Keeping My Library Up to Date

I looked around the forums for an answer to this, but nothing jumped out at me. Here's some background:
My wife and I both use different computers to purchase music using the same account. How can I easily make sure music that she has purchased automatically updates to my library? Currently, I'm forced to go into her library and move music over one by one from her library to mine. If I go in and do a mass move of her whole library to mine, I get mutliple copies of the same song.
What do y'all do to manage multiple libraries?

"iTunes makes it easier to share music, movies, TV shows, and more. With Home Sharing, you can browse the iTunes libraries of up to five authorized computers in your house, import what you like, and automatically add new purchases made on any of the computers to your own library.
http://www.apple.com/itunes/whats-new/

Similar Messages

Keeping the library up to date?

In my household we keep ALL our music ( ~15,000 tracks, MP3's and AAC's) on a networked hard drive so it can be accessed from any computer in the house. All the music is carefully organized in a very specific folder scheme. All the computers in the house run iTunes, thus they each have their own iTunes Music Library.xml and iTunes Library.itl files.
When a new song is added to the collection we have to manually go through the house and add it to each computer's copy of iTunes. But sometimes someone forgets or the computer isn't booted or it's travelling so the collection on the external drive gets out of sync on that PC's iTunes. We end up with songs in our collection that the iTunes on a particular PC doesn't know about.
Is there anyway to update or refresh the library on a particular PC so it can make sure every song on the networked hard drive is in the library?
Thanks in advance.

When a new song is added to the collection we have to manually go through the house and add it to each computer's copy of iTunes. But sometimes someone forgets or the computer isn't booted or it's travelling so the collection on the external drive gets out of sync on that PC's iTunes. We end up with songs in our collection that the iTunes on a particular PC doesn't know about.
Is there anyway to update or refresh the library on a particular PC so it can make sure every song on the networked hard drive is in the library?
Yes. Use the 3rd party folder watching program iTunes Folder Watch. Unlike iTunes itself, iTunes Folder Watch will notice if there is new content in any designated folder, and will automatically add it to the iTunes library.

ITunes with another ripper - keeping the library up to date

I use dbPowerAmp to rip my music, it handles music in LOTS of formats and converts them in a very efficient way. When it is done ripping the music, it places the songs in my My Music subdirectory. I asked iTunes to "Keep iTunes Music Folder organized", but it does not "discover" any newly ripped music. Is there a function in iTunes where it will discover new music and add it to the library?
There should be
If not, what is the best way to handle this?

That is a useful program, I gave a small donation to the Paypal thing.
It could use a few tweaks, UI wize, but it did the job

So, there's no plugin to keep Library up-to-date?

The other day, I posted a question if there is any way to keep Library up-to-date. I've got 2 replies. One person said there's no such way, and the other person told me a Javascript file that removes dead files from Library. But he said he didn't know how to make newly added files appear automatically in Library.
I'm just curious, I think managing changed to the music folder is the very basic function of a music library application. Everyone would want this feature and Windows Media Player 10 has that feature. Why iTunes doesn't? I've searched Google for some plugin or utility to do this for iTunes, but only in vain.
So now I'm wondering if I myself could write a plugin that does that. I've downloaded the iTunes COM SDK. But before starting this I'd like to make sure there really is no such utility to keep Library up-to-date. Of course, this is because I do not want to re-invent the wheel. What do you think? Do you think this kind of utility would be useful?

ITunes is smart enough to not add a file to the library that is already in the library. So the normal method is simply to drag and drop the base folder for your music into iTunes. It'll only add the ones that are missing.
If you want to do this with the COM SDK, you'd create an iTunes object, then do:
iTunes.LibraryPlaylist.AddFiles("c:\path\to\your\music\folder");
This will add that folder to the library, and the same functionality applies. Then you just run that on a semi-regular basis. Maybe you use that script to start iTunes, so that when iTunes starts, your script forces it to rescan your folder.

How do I keep a library in sync on 2 separate computers?

