Multiple Computers / Multiple iPods

I have two computers at home that I use to sync both my iPods. Is there anyway that both computers can have access to the same Music folder so that whatever updates I make on one appears on the other?

Each computer can have access to the same music if you have set up a home network in one of the many ways. But, each computer and each user on each computer will have different iTunes libraries. Changes made in one will have to be made manually to the others.

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Multiple family mbrs, multiple ipods, multiple accnts, multiple computers

I have a family of 6, we each have various ipods (iphone, ipod, nano, shuffle, etc), and we have multiple computers -- some Mac and some PC.
We need to understand what factors impact the ability to put a particular track on one or more devices, manage a given device from one or more accounts on one or more computers, and share, as allowed, between devices, people, iTunes libraries, iTunes store accounts, for both purchaed tracks and MP3 files that we might already own, etc...
I'm looking for a simple and concise description of all of the factors. Any pointers?
If the iTunes world were simple we could simply each have our own music -- stored in one or more places in one or more accounts, on one or more computers. We would be able to share what we like, and put whatever subset we like on whichever device, manage any device from any account on any computer, etc... Of course this could be subject to licenses, but it should at least be possible to get a statement of what license restrictions exist.
Can anyone suggest any references for this? I assumed it was simple, but anyone who has recently plugged a "guest" iPod into another computer will know this is not the case after having been rewarded with the choice of wiping all content off of the iPod, or somehow transferring the content to the friend / family member (with no clear indication of whether this also comprises transferring the content away from the original user, nor how, if possible, to undo such a move later, etc...)
I have seen an article relating to using multiple ipods with one computer, but it does not address all of the issues -- for example using one ipod with multiple computers, etc...
Thanks in advance.

Let's see if we summarise the main points that will help you decide on a strategy:
+ An iPod can automatically sync (one-way transfer from iTunes to iPod) with just one iTunes library.
+ An iPod (but not an iPhone) in manual mode can accept tracks from multiple libraries.
+ iTunes can transfer (copy) purchases from an iPod into the library if authorised for the account used to purchase them.
+ Networks, memory sticks, portable hard drives, CD-R, DVD-D and iPod to PC transfer programs can be used to move other content between your libraries.
+ The new "home sharing" feature probably has some relevance too, but I've not explored just what the capabilities are.
+ For each account, DRM puchases can be authorised on up to 5 computers at any one time.
+ For each computer, up to 5 accounts may be authorised on it at any one time.
+ Each iPod may hold DRM content from up to 5 different accounts.
+ DRM content may be transfered to as many iPod's as you wish.
+ Most iTunes Store content is no longer subject to DRM, the main exceptions being Movies & Games/Applications.
+ iPods can be formated for use with either Mac or Windows. You can manage content on a Windows formatted iPod with either system, but the reverse is not the case. Firmware updates & restores must take place on the native system.
+ An undocumented/unsupported feature is that if you clone a library (make a complete copy of the iTunes library files and media content) and place this on another machine, an iPod "synced" to the original library will also see any clone as its "home" library. Once cloned you don't have to keep all the content available in each locataion. For regular iPods if syncable content cannot be found corresponding files on the device will be left alone (not updated or deleted).
+ The main database file of an iTunes library can only be opened by one process - multiple users on the same computer or over a network will lead to problems. Always close iTunes before switching profiles.
+ The media content folders can be simultaneously accessed by multiple accounts.
+ Automatic syncing has a number of advantages. You can update tag info. in iTunes knowing that when updated the iPod will recieve all the updates. Using playlists you can manage the content that will go on an iPod without having it connected. Ratings & playcounts can sync in both directions. All the content required to restore your iPod is in one location.
+ Manual management allows you to add content from whichever library you are connected to.
+ iTunes does not keep track of files moved or updated by other programs or instances of iTunes. If you share content folders then it is best to avoid the *Keep iTunes Media folder organised* option. When you update content on one machine, e.g. change a capitalisation or correct a spelling, other libraries will only notice the change if they access the file in some way, e.g. by playing it.
I'm sure there's more that I can't think of just now but that's a start.
*Personal Case history:*
Our family has an iPhone, a Nano, 3 Classics (old & new) and a 5th gen. I started by making most of the purchases on my account, putting the children's gift cards onto my store account for example, but two now have their own accounts. I manage most of the music in one main library that sits on a network. One child has a separate library which started as clone of the original and then had content that he dislikes removed... This means I can update his iPod at either his machine or mine although if I add any of his music I have to remember to update both libraries. When he uses iTunes on his computer he only sees the rock/blues/metal that he likes whereas the main library has everybodys content lumped together.
All the iPods are set to sync automatically using the method two (Sync with selected playlists) from the Apple support document How to use multiple iPods with one computer, although I have a slight twist. Rather than regular playlists I set the grouping field to indicate which users should receive which tracks and create smart playlists based on the content of this field.
e.g.
"Alice's Tracks" is "Playlist is Music" + "Grouping contains Alice" + "Kind contains audio"
"Bob's Videos" is "Playlist is Music" + "Grouping contains Bob" + "Kind does not contain audio"
Tracks that both Alice & Bob want on their iPods have the grouping set to "Alice/Bob"
etc.
This way each of us gets a different selection of content to suit our tastes and the capacity of our iPods. An advantage of using the grouping field is that it is stored in file tags (for non-wav audio files anyway) so that it is relatively easy to recreate the playlists should the iTunes library get trashed. Also useful if you move files about manually as playlist membership is preserved when you delete & re-import the tracks.
However you choose to do things you should also create a backup. My main library gets synced to a portable hard drive using SyncToy 2.1 (Windows) which I sometimes take to work and sync there, giving me three complete copies of my library at any one time and I can update any iPod from any instance of the library. An occasional scan of the contnet folders with iTunes Folder Watch helps me catch up if, for example, a podcast has download at one location but the library is overwritten with a newer version from the other.
Hope that's given you some useful food for thought...
tt2

