MTP Device users that are experiencing Duplicated tracks after transfering playli

Question

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All MTP device users,
One of our technical support advisors just left here after discussing a duplicated tracks issue that he has been presented to him on the Zen Vision:M. This has also been discussed here in the forums. We were able to re-create the issue and developed a workaround that should resolve this. I don't always get to interact / develop solutions like this, so I thought you all might be interested before it is available in our knowledgebase.
WHY IS THIS HAPPENING:
MediaSource gives a user multiple methods of transfering content to your portable device.
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Transfer through Sync Manager (Good for initial transfer or subsequent updates)</LI>
Transfer as part of a Playlist (User creates a playlist and any file not on the player in a structured manner are transfered)</LI>
Direct Transfer (User selects a track in the library and transfers to a folder on the player / device, more control for those that like it)</LI>
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The duplicate tracks are being created when a Direct Transfer is used on the initial loading of the device. With this, MediaSource transfers the files directly from the Music Library to whichever folder is selected on the device at the time of the transfer. If the 'Music' folder is selected, then all tracks will be copied directly to the 'Music' folder with no subfolders or structure created.
Following that, if a user creates and transfers a playlist to the portable device, MediaSource will copy the files into a subfolder structure based on Artist / Album and create a second copy of the files in this structure. Subsequent playlists will use this structure and any file within will not be duplicated.
Upon viewing the Albums or tracks on the player, the file now exists in that initial transfer location as well as in the folder structure created. Thus, Duplicated tracks.
HOW DO I FIX THIS:
If you do not have a copy of the tracks on your computer, copy them back from the initial transfer folder. Usually the root of the device or the 'Music' folder. Once safely backed up, delete the individual tracks in the folder leaving any folders already created (Formatting or deleting all from the player is also an option).
Method #.
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Select the MTP player in the left MediaSource menu</LI>
Click the 'Sync Manager' Icon.</LI>
Select PC Music Library and My Zen and set the sync direction as appropriate. Click Next.</LI>
Select the Audio checkbox. Click Next.</LI>
Select Start.</LI>
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Once complete, the tracks will now be stored on the device in a folder structure under 'Music' - 'Artist' - 'Album' - 'Track.xxx' This will give all of your playlists a common / structured location to find and organize your tracks without duplicates. Follow up additions or transfers should be handled using the Sync Manager or a Smart Playlist which includes recently added tracks which can then be transfered to the player.
Method #2.
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Select the PC Music Library in the left MediaSource menu.</LI>
Select All Tracks (Or those that you wish to transfer to your device).</LI>
Right Click, choose 'Add to Playlist'</LI>
Name the playlist 'Initial Transfer'</LI>
Now select 'My Playlists' / 'Initial Transfer' in the left window and your portable device in the right menu.</LI>
Click the Transfer Arrow.</LI>
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Once complete, the tracks will now be stored on the device in a folder structure under 'Music' - 'Artist' - 'Album' - 'Track.xxx' This will give all of your playlists a common / structured location to find and organize your tracks without duplicates. Follow up additions or transfers should be handled using the Sync Manager or a Smart Playlist which includes recently added tracks which can then be transfered to the player.
Please feel free to post any comments here,
Daniel

Answer 1

slipinator,
You do realize that there are multiple moderators and I do not see every post, correct? This is a user interaction forum and if you have questions that other users cannot answer then it is advised that you contact Technical Support. I am not trying to be a jerk, just don't want to have any false impressions of what this board is here for. I try to answer what I can when I can, but I cannot get to every post.
For your question, the second one is more correct. When you transfer playlists, or use the auto sync, then the tracks are copied and organized. If you simply copy tracks in MediaSource, then it copies them directly where you tell it to.
So with your first question, if you copied tracks and playlists all at once, then you would create duplicates. The tracks would copy where you told them to (root, music, wherever) and then the playlists would copy the tracks again into an organized set of folders under Music when they transfered.
Your second question / statement is the better way to go if you don't want to use the Autosync.
Daniel
Message Edited by Daniel-CL on 04-06-2006 04:24 PM