Managing Multiple iPods on One Computer

Can I manage three iPods on one computer? One is an iPod Mini and two are Fifth Generation 80 GB iPods, so I need to be able to have at least two different music libraries due to memory space. (Three would be preferable.) Does anyone know if this is possible? Thank you!
Dell Desktop   Windows XP  

If you are adding a second or more iPod for your own use, just connect the new iPod to your computer and follow the on screen instructions. It will update from your existing library. Depending on the size of your library and the type of iPod you choose you can have it update all songs and playlists, selected playlists only or you can manage it manually.
If the iPods belong to different people, there are basically two ways of using multiple iPods on a computer and these involve:
a) Sharing a single iTunes library and or user account.
b) Creating multiple user accounts and having separate libraries.
Sharing a Library and/or User Account
If you want to share the one library, you can set either or all of the iPods so that they only get updated with only certain playlists (you can update from more than one if you wish):
Loading songs onto iPod automatically - Windows
Choosing the update option "Sync Music - Selected playlists" allows you to create a playlist specifically for the iPod and drag the tracks you want into it. If you tire of the list and want to change it, you just add or remove the songs you don't want. The ones you take out out remain in the library to be used some other time if you choose. You can read more about playlists at these links:
iTunes: Creating playlists of your favorite songs
How to create a Smart Playlist with iTunes
Or you can choose to update any or all of the iPods manually and just drag whatever content you want to them: Managing content manually on iPod
Loading the iPod shuffle differs slightly but it can still be used with the others, for details have a look at this page:
Loading songs onto iPod shuffle - Windows
It's also possible to have multiple libraries in a single account. To create or access a second (or more) library, hold down the Option key (or Shift key in Windows) when launching iTunes 7. In the resulting dialogue you will get the option to create a new library or navigate to the other Library.
Note: You can only have one Library open at a time and iTunes will default to the last library opened if you don't use the keyboard command to choose one. This can prove tricky when using multiple iPods, if you don't use the keyboard command you can risk syncing to the wrong library:
Using multiple iTunes libraries -Windows
Separate User Accounts
Another option is to create a separate User account for each person on your PC or Mac. Different accounts by definition would give you completely separate libraries. Each account has it's own iTunes folder, Library and iTunes Music folder and you load it with CDs etc just as you did with your original one. The iPod can be set to update however the owner chooses, sync all, manual or sync specific playlists
I don't use Windows so I can't give you a step by step on that one, however I can point you to another web page which should help you out if you need it. You can read about Windows user accounts here:
Using Windows XP User Accounts

Similar Messages

  • Managing multiple iPods from one computer

    The existing posts re: managing multiple iPods/iTunes accounts from one computer don't seem to address my question. I have been sharing my iPod with the family, and want to get my son his own for his birthday. Can I manage both iPods from the same computer? Does the iTunes software have the ability to "recognize" which iPod unit is attached? I'm dying to get his music out of my iPod ...

    Can I manage both iPods from the same computer?
    Yes.
    I'm dying to get his music out of my iPod ...
    Create new playlist and put the music you want in it.
    Open iTunes prefs -> iPod and select Automatically update only selected playlists and pick this new playlist.

  • Question on managing two iPods on one computer

    Currently, I manage my iPod Nano on my laptop and manage my iPod Video on my desktop computer.
    Im now thinking of managing both iPods on one computer. My plan would be to use the same iTunes library for both iPods and whenever the nano is connected, I would have iTunes set to sync only selected playlists and when the iPod Video is connected, have iTunes sync all songs and playlists.
    My queston is; if I set it like this the first time each iPod is connected, does iTunes remember this setup the next time each iPod gets connected (i.e., the next time the nano gets connected, iTunes will automacically sync selected playlists and the next time the iPod video gets connected, iTunes will automatically sync all songs and playlists)?