Multiple iPods on 1 Macbook + later installation on different computers

Hi =)
I have a Macbook with iTunes installed and my own music library I currently use with my iPod video.
For their respective birthdays, I would like to prepare two iPods Nano for my parents, one for each.
Ideally, I would like to create two additional separate libraries for them and ensure that my own is not synchronized on the Nanos (we do not enjoy the same music =).
How should I proceed with regards to this?
Also, when they get their Nano and I install iTunes on their respectives computers, would I just need to transfer (by CD-ROM or memory stick) their libraries onto their computers? Or is it not that straightforward?
Thank you very much for your help!
Dominique

With iTunes 7 it is possible to have multiple libraries in a single account. To create or access a second (or more) library, hold down the Option key when launching iTunes. 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 -Mac
Another way to do it would be to create separate Mac user accounts. 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.
If the libraries aren't too large you could certainly copy them using CD-Rs or DVDs. You'll get a few more options here: How to move music between authorised computersTransfer iTunes Store purchases using iPod
The transfer of non iTMS content such as songs imported from CD is designed by default to be one way from iTunes to iPod. However there are a number of third party utilities that you can use to retrieve music files and playlists from your iPod, this is just a selection. I use Senuti but have a look at the web pages and documentation for the others too, you'll find that they have varying degrees of functionality and some will transfer movies, videos, photos and games as well. This is just a small selection of what's available, you can also read reviews of some of them here: Wired News - Rescue Your Stranded Tunes
Senuti Mac Only
iPodRip Mac Only
PodView Mac Only
PodWorks Mac Only
iPodDisk PPC Mac Only (experimental version available for Intel Macs)
YamiPod Mac & Windows
Music Rescue Mac & Windows
iPodCopy Mac & Windows
There's also a manual method of copying songs from your iPod to a Mac or PC. The procedure is a bit involved and won't recover playlists but if you're interested it's available at this link: Two-way Street: Moving Music Off the iPod
One last thing you need to be aware of is that by setting up the iPods on your Mac, they will be Mac formatted. This will be fine if your parents also have a Mac. However Mac formatted iPods won't run natively on a PC because the Windows OS does not support the HFS Plus file system and therefore will not see the drive. To format a Mac iPod for Windows it has to be restored on a PC. Restoring will erase and reformat the iPod's drive, reload the software and put it back to default settings which will mean anything you put on the iPods will be lost and they'll have to be reloaded from the PC: Restoring iPod to factory settings with iTunes 7

Multiple iPods, multiple computers, one account???

I have four computers and will soon have four iPods (one model #M946OLL, three new Nanos) My main computer has iTunes loaded with all our downloaded and purchased music. Please advise as to how I set up the three new Nanos, each with their own computer, but sharing all the music. Note, all music will be purchased with the same account. Thank you!

Start with these links:
Natalie Beresford: Multiple iPods/iTunes Installations
How to use multiple iPods with one computer
How to share music between different accounts on a single computer
Using iPod with Multiple Computers
Then post back with your desired 'end-state' vision of how all four PCs will work with all four iPods. It may or may not be possible (or even easy, if possible).

