing up photos on iMac using external hard drive and time machine

How do i back up photos from my imac using an external hard drive and time machine
Thanks in advance

Apple explains how to use Time Machine in http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1427.
Setting up and using TM is very simple to do, connect any external HD (format as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) using Disk Utility ) and your computer shoudl ask if you want to use that EHD for a Time Machine backup. If you have any questions visit your local Apple Store or reseller and they can answer how to setup and use TM and also should be able to offer suggestions on EHDs. My personal preference is OWC (www.macsales.com) Mercury Elite Pro due to the build quality and OWC's level of support.

I'm having a hard time setting up my external hard from with my AirPort Extreme and Time Machine Backups.

I have been using a Mac Mini with an external hard and Time Machine. I bought an Airport Extreme and have had problem setting up the hard drive using the USB port on the Airport Extreme. I also just recently bought a Mac Book Air and hope to have both computers back up to the external hard drive using Time Machine and Airport Extreme. I have been using the optical drive from the Mac mini to load programs into the Mac Book Air. I think I'm just getting confused in Finder. I am just not seeing the hard drive. I ended up plugging the hard drive back into the Mac Mini and that is work fine again. How do I setting the external hard drive up to the AirPort Extreme and use for both computers? Or at least to start with the Mac mini.

It's critical to understand that Time Machine (TM) stores backups differently between local and network drives. That would mean the TM backup on your locally attached USB hard drive will not be directly useable when it is connected to the AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBS). There is a way to copy a local version to a network version, but it is not fool-proof. When you do connect this drive and point TM to it, TM will start a brand new backup, leaving your existing backup as is.
If your current backup is critical to you, you may want to consider getting a second USB drive to attach to the Extreme and use your existing one as a backup ... or use TM's multi-backup process to backup to more than one destination drive alternatively.
So, at this point, you may want to make a decision on how you want to go forward to help provide a solution for you.
To directly answer your question, when you go to select a destination for a Time Machine backup, the drive(s) that show up under "Backup Disks" are those that TM already recognizes and has backed up to. Those listed under "Available Disks" are drives (either local or on the network) that TM can back up to.

Cannot Find Photos on External Hard Drive Using iPhoto and Time Machine

Hi everyone,
This is my first time posting on this forum and am really hoping for some help! I have a 2006 PowerBook G4 that is running iPhoto and Time Machine, and I've used an external hard drive to backup everything on the computer via Time Machine. When I plug the external hard drive into my newer 2010 MacBook Pro, I follow this path to try to access the photos:
     External Hard Drive > Backups.backupd > PowerBook G4 12" > Latest > Macintosh HD > Users > Me > Pictures > iPhoto Library
When I click "iPhoto Library", I get the following message:
     "The iPhoto Library is a Time Machine backup, and so cannot be used as the main library. Relaunch iPhoto with <option> key held down to choose another   library."
So, I do as the error message says and I hold down the "option" key and iPhoto launches and says:
     What Photo Library do you want iPhoto to use?
In this case, I choose "Other Library..." and again follow this path:
     External Hard Drive > Backups.backupd > PowerBook G4 12" > Latest > Macintosh HD > Users > Me > Pictures > iPhoto Library
When I choose this, I again get the following message:
     The iPhoto Library is a Time Machine backup, and so cannot be used as the main library. Relaunch iPhoto with <option> key held down to choose another   library.
So as you can see, I'm feeling a bit like I'm chasing my tail in trying to open these photos. I did follow another user's advice and confirm that all photos are infact on the hard drive by using the "control" button and clicking "iPhoto Library" under the pictures folder, and choosing "Show Package Contents". All looks to be in tact in the "originals" folder when showing package contents, however, I just can't find a way to actually view the photos in iPhoto. I really don't want to import all the photos to my current MacBook Pro, because I'd like them to live on the external hard drive (which is formatted for Macs) so that I can browse the photos on the external drive, rather than housing it on my computer.
One other thing I tried was opening iPhoto on my MacBook Pro and going to File > Browse Backups... which essentially opens Time Machine and shows me the photos on my MacBook Pro but gives me no option to view them from my External Hard Drive.
Any super users out there willing to lend me some help?
Thanks!

The iPhoto Library is a Time Machine backup, and so cannot be used as the main library. Relaunch iPhoto with <option> key held down to choose another   library.
You can have an iPhoto library on an external drive and use it from different machines
and you can have a Time Machine backup
The two can not be on the same volume - and iPhoto can not access the TM backup - it must be restored to use it
LN

Time Capsule and time machine with third party router

Hi,
This is the first time I use this site.
I have over three years old Mackbook.
APP has expired.
Now I want to know how to set up time capsule in a new environment.
I moved from Australian and Singapore.
I was using Time Capsule and Airport Extreme in Australia.
I have moved to Singapore.
I am using router provided by Singtell(Singapore Telecommunication). I do not have an Airport Extreme anymore. My housemate and I are using wireless internet-sharing. Needless to say that internet provider is SingTell.
Now I would like to know how to use time capsule and time machine with the network created with a router provided by SingTell.
What I did so far is;
Connected the time capsule to the power point.
Orange lamp lit and flashed for a few second and stop. Orange lamp stayed on.
Apple Utility does not recognise Time Capsule.
I prefer to use it wirelessly.
There are only two USB cable ports installed.
One is used to synchronize iPhone.
Other is used for a printer.
but if it is not possible, wired would be OK.
MacBook 13 inch 2.0 GH Late 2006
I hope that someone able to give me an answer for this.
Cheers,
morepubholidays

In this case the apple support people reveal a truly poor understanding.
You must bridge something.. you either bridge the TC.. which 90% of people do.. or you bridge the dsl router.. which some people do manage to do.. You will have to look that up for your modem and check with verizon if they support pppoe authentication.
IMHO just bridge the TC as you were told not to do.. as they are simply wrong about that.
If you already tried this and it didn't work.. try again.. it is the correct approach.
You have no choice. But this time let me suggest you do it using the 5.6 airport utility.. as the apple toyland v6 airport utility is likely half your trouble.
So here is how to get the utility into your computer.
How to load 5.6 into ML.
1. Download 5.6 for Lion.
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1482
Click to open the dmg but do not attempt to install the pkg.. it won't work anyway.
2. Download and install unpkg.
http://www.timdoug.com/unpkg/
Run unpkg on the desktop.. it is very simple.. drag the AirPortUtility56.pkg file over to unpkg.. and it will create a new directory of the same name on the desktop.. drill down.. applications utilities .. there lo and behold is Airport utility 5.6 .. drag it to your main utilities directory or just run it from current location.
You cannot uninstall 6.1 so don't try.. and you cannot or should not run them both at the same time.. so just ignore the toyland version.. the plastic hammer.. and start using 5.6.. a real tool.
For screen shots see this post.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4668746?tstart=0
Then open the manual setup on the 5.6 utility.. go to internet tab. Connection sharing.. off bridged mode.
Select this and update..
Then all your IP addresses will be wrong.. I suspect this is where things are going wrong.. and messing you up.
Once the TC is bridged.. turn off everything and restart.. in correct order.. modem.. TC.. client computers etc. 2min gap between each.

Can Superduper and Time machine write to the same external volume.

I just setup a 750 GB external drive single partition using firewire 800. Any problem with superduper and time machine writing to the same volume?
Ron

Can Superduper and Time machine write to the same external volume.
Yes, they can write to the same partition.
I am doing this, and can report no problems so far. TM still backs up and SuperDuper is bootable.

ITunes and Time Machine

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