    When you use multiple iPods with one iTunes library each can have it's own setting and iTunes will recognise each iPod when it's connected and use the setting you have chosen. If any of your iPods are currently set to update automatically you need to take care connecting to a different iTunes. You can use a keyboard command to prevent your iPod auto-syncing with iTunes. While connecting the iPod to the computer on Windows with iTunes 7 installed hold down the Shift + Ctrl keys. This will stop the iPod from auto-syncing with iTunes and the iPod will appear in the source list. Wait until you are sure the iPod has mounted, and that it will not auto sync and then you can let the keys go. This may take between 20 to 30 seconds depending on your computer: iTunes 7.3 Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows
    Once you have the iPod connected to the computer you intend to use you can set the update option accordingly. However just remember that if you did ever want to use the iPods on both computers again you would need to set them to manual update: Using iPod with Multiple computers

  • Need advice on multiple iPods on one computer

    I have found the article on running more than one iPod on a computer. The directions seem simple. I just wanted to post my situation and ask an additional question.
    My wife's laptop recently died but we were able to save the hard drive. So her iTunes library should still be there in tact (everything else is). With the current state of the ecomony we are trying to save money and have her "share" my laptop. Is there a way to copy over her library from that hard drive without screwing up my library?
    In looking at the instructions for running multiple iPods on one computer, option 3 seems like the best method for the time being. I also have an HP Smart Media Server that has an iTunes system for sharing but I have not had the time to explore that in much depth and have not found much in the documentation that comes with the server. I would greatly appreciate any advice you may have.

    Yes, if you are both on your laptop with one windows user login, method 3 can work.....but it can also be really confusing.
    You will both have to train yourselves to ALWAYS do the itunes shift-start before opening itunes, every time. Your ITL file is on the laptop and hers is on the salvaged hard drive. I assume you put it in an enclosure and it's connected via USB?
    You might also need to check the preferences every time.
    For instance if you want your new additions to go to the laptops's hard drive. She wants her podcasts to go to the salvaged drive. You'd have to change your preferences every time using method 3.
    You might want to get he media server going before too much longer! And switch to Method 1 with a shared folder on the server.

  • Can u have multiple Ipods on one Computer?

    I have a iPod and would like to get my husband one but I want to make sure that we can have two ipods connected to the same computer. We use the same computer at home. I have my ipod dock connected now, would I need to add a dock for his or can he use mine? Do I have to change any settings to allow more then one ipod to use the same library?
    Thanks
    Springer

    "How to use multiple iPods with one computer" http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300432

  • Multiple ipods but one computer--different libraries?

    We will soon have 3 different ipods--nano, 30G, & a soon to be 80G. We only have 1 computer now. Is it possible to keep libraries separate? I've tried to create libraries using the shift key while opening iTunes, but it didn't seem to work well. Both ipods kept loading the original library. And now I can't even find the other 2 libraries I created. Help!

    The easiest way to have separate iTunes libraries is to have different user accounts on Windows.
    This may be of help:
    How to use multiple iPods with one computer
    Regards.

  • Multiple iPods on one computer question

    Hello,
    I know this question has been asked already and I've read all the help topics about multiple iPods.
    I've tried twice to use two iPods on one computer and it was not as easy as described. I'm just wondering if I'm doing something wrong.
    The first time I tried was on a PC running XP with two iPod minis. I had seperate user accounts and it kept erasing all the songs in one account.
    The other situation was on a different PC running XP Pro with a shuffle and a 30gig photo.
    I had my 30gig for about a year and as soon as I plugged in my shuffle it didn't recognize it and the next time I plugged in my 30 gig photo it froze and I had to end up doing the hard reset for it.
    Tomorrow I am about to try a PC running XP with a shuffle, nano, and a video iPod.
    I've read the two ways to do it and am going to try the specific playlist option.
    I'm worried that as soon as I plug in the second iPod it will freeze and I won't be able to even get to the "iPod Option" Button in iTunes.
    The computer is not mine nor are the music devices. I'm doing it for a friend who doesn't understand computers that well. All devices are new, never used.
    Is it as easy as the process sounds?
    Also the last time I tried multiple iPods was at least two iTunes updates ago.
    Thanks for any help,
    Chris
    PC and iMac Intel   Windows XP Pro  

