Itunes refuses to accept alternative library location

So here we are - Mountain Lion.  Still lumbered with iTunes - still refuses to work correctly.
Refuses to move my library to my NAS - has just duplicated all my files on my iMac's HD - useless.
It is for me to decide were my files reside - not iTunes!
When will Apple accept that this is a horrendous piece of software and sort it out?
Apple users are forced to endure this.
Shame on you.   The most advanced OS - really??

Just wait. It also refuses to allow you to change data on some files now.
The other thing is that the preferences folder actually says 'Copy to the library folder' not MOVE to the library folder. So, when you change locations, it COPIES it. Once all of it is copied, you can go to your iTunes folder and delete the files either individually, by folder, or by deleting the entire iTunes media folder.
As an FYI, be careful NOT to delete the APPS folder. Haven't checked the Mac, but I think it keeps the apps on the main HD regardless of where the music is stored. At least on the PC, it does.

Similar Messages

  • ITunes refuses to export the library. Any idea what's wrong?

    Hi there,
    When I try to export the iTubes library to a xml-file to the desktop I see the file for less than a seconds but there is no file stored.
    In fact the xml-file should be refgreshed auton=maticaaly but that doesn't work since a few months.
    I need an actual xml-file of mij library so I can use the programm DJay
    I already downloaded the latets version of iTunes and I have run Onyx and repaired my permissions.
    Greetings,
    piekhaar

    Pamelaf-
    If the red color is only there when you are at the Home screen, you may have somehow changed the iPad's Wallpaper.  See Settings-Brightness & Wallpaper to see how it is currently set.
    If everythng has a red background, I do not know how that could be adjusted.  It could be a defect.  Before the warranty expires, you can show it to an Apple Store Genius.  If the Genius can not fix it, you may get a replacement iPad.
    If there is no Apple Store near you, look for an Apple Authorized Repair Center.  There may be one in your city. <Apple Authorized Repair Centers>
    One thing your can try is to reset (reboot) the iPad.  Hold down both the Home and Sleep buttons for several seconds until the Apple logo appears.  Ignore the "Slide to power off" arrow.  The iPad will restart after a couple of minutes.  Resetting this way will not hurt anything, and sometimes clears up mysterious problems.
    Fred

  • HT2534 I been ask to enter my credit card information on my iPad, they have ask me to contact itune support. The thing is I have given few of my credit card, and why itune refuse to accept? Please advice. Thanks.

    I'm having problem with my itune and App Store on my iPad, I can't update or purchase and app unless I enter my credit information. But when I did I keep me telling me to contact iTunes support. So I tried other credit card is happen the same thing, so without entering card I won't to able to download or update any app. I'm really confuse please advice on this. Thanks.

    You will need to contact iTunes support and ask them why you are getting the message and how to resolve it, which you can do via this page (these are user-to-user forums) : http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/contact/ - click on Contact iTunes Store Support on the right-hand side of the page

  • Cannot access apps in iTunes/refuses to accept my password

    Hello all...
    For the past month or so, whenever I open iTunes and wish to either:
    1.  Download updates to my app collection, or
    2.  Open the app section of the iTunes store...
    The dialog window opens requesting that I log into my account.  I duitifylly enter all my CORRECT information, but in about 3 seconds the same window reopens again.  I enter my correct credentials, and AGAIN, the same login window appears.
    I could do this all day and nothing changes.
    What's weird is:
    1.  The login window that keeps coming back does NOT have the red-lettered warning that I've entered incorrect AppleID/password.
    2.  When I go to the iTunes store, logged in or not, I can view all the content in all areas (music, books, tv shows, etc.) EXCEPT the app area.  When I click on that link at the top, it goes to the app site and presents me with a blank, white-only frame in the middle.
    So, I cannot update my apps.
    I cannot buy new apps.
    I cannot give Apple my money for anything new?
    I wonder if Google would like my business?
    BTW: running updated (10.9.1) system/itunes, blahblahblah.
    <Edited By Host>

    This same thing is happening to me when I want to buy an iBook.

  • How do I stop Itunes from changing my library location

    Is there just no answer to what should be a simple setting change?? No matter what I do, Itunes insists on changing my library location the instant there's any problem talking to my network share where all of my music is. This is absolutely ridiculous because this is on a laptop and there are times when the network connection is just not up yet, or whatever. Then it takes 10 minutes for me to change it back and let it figure everything out again. Has anyone ever been able to resolve this? I'd rather Itunes just return an error that tells me it can't read my library than to change it on me....