Hi there,
I am off to university in a month or so, and have therefore purchased a laptop to use while I am there. I currently have a desktop computer with iTunes on it, and I sync my iPhone and iPod Classic to it. I would like to have a clone of the library on my laptop, which would enable me to sync my iPhone and iPod with my laptop and my desktop.
Is it possible to clone a library, and if so, is it possible to keep files syncronised between the two locations of the libraries? This would be useful as I am not taking my desktop PC with me to uni, and will therefore need to sync my iPhone and iPod with the laptop that I am taking with me. I have thought about using synctoy to keep the files up to date with one another, but that would mean that I would have to manually add files to the library of my desktop PC whenever I go home.
Is there any way of me sorting out my problem, or will I have to just wipe my iPhone and iPod and use them exclusively with a copy of my desktop library if I can transfer it to my laptop? I don't mind at all doing some hard work in order to make this work, so any suggestions are welcome =)
Thanks you kindly in advance,
A Lost iTunes User

Sync iPod/iPad/iPhone with two computers
Although it isn't possible to sync an Apple device with two different libraries it is possible to sync with the same logical library from multiple computers. Each library has an internal ID and when iTunes connects to your iPod/iPad/iPhone it compares the local ID with the one the device normally syncs with. If they are the same you can go ahead and sync...
I have my library cloned to a small 1Tb USB drive which I can take between home & work. At either location I use SyncToy 2.1 to update the local copy with the external drive. Mac users should be able to find similar tools. I can open either of the local libraries or the one on the external drive and update the media content of my iPhone. The slight exception is Photos which normally connects to a specific folder on a specific machine, although that can easily be remapped to the current library if you create a "Photos" folder inside the iTunes Media folder so that syncing the iTunes folders keeps this up to date as well. I periodically sweep my library for new files & orphans with iTunes Folder Watch just in case I make changes at one location but then overwrite the library with a newer copy from the other. Again Mac users should be able to find similar tools.
As long as your media is organised within an iTunes Music or Tunes Media folder, in turn held inside the main iTunes folder that has your library files (whether or not you let iTunes keep the media folder organised) each library can access items at the same relative path from the library folder so the library can be at different drives/paths on different machines. This solution ensures I always have adequate backups of my library and I can update my devices whenever I can connect to the same build of iTunes. If your media folder is not inside the main iTunes folder see make a split library portable.
When working with an iPhone earlier builds of iTunes would remove any file not physically present in the local library, even if there was an entry for it, making manual management practically redundant on the iPhone. This behaviour has been changed but it will still only permit manual management with a library that has the correct internal ID. If you don't want to sync your library between machines on a regular basis just copy the iTunes Library.itl file from the current "home" machine to any other you want to use, then clean out the library entires and import the local content you have on that box.
tt2

Definitive Word On ID3 Tags, Library Files & Which Data Is Stored Where...