    Hello!
    Let me explain this in detail for you:
    The Do Not Disconnect screen
    It is normal for your iPod to say this message to you when you connect it to your computer.
    When you need to disconnect it from your computer, you'll first need to eject it.
    There are a few ways to eject your iPod; through iTunes, the Safely Remove Hardware program, and "My Computer".
    Through iTunes
    Ejecting your iPod via iTunes depends on what setting your iPod is on for.
    Connect your iPod. Go into Edit> preferences> iPod. See what setting your iPod is on; "automatic" or "manual".
    Automatic
    If you aren't restoring, or updating your iPod, iTunes should automatically eject your iPod from iTunes. If it doesn't, then right-click the name of your iPod in iTunes, and make sure that the "enable for disk use" is un-checked.
    Manual
    If you need to eject your iPod from iTunes if the setting is "manual", click the little arrow that's next to the name of your iPod in the left source list in iTunes.
    Through the "Safely Remove Hardware" program
    Look at the bottom-right corner of your screen, and there's the system tray icons there. If the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon is there, click on it, select your iPod, and click "stop".
    Through "My Computer"
    Go to "My Computer".
    Find your iPod's listing there (it's typically "E:" or "F:").
    Right-click it, click on "eject".
    For additional information about ejecting your iPod, check this Apple Support articles about it.
    Safely disconnecting your iPod
    About the "Do Not Disconnect" and "OK to Disconnect" screens on iPod
    Any more questions? I'll be glad to try to help you again.
    ~~Kylene

  • How do I manage two iPods on one computer please?

    I have an iPod (early 40G model, and it's fine). I installed iTunes, and all fine. A year goes by. Another member of the household gets an iPod (mini), and we load the software into a different subdirectory in Program Files. This erases my iTunes, but all still works fine for some reason. i.e. when I attach my iPod, it is recognised, and my iTunes music is shown on the screen. When the other iPod is attached, same thing (i.e. it is recognised and her iTunes are shown on the screen). Our different music folders are stored in different subdirectories.
    This is all fine, until her iPod erases itself, and is now no longer recognised by iTunes. In the processes advised for solving this situation (restore and reset etc) we erase my iPod (but have managed to restore music to if after re-installing the original software that came with it.)
    So now we are back to the stage of having her iPod not being recognised by iTunes. Please suggest solutions! Please also advise if there is a more sensible way of managing two iPods on one PC. Is it really as basic as having different playlists?
    Thanks in advance for your help.

    Yep. Playlists will do it.
    If you want other options, see this:
    Natalie Beresford: Multiple iPods/iTunes Installations

  • Adding multiple IPods to one computer

    I would like to connect more than one Ipod to my Itunes. Right now, the second Ipod has a discreet playlist, but I cannot set up playlists under it. Is there a way to have two Ipods with multiple discreet playists connected to one Itunes program running on one computer?

    Are you trying to set up playlists within a playlist? That can't be done I'm afraid. You can choose to sync multiple playlists to the iPod but not create playlists within playlists: How to use multiple iPods with one computer

  • THERE IS NO SOLUTION TO MULTIPLE iPODS ON ONE COMPUTER!

    Hello,
    This is a very common problem for those of us who belived that iPods were easy to connect to computers. The first iPod was, so why can't I just connect another?
    Well...you can. It just takes HOURS. Last night, I spent over 4 hours trying to get my windows computer to recognize both my mini and my sister's nano. Apple claims that using two iPods on one computer is "easy." It is, you just have to go through the grueling process of connecting them both first!
    Maybe there is a faster way than I know about, but I have probably read EVERY POST about "How to connect 2 iPods to the same computer." I even called Apple and they GAVE UP on me! They told me it was a hardware problem and I should send my iPod in for repair.
    What Apple needs to realize, is the fact that most people are NOT trying to steal music. All of the crazy restrictions that Apple has placed on iTunes (1 download per song, can't burn videos to dvd, can't play other music software on iPods...) are just to make sure no one steals $0.99 from Apple? WHAT?!?
    My suggestion to Apple is that you make a new version of iTunes where a user can register MANY iPods to a single computer, and let them all be on at the same time. The way Apple has it now, only one iPod can be connected at a time. This is, of course, to insure that no one steals music.
    The easy solution is to throuw out your Windows computer and buy a Mac. Or just one iPod.
    I hope that this clears up any confusion you were having about your own iPods. I'm sorry if you aren't technically savvy and won't be able to figure out how to connect your two iPods, it literally took me hours.
    Sincerely,
    iRock my iLife
    p.s. Please leave any comments or questions about the process of attatching a second iPod. I'll try to help you out as much as I can.