    Have struggled with this issue in the past. In my experience, there is no simple, painless solution. I attempted to transfer my entire internal drive to my new external where there were copies of all the songs in place. Check to see how your library is organized on your network drive. Is it by media content (e.g. separate folders within /users/music/itunes/ folder such as Music, TV Shows, Movies, etc.)? Or are the various media types all lumped within a single iTunes Music Folder? If there is a discrepancy between your internal and external Library configurations iTunes struggles to cope. Can't say why this is  the case, but I found that the only solution was to throoughly uninstall itunes via terminal (or using an app such as 'Amnesia'), reinstalling iTunes, and creating the library from scratch using files that are located on the external/network drive. I'm a moderately savvy programmer and I couldn't for the life of me get iTunes to build my library from an XML playlist that I modified to reflect the changed directory location of the new library on  my external, but if you are more competent and patient than I am I'm convinced that the proper alteration of the Master library build would result in a seamless relocating of you media library as far as itunes is concerned. One last thing, make sure you click the 'I'll Add files myself later' option if you do choose to reinstall itunes just to cover your bases. sorry i can't give you a more helpful response--iTunes is a cruel mistress sometimes.
    but: Used to introduce something contrasting with what has already been mentioned
    More »

  • Why does my library location keep changing?

    I kep my iTunes library on a separate internal HD. It's the ONLY thing on that drive.
    TUNES: iTunes/iTunesMusic
    But a few months ago, iTunes started "magically" making folders, and importing songs one level PREVIOUS on that drive:
    TUNES: iTunes
    Weird. But not the biggest deal in the world.
    So today I noticed that my StartUp HD was gaining weight, and after some investigation I realized iTunes has "secretly" switched my library location again!
    MacintoshHD/Users/MacPro/Music/iTunes/iTunesMusic
    And, the weird thing is, ALL my songs play! They're all distributed in these 3 locations, and I had ZERO grey "!"s.
    Why is iTunes doing this!?
    And since iTunes doesn't like the library being moved around very much, I'm reluctant to change anything.
    GRrrrrrrr...
    Any ideas?

    I'm on here too looking for a solution to this problem, as after months of sourcing my library from it's new location on an external hard drive, my itunes now looks in the default location.
    One thing that might have happened is that on one occasion, you may have accessed itunes whilst your external drive was off. If this has happened, then itunes will automatically revert to the default library location.
    If this hasn't happened, try the following link:
    http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-10329738-263.html

  • Itunes will not accept credit card security code

    I set up my itunes account just after Xmas with no problems. Now I get an error saying my security code on my credit card is not valid. It is valid, and all info is correct. Any help with this?

    As of today, I'm having the same problem. My iTunes account has been up and active for a long time using the same card, then suddenly the security code isn't valid. I've double checked all the info and it is correct, but iTunes refuses to accept it… I also tried the article linked above, but it is no help at all. There is no option to select "None" as a payment choice.
    Just to be very clear: I've been using my iTunes account to make purchases with this exact card since 2009, my bank info hasn't changed since 2008, my card is not expired, and the security code is correct.
    If anyone comes up with a solution, I'd appreciate hearing about it. I can't even get the free updates to my apps since my payment info is busted. Grrrr.

  • HT5577 When I bought a new computer with Windows8.1, iTunes wouldn't accept my old ID and password, so I set up a new ID and password.  Now I can't locate or sync my old library of music onto my iPOD.  Any ideas?

    when I bought a new computer with Windows8.1, iTunes wouldn't accept my old ID and password.  After entering a new ID and password I got in, but now I can't sync the music that was in my original library.  When I try to sync a message says that music will be removed from "other" libraries, so I know they're out there somewhere.  Just can't get to them.  Any ideas?