I have spent a few hours just now (and have read the discussions a lot previously) on various iTunes issues, namely ones pertaining to organization and storage of data & info. I still have quite a few questions I would like the definitive answers for. If anyone knows for sure, thanks in advance for your response!
1) Is there any difference between how and where iTunes stores data for audio (mp3, m4a, aif, etc.) files vs. movie (mpg, mp4, mov) files, and if so, what are they?
2) In the info tabs/panes of tracks in iTunes, is the entered data stored in separate places? i.e., the info under the INFO pane stored in the individual media file itself while that in the OPTIONS pane stored in the main library file? Also, did I read correctly that Convert ID3 Tags causes more of the library file data to be embedded in the media file itself? (Not desirable of course, because each play would in effect "modify" the file as if it had changed and needed to be resynched, since play count is part of the data).
3) Is there a difference between where editable data (artist, title, equalizer setting, genre, rating, etc.) is stored vs uneditable data such as play count, date added, last played, etc.?
4) Is there a list somewhere online that shows what data is stored in the library file (settings unique to the iTunes) and what is universally in the standard ID3 tag in the media file itself?
5) Is it safe to assume that rating, equalizer, volume, remember position and start/stop time settings for each individual track are not in the ID3 tag but only in the library file? If so, one can then assume that merely copying the library file will preserve these settings?
6) Are ID3 tags applied and applicable to movie and audio files similarly, and do they further differ how & if they are used among each file type (mp3, m4a, aif, wav, mpg, mp4, mov, etc.)? I know with movies you cannot set or change the poster frame in mpg (muxed) files, for example.
7) I do all my iTunes importing, editing, managment, etc. on my PowerMac desktop, with the prefs, library and xml files stored in my home folder on the PowerMac's OS drive and the large media files store on an attached ext. 500 GB FW drive. If I use a synching program to continuously keep the library/xml files the same on my iBook laptop's home folder and the media files the same on another ext. 160 GB FW drive, then when I use the iBook with the 160 GB at different events it should operate exactly the same a when using my PowerMac at home with the 500 GB? The only thing I should have to change is the location of the iTunes folder in the Prefs on the iBook to point to the 160 GB, right?
8) Finally, now that iTunes 7 allows you to indicate sort order ("The Beatles" can now appear under "B" without writing "Beatles, The" as I have been) would it retain that sort when importing the song list into other database programs or even an iPod, or would it default back to "T"? (AppleWorks database has a similar feature where you can specify an ARTIST field which sorts by first letter of last word, but won't stay that way in other programs).
PHEW! ...long post I know, but I spent a lot of time reading and hopefully over time I can get the answers to most (or even all) of these questions. Thanks!!!
PowerMac G4/500 MHz (1 GB); iBook G4/1.33 GHz (1.5 GB) Mac OS X (10.4.9) (still using 10.3.9 Panther on PowerMac)

I read this on the ID3 site:
ID3 tags were designed with the MP3 file format in mind. ID3v2 tags will break formats which are container-based such as Ogg Vorbis and WMA. Here is some information on specific formats:
ID3 tags work in MP3 and MP3pro files
WAV has no tags
WMA has its own tagging format, which is specified in the wma spec, available in the MSDN (which unfortunately, basically does not allow Open Source implementations)
Ogg Vorbis uses "Xiph Comments" (same as later versions of FLAC and Speex), which are embedded into the Ogg container. You can find information on these in the comment and container specs on www.xiph.org
AAC uses yet another tagging format, which does not at present have a published spec as of 3/1/2006.
So since I rip in AAC, does that mean the tags work differently, are stored differently or offer different editable info? Also, I found nothing regarding tags for video files as I mentioned in my question. Within iTunes I am assuming all the information you may edit or view when you Get Info for each file is not all stored together: some is in the file's ID3 tag and others in the iTunes Library file. I guess you are always safe if you keep back-ups of your media files and library files, even if you don't always know which info resides where.
I found a complete list of frames (fields) that are available in ID3v2 at the following link, many not available in iTunes, but the site lists other apps that allow you to edit tags for both Mac & Windows.
http://www.id3.org/Frames
I am curious, if you use another app to edit the tag with a frame not offered in iTunes, will it still work in iTunes (like if you use the frame for synchronized lyrics; since it is part of the tag itself will they show up when played in iTunes even though not editable in iTunes)?

When exporting a photo to photo library, all EXIF data is lost. What rational is behind this?

When exporting a photo to photo library, all EXIF data is lost.
What rational is behind this?

Thanks for your reply on this!
One issue seems to be with Foto Library app itself. When running an auto-correct there it looks like EXIF will be stripped more or less completely.
Second issue is in iPhoto app on iOS when working on RAW. When exporting to the roll the EXIF is modified in a way. It was keeping most of the EXIF in case of Canon 5D MKII that I tested today, but the EXIF data is definately changed, e.g. lens type is different because maybe some fields are ignored there. Also the images are silently scaled down by 50% which is kind of annoying.
The initial problem was observed with a Pentax K7 and I will need to reproduce the issue in this config I assume. Maybe tomorrow I can do this.