    Hello,
    This is a very common problem for those of us who
    belived that iPods were easy to connect to
    computers. The first iPod was, so why can't I just
    connect another?
    Sincerely,
    iRock my iLife
    .s. Please leave any comments or questions about the
    process of attatching a second iPod. I'll try to
    help you out as much as I can.
    Just blow itunes out and use RealPlayer. Just as easy to load from CD type playlists but not sure about downloads from web - yet. Had to do this as Itunes took out my CD and DVD drives in one go and couldnt have both. Cost me a fortune to get pc unstuck and windows completely re installed and guess what? Went to load Itunes again and there went the drives. Gave up and using RealPlayer now.
    Packard Bell   Windows XP  

  • Multiple ipods on one computer

    I have one PC running Windows 7 and 2 children each with their own ipod touch. How do I set things up to permit them to have seperate libraries and to be able to sync to their own library.

    See:
    How to use multiple iPods, iPads, or iPhones with one computer
    What is the best way to manage multiple...: Apple Support Communities

  • Best way to manage 2 iPods on one computer

    I know there are similar threads, but I didn't see my specific question answered, so here goes.
    I have an iMac that my wife and I share using separate user accounts (trust me, it's better that way). I already have an iPod nano that I use on my account exclusively. Now, I bought my wife a nano for Christmas and without thinking about it too much today I logged onto her account, plugged in her new nano and set up a new iTunes account under her name, thinking it would be best for her to control and manage her own music from the store. However, now I'm realizing that she can't copy any of the music from my Library into hers (even songs ripped from my CD's) to sync to her iPod. I was able to share my Library with her so she can play the songs in my Library, but I can't copy them into hers. Even if she re-rips songs from our CD's into her Library this seems like a waste of space to have duplicate copies of certain songs, and if she wanted to have certain songs I've already purchased it seems like she should have permission to use them under the "5-computer authorization" rules without having to purchase them again. Is that true, or just wishful thinking in today's DRM world?
    I've read some threads that discuss creating a "shared" iTunes folder that both accounts could point to and create separate playlists for each. I guess that would work, but now I've already associated her iPod to her independent iTunes account. Is there a way to "undo" that and associate it with my existing account. When I set it up earlier I had the option to log into my existing account and I chose to set up a new one. Was that a mistake?
    I apologize for the rambling, but I'd appreciate some advice on the best way to set up our system with 2 iPods and 2 user accounts. If I set it up to have 2 iPods under one iTunes account, accessed from 2 different user accounts on my iMac, would I then be able to copy music files freely between the two Libraries? If so, that's probably what I would want to do - but I need to somehow establish her iPod with my existing account. If not, I guess I should just keep it the way it is now since I can't share the music anyway.
    Sorry for the rambling...Merry Christmas to all!
    Allen

    Syncing is generally referred to as the "automatic transfer of songs and playlists" to the iPod from iTunes, and manual means you do it manually by dragging and dropping individual songs/albums/artists etc from iTunes to iPod.
    Which setting is better for your iPod(s) depends on many things. You could set both to manual and drag different playlists to different iPods.
    Or, you could keep the convenience of auto sync and choose to transfer "selected playlists" to each iPod. This setting can be found by connecting the iPod and when the summary screen appears, click on the 'music' tab, you will see the options to:
    "sync music" with either "all songs and playlists" or "selected playlists". Choose "selected playlists".
    Select the playlist(s) that you want to go to the iPod, and that's it. Then do the same with the other iPod.