    - Is the computer authorized for the iTunes account(s) used on the iPod?
    - Are you syncing or manually managing music?
    - In iTunes if you go to Preferences and then go to the Devices tab, what date is show for the iPod backup? Is if before you switched computers?
    - Your iPod sees the new computer as a new library/computer and you can only sync to one library.  You need to restore you iPod from a backup.  If that bacup is hosw in Preferences, restore from that backup. 
    - If the backup is after you switched computers, you have two options:
    --- Try to make a backup by right clicking on the iPd under Devices in iTunes and selecting backup.
    --- If you can't make a backu, can you get one from the backup of your old computer.  It is located here and yu may have to have show hidden files turned on.
    Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/
    Windows XP: \Documents and Settings\(username)\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\
    Windows Vista and Windows 7: \Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

  • ITunes 6.0.1.3 won't save new music library location

    I want to change the default location of the music libary, so I went through the edit | preferences | consolidate library processes...which seemed to work fine. However, every time I load iTunes, it creates a new iTunes directory in the old default location even though the "new" location is supposedly being used.
    What the heck is going on?
    I've tried uninstalling & reinstalling, and there is obviously not a complete uninstall because after the reinstall, the "new" directory was still being used and it should have been the old default directory.
    Any thoughts? Thank you.
      Windows XP Pro  
      Windows XP Pro  

    DEZ3124,
    I want to change the default location of the music libary, so I went through the edit | preferences | consolidate library processes...which seemed to work fine.
    This method will change the location of the iTunes Music folder but the the iTunes folder itself will be left behind in its original place: C:\Documents and Settings\user name\My Documents\My Music. This makes iTunes (and by extension will also make you) much happier and in this case you'll be well-advised to let it have its way.
    Note that all the actual music files you now have, as well as those you will add in the future(which take up the bulk of the space on your hard drive), will be in the new location. The iTunes folder will be left behind with the iTunes Library files which don't take up much space at all ... if that's a concern.

  • My iTunes account says that it cannot locate the original file for all of my songs.  My iPhone still has all the music and is able to play the songs, if I sync and backup my iphone will the songs be replaced with the empty copies from my itunes library?

    So basically I tried to back up my itunes library to my external hard drive and when I followed the instructions and then went to play a song it said Orginal file cannot be found. It said that for all of the songs. I'm not sure how to fix what I did, I already tried consolidating and all of that stuff and it didn't locate the files.  I'm guessing that I somehow deleted the original songs along the way.  I synced my iPhone without knowing what I did and surprisingly all of the music is still on my phone.  So now that I've completely screwed up my iTunes account, I need to know how to get all my music back onto my iTunes account and have that library only on my external hard drive, not my computer. Everything looks fine on my iTunes besides the fact that it cannot locate the files but what I'm afraid of is me syncing and backing up my iPhone and then being left with no music because it syncs to the empty songs.  How can I fix this? and if I can't fix my iTunes library is there anyway for me to still be able to backup my iphone and all the music on it, without erasing my music?

    Well I'm not sure if I correctly backed up my itunes library because when trying to open itunes from that back up it keeps saying original file not found. Okay this is going to sound confusing but bear with me.  I "backed up" my itunes, meaning I just dragged and dropped the iTunes folder into my external hardrive, and then I changed the destination on iTunes to open from my external hardrive.  It was working fine when I did that, however I did that just on my own, I didn't know about consolidating the files or any of that so I hadn't done that before copying the folder to my external hard drive. I can't remember but I'm pretty sure I deleted the iTunes folder after I had copied it to my external hardrive. So I did that and it was working fine, I was able to open my itunes with my external hardrive.  BUT yesterday I thought that I hadn't done it correctly because I didn't consolidate the files and all that, so I wanted to be more thorough and do that, I followed the steps to do that but when I did that I think it got all the files from my computer and not from my external hard drive so it basically didn't find anything on my computer because I had deleted them. And like an idiot, I replaced the iTunes folder on my external hard drive (the one I did correctly the first time), with the one I did wrong. So I believe I pretty much deleted all the music files from both my external hard drive and my computer. Please correct me if I'm wrong?
    I believe getting all my music back on my itunes is a lost cause. BUT I still have all my songs and stuff on my iPhone. My question is, if I plug my phone into my computer and sync it, will it erase all my songs from my phone? A little more info, my iTunes still has the names and stuff of all my songs, they just can't be played because the files are missing, my iPhone doesn't need to erase and sync when I plug in my phone because it's already synced to my computer. What I'm afraid of is when I plug in my phone to backup and sync, will it erase my music because it can't find the files on my computer or external hard drive anymore? Or will it just leave the songs because they're already there (on my phone) and only sync the new songs that I've downloaded? I just need to know is my iTunes still going to be functional as far as me being able to backup my phone?
    I have a lot of songs purchased from iTunes but a lot (like 60%) are from CDs that I no longer have. So re-downloading my music would only account for 40% of my library.