Address Book in Tiger 10.4.3 keeps losing track of the data file

Address Book in Tiger 10.4.3 keeps losing track of the data file associated with it and creates a new file without the data I used to have.
Any methodology to follow to correct this issue?

I think Import would be better, or Migration Assistant, I'm thinking AB changed formats from 10.3 to 10.4, but the stuff for 10.4 For Address Book...
Files...
/Users/YourUserName/Library/Preferences/com.apple.AddressBook.plist
/Users/YourUserName/Library/Preferences/com.apple.AddressBook.abd.plist
Folders...
/Users/YourUserName/Library/Application Support/AddressBook/
/Users/YourUserName/Library/Caches/com.apple.AddressBook/

Keeping the library small with vaults

Still waiting for the Apple Store to get the first shipment of 1.1. They have no idea when that would be.
I do mostly model shooting and once I'm done with the images I will burn them to DVD and get them off my computer. Only a few will remain which will be used for my book and web.
So the question is:
After a shoot I create a vault with the latest shoot, burn it to a DVD. If I remove the vault from Apreture, will that keep the library to a manageable size?
By naming the vault with the models name and date I will remember what's on the DVD. Is there anything else I need to keep in mind?

I do mostly model shooting and once I'm done with the
images I will burn them to DVD and get them off my
computer...
So the question is:
After a shoot I create a vault with the latest shoot,
burn it to a DVD. If I remove the vault from
Apreture, will that keep the library to a manageable
size?
By naming the vault with the models name and date I
will remember what's on the DVD. Is there anything
else I need to keep in mind?
I think you are confusing the vault with the Aperture capability to export projects. Sounds like you want to use the export projects capability to burn your DVDs. Then you can remove them from your Aperture library and re-import the project from DVD whenever you want to work with them again.
I'm pretty sure that each time you restore a vault, it replaces THE ENTIRE Aperture library, so using multiple, project oriented vaults as your backup scheme is a recipe for disaster. Also, if you are going the DVD export route, I'd strongly recommend you export two copies of the project before deleting the files from aperture. So you have a backup and a backup-backup. Can't be too careful with your digital assets.
Mike
PowerMac G5 Dual 2.0GHz, Radeon X800XT Graphics Card; MacBookPro 2.0Ghz Mac OS X (10.4.6) iMac800 and Powerbook G4 also in household

Itunes says I need to update my itunes in order to sync up my new iphone 4. I want to be sure I can keep my existing library. How do I update it and keep my library?

I am trying to update my itunes so that it will sync my new iphone 4. I want to be sure to keep my library. How do I do this?

Your iTunes library is not touched when installing an iTunes update - the same if you delete and reinstall iTunes.
If you use Word on your PC for word processing - your Word documents are not touched when installing a Word application update. The same applies when installing an iTunes update.
Always a good idea to include your iTunes library with your computer's backup along with all other important data such as documents, photos, etc. for a number of reasons.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1751

I have multiple devices backed up to the same computer each with different data. how do i keep them from syncing all data when i back up or transfer stuff from the computer to a device?

i have multiple devices backed up to the same computer each with different data. how do i keep them from syncing all data when i back up or transfer stuff from the computer to a device? one is an iphone 6 and the others are ipad mini first gens, each ipad has 64gb and the iphone has 128, need to keep the data seperate as they are not all mine

Itunes content and pics are NOT part of the backup that itunes performs.
Backing up, updating, and restoring iPad, iPod touch, and iPhone software
You should transfer any purchases from iphone regularly: File>Transfer Purchases , if they fail to be transferred when you sync.
You buy one and only one download. It is your responsibility to move/copy/backup your purchases.
You can try contacting itunes support and asking for an exception, but they are under no obligation to allow.
http://www.apple.com/support/itunes

I keep my library on an external hard drive 4TB. It's full. Can I use more than one hard drive to keep my library on?

I keep my iTunes library on an external hard drive 4TB. It's full. Can I use more than one hard drive to keep my library on? Like two 4TB next to each other.