  • Multiple iPods using One Computer

    Over the past two years, I have acquired an iPod Mini, iPod Shuffle, and most recently an iPod nano. I have loaded iTunes for the iPod Mini, but don't want to have 3 versions of iTunes on this one computer (my wife wants to use one of the othe iPods). How do I configure iTunes to support multiple iPods? Do I need to load the software for the other iPods for them to work? HELP!!!

    Here's a good link.
    http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=121830&tstart=125

  • Connecting multiple ipods to one computer

    Is it possible to connect more than one ipod to a single computer without wiping the contents each time?
    Tried this before and lost all downloads.

    If you don't have the songs in iTunes, and you want to keep them on the iPod, you need to stop the auto-sync:
    To connect the iPod without iTunes doing the auto-sync.
    1. Hold down the Shift and Ctrl keys while connecting the iPod to your computer. Don't let go of Shift+Ctrl.
    2. If iTunes doesn't automatically open after connecting the iPod, open iTunes. Don't let go of Shift+Ctrl.
    3. Wait until the iPod comes up in the Source list under DEVICES (it may take awhile, but don't let go of Shift+Ctrl)
    4. For iTunes 7, under the Summary tab, scroll down and check "Manually manage music and videos."
    Using "Manually manage":
    To add new music to the iPod, you will now have to drag those onto the iPod from the iTunes music list.
    After a song is on the iPod (to confirm, eject the iPod and listen to the song), you can now delete it from iTunes.

  • Is there a way to use multiple ipods on one computer without them overwriting each other?

    i have in total 3 ipods.
    One is an the square ipod. (the one with the moving screen on the right)
    the second is an ipod shuffle (the touch screen one)
    and i just got an ipod touch. (the colorful one)
    i still use all my ipods but on my first two i use the same itunes for it. so for example, i use one ipod to download all of my music library.
    then i connect my second ipod only to download selected songs.
    but now that i have an ipod touch, one of the ipods is going to be overwritten.
    So is there a way for that not to happen?
    having a flash drive for a seperate itunes for one ipod is to much of a hassle.
    but if anyone has the answers, i would greatly appriaciate it.
    thanks! : D

    Why do you think that one will be over written?
    You can sync as many ipods/iphones/ipads as you like to one computer.  Each is different and will only sync what you select.

Maybe you are looking for

  • Tutorial and SDRDemo ..Build Rich Client Forms in JDeveloper .

    I am doing the self learn tutorial in Jdeveloper ADF Business Components     10.1.3.34.12 CVS Version (External)     (CVSNT) 2.5.03 (Scorpio) Build 2260 (client/server) Java™ Platform     1.5.0_05 Oracle IDE     10.1.3.34.12 Struts Modeler Version   

  • Reg. QS17 & ST05----Have ur points

    Hi all, in tcode- qs17, i want to see table where 'specification data is going on'. for that i used ST05, I got lot of tables here....now wht is the way for finding my specification fields. Pleas help me out... Have ur points... Regards, pradeep phog

  • Breadcrumbs are starving me!

    Dear Forum, This post is about the ADF Breadcrumbs control. I am finding a lot of things wrong with it. It could be that I just don't understand it, or that it is specifically designed for ADF framework applications - and not for ADF Faces applicatio

  • Apia, Samoa time zone support for iCloud

    There does not seem to be support for the Apia, Samoa time zone in iCloud.  This is an idiosyncratic time zone being UTC +13hrs with daylight savings (UTC +14hr) during the "summer" commencing at 3am on the last Sunday in September and ceasing at 4am

  • Prompting a user input help

    Ok, I am working on my first database and I am trying to create an end-user intput to populate my table. I have created a before insert trigger that should automatically populate two fields. Here it is: SQL> CREATE OR REPLACE TRIGGER emp_update 2 BEF