  • ID3 tags and itunes refusing to add music to library

    As my music collection is growing, I decided to organize it a bit more and fill in the different ID3 tags in windows.
    I have emptied my itunes library before I did all this, and after changing the ID3 tags I added the different albums back to itunes.
    However, for some reason itunes does not want to import several albums anymore, while they do play in windows media player. Furthermore, itunes refuses in many cases to make use of the new ID3 tags I made. Even after uninstalling and reinstalling itunes, itunes seems to remember my settings and the ID3 tags the different MP3s had before.
    Anyone a clue what is happening here? Has it someting to do with the new version of itunes, or is it something else?
    ciao, Gregorius

    Hey, first of all, thanks for your help, but I'm still in problems.
    I have noticed that itunes imports the music files before I alter the ID3 tags (from backup files). However, as soon as I try to add the same file to my itunes library after I have edited the ID3 file (via windows itself), itunes does not add the file to its library anymore. This is happening to a considerable amount of my music. When I try to play the same files in windows mediaplayer, they play without a problem, so I guess the problem is with itunes.
    Somebody can please help me out, because I like to be in control of my music, and not itunes,
    adios Gregorius

  • Itunes looses library location on external drive

    I transferred my iTunes music library to an external hard drive (Toshiba 1T) and had set the media folder location in Preferences to the new location on the external drive. Yet, occationally the external drive "shuts down" even though the computer goes to sleep and iTunes cannot find the music library.

    ssn wrote:
    I transferred my iTunes music library to an external hard drive (Toshiba 1T) and had set the media folder location in Preferences to the new location on the external drive.
    When you move the library, you don't set the location to the new location, It is already set there.
    Yet, occationally the external drive "shuts down" even though the computer goes to sleep and iTunes cannot find the music library.
    Exrternal (and internal) drives usually shut down when the computer goes to sleep.
    Make sure the drive is ready before launching iTunes.

  • Can't change itunes library location to external hard drive

    I did have my itunes library location set to an external disk (my time capsule) and this worked great with my macbook pro. However, the macbook pro "died" last week and now I'm trying to set my new replacement imac itunes library to also be the external hard drive. 
    The advance tab on itunes preferences indicates that library location is set as requested however, I can't see any of my music in my itunes window.
    I could of course just copy my music on to my new computer but that'll take ages and I'd rather keep it on the time capsule.
    Many thanks
    Anna

    So the additional step  need to do was make sure the copy files to itunes media folder is unchecked and the go to itunes>files>add to library then select my itunes music folder in my itunes location on the time capsule. Done!
    Answer was found here http://www.macworld.com/article/46248/2005/08/shiftitunes.html

  • Moved media to TC. Now itunes keeps changing default library location

    I realize this might be better suited in the iTunes discussion forum however...
    I recently purchased a time capsule and moved all my media to the new drive. I changed the default library location in preferences. Problem is, every time I quit and relaunch iTunes, the default library location reverts back to my old location on my mac. Any ideas how I can get iTunes to remember my new default location? It's as if it's picking up a location file somewhere that is telling it to create a new library on my mac's hard drive.
    Thanks for any input.

    I don't have a TC but I also keep my iTunes library on an external Firewire drive and the following is the behaviour. Maybe it's so for you too:
    • When the firewire drive is mounted on the desktop and I open iTunes, iTunes will link back to the library on the firewire drive.
    • When the firewire drive is unmounted and I open iTunes, iTunes preferences will revert the library to default back to the internet drive.
    • BUT, when I remount the firewire drive, and open iTunes again (after it's been closed), iTunes preferences will automatically go back to linking the library on the firewire drive.
    So in short: when unmounted, iTunes links music library to the original default which is the internal drive. When mounted, iTunes will automatically relink music back to the firewire drive.
    Does it work like so for iTunes on Time Capsule?

  • I need to create alternative library in Itunes

    I am going to create an alternative library in itunes and then i want to dump it. How do I get rid of it...I am using 10.6.8 imac.

    Hello heidismiles
    Once you have created your new iTunes library, go to the Music folder and drag the old one to the trash. Make sure to verify that you have the right iTunes library working. Once verified, you can empty the trash.
    iTunes: How to open an alternate iTunes Library file or create a new one
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1589
    Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.
    Regards,
    -Norm G.

Maybe you are looking for