Create a concatenated disk set
Increase storage space with a concatenated RAID set (also called “Just a Bunch of Disks” or JBOD). If you need one large disk, but you have only several smaller disks, you can create a concatenated disk set to use several small disks as one large disk.
Open Disk Utility, in the Utilities folder in Launchpad.
Select one of the disks that you want in the set, and then click RAID.
Click Add (+), and type a name for the RAID set.
Choose a format from the Format pop-up menu. Usually you’ll choose the Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format.
Choose Concatenated Disk Set from the RAID Type pop-up menu.
Drag the disks you want to add to the set to the list on the right.
Click Create.
Exerpt from:
Disk Utility 12.x: Create a RAID set - Apple - Support
Note that the biggest CON to concatenated RAID configurations is vulnerability to volume failure. If either disk fails, the whole volume fails. If you choose this option, I would highly recommend backing up your music to a cloud service. There are very cheap per GB/storage, and some of the most reputable actually offer unlimited storage:
Five Best Cloud Storage Providers - Lifehacker

With the latest version of itunes, are you able to search your library by purchase date?

With the latest version of itunes, are you able to search your library by purchase date? My prior itunes software had Name, Time, Artist, Album, Genre, Rating, Plays and Purchased. With Version 11.0.3 of itunes, 'Purchased' is not a tabbed option to sort. Can this be added?
Thanks.

Hey jeffwcincy,
Great question, we simply need to check "Purchased Date" from the View Options menu.
In iTunes 11, click the "View" menu and choose "Show View Options". Located under "Stats" is the "Purchase Date" option.
Apple - Find Out How - Music - iTunes
http://www.apple.com/findouthow/music/itunes.html#tips-viewoptions
Thanks,
Matt M.

Unable to email a document. Keep getting error message: Invalid Date Enter 2-digit month

Unable to email a document. Keep getting error message: Invalid Date Enter 2-digit month
Does not happen with all forms which emante from same USG webpage
Any adivice?

If i am using 11G andrtp is 11g but on rtp side if they configure SSL, is it mandatory to do it from our side also?No it not mandatory to enable SSL at your end however you have to configure identity and trsut at your end.
Any update on my regular question(The main forum question)?You mentioned that you are posting message from 10g to 11g and as per log you are sending it to URL - https://dev-nog.server:443/b2b/transportServlet
So few things which I see as a problem are-
1. You should use URL https://hostname:soa_server_ssl_port/b2b/httpReceiver instead of https://dev-nog.server:443/b2b/transportServlet
2. SOA server SSL port should be enabled (SSL should be enabled on SOA server)
3. You should configure wallet at 10g side to contain trust cert of 11g server
Regards,
Anuj

Ok so I cant open my Itunes due to Windows Error 2 and the message says to uninstall and re-install Itunes but I'm pretty sure that would wipe the library right? Is there any way to fix the problem and keep my library?

Ok so I cant open my Itunes due to Windows Error 2 and the message says to uninstall and re-install Itunes but I'm pretty sure that would wipe the library right? Is there any way to fix the problem and keep my library?

Hi neffn!
I have an article for you that can help you go through that process of uninstalling and reinstalling iTunes. If you have Windows 7, you will want to see this article:
Removing and reinstalling iTunes, QuickTime, and other software components for Windows Vista or Windows 7
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1923
and if you are using Windows XP, you will want to reference this article:
Removing and Reinstalling iTunes, QuickTime, and other software components for Windows XP
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1925
Note that, as it says in those articles:
iTunes Store purchases or songs imported from CDs are saved in your My Music folder by default and are not deleted by removing iTunes. While it is highly unlikely that you will lose any contents of your iTunes Library when following these steps, it is always a good idea to ensure that your iTunes library is backed up. If you're unsure how to backup, see iTunes: Back up your iTunes library by copying to an external hard drive.
Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities. Have a good one!
-Braden

Keeping My Library Up to Date

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