Synching multiple ipods to 2 computers

my children have an i-tunes account that they share and their ipods are all linked to that account and synched on their computer...my husband and I recently bought i-phones...can we all be linked to the same i-tunes account/music library and share all the same music, but my husband and I synch from our own computers? If so, how do we do that?

Yes you can use multiple iPods with a single library, this is covered in the document I linked to.
One method of sharing a single library, is to set any 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): iPod - Syncing Music
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 and iPhone

Multiple iPods with Multiple computers

I have two iPods and each syncs with a different machine. Each has a unique music library. What would happen if I switched iPods. i.e. plugging two different iPods into one machine? Will they somehow merge the libraries, or will iTunes just complain that I'm confused.
Thanks,

Have a look at this article: How To Use Multiple iPods with One Computer
Also, before you connect an iPod that is currently linked to a different library, read this one: Using iPod with Multiple computers

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

Help! Using multiple ipods on same account - for education

Hi, I'm a primary school teacher and have just purchased 5 ipods to use with Year 2 students in the classroom. Is there any way of syncing the songs and/or short movies to all 5 ipods? I don't mind paying for these things once but not 5 times each time I need a little video! Please help me...the kiddies are aching to use them!
Thanks,
Bree

No problem... you can sync the same data, including purchased media, to multiple iPods. The 5-computer limit applies to the number of computers you can authorise to play your tracks, not the iPods they can be played on.
tt2

Itunes Library sharing with multiple ipods and 2 pc's

Hi, I have a new Ipod nano and want to use my wifes itunes library with my ipod. Which according to the tech stuff I can share the content by enabling on wifes pc. Done that, which I can now see library on my Acer laptop. However, I can't sync my playlist from her pc to my itunes. I want to download my own podcasts etc.. not clutter her itunes pc. When I transfer the ipod back to my pc it then wants to delete and re-sync.
We have 3 ipods in the house and 2 pc's.
Whats the best way of using the ipods and getting the most out of itunes?
Thanks

If you want to connect and use an iPod on more than one computer or with more than one library you need to change the update preference in the iPod Summary tab to "Manually manage music and videos" and click Apply. The content of iTunes and the iPod are not syncronised in this mode so the two can be different. You can directly access the content of the iPod and play it through iTunes and you can drag and drop whatever you want to the iPod from either library:
Using iPod with Multiple computers
Managing content manually on iPod and iPhone
Syncing Music to iPod
Something else to be aware of when using an iPod in manual mode is that the "Do Not Disconnect" message will remain on the display until you physically eject the device: Safely Disconnect IPod
There are several different ways to use two iPods with one computer, have a look at this help page for suggestions: How to use multiple iPods with one computer

Multiple iPods on one Mac

I'm a teacher at a music department at a small University. We have digitized our entire CD library to MP3's, and allow students to listen to MP3's at certain designated computers. We protect the MP3's, however, and do not allow students to download them to their own MP3 players, in order to protect copyright law.
We are considering purchasing iPod Touches for all of our students. What I would like to do have the students sync their iPods at a Mac in our department, and be able to put MP3 files from our library on their device.
On the Macs in question, the students already have to log in with their University ID, and then they can pull up iTunes and listen to MP3 files on the computer itself.
Is there going to be a problem with doing this? Can each student log into the same Mac, sync their iPod, and then go on their way?
Thanks,
Erin

There are several different ways to use multiple iPods with one computer, have a look at this help page for suggestions: How to use multiple iPods with one computer

Multiple IPods / Single Computer.

Is there a way to have multiple IPods synch to 1 computer with Itunes and each Ipod can synch to their own playlist.
We have three I Pods and three computers and I want to consolidate and have one Mac with a whole lot of music to hook up to the stereo.
If this can't be done, Apple needs to fix it so we can. More and more households have more than one Ipod.
Help!!!

Choosing the update option "automatically update selected playlists only" (called Sync Music - Selected playlists in iTunes 7) allows you to create a playlist specifically for each 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 by the other iPods. Make your playlist a Smart playlist and limit the size to just below the advertised capacity of your iPods ( for example, around 3700MB for a 4GB or 1800MB for a 2GB Mini or Nano). You can read more about playlists at these links:
iTunes: Creating playlists of your favorite songs
How to create a Smart Playlist with iTunes
How To Use Multiple iPods with One Computer
Another option when using a single library is to set one or all of the iPods to manual update: Managing content manually on iPod

Using multiple ipods on the same cpu

my little brother & older sister just got new ipod videos and while i have an ipod photo i need to know if any1 can tell me how to set it up so i can use multiple ipods on the same (windows) computer without creating multiple user accounts if its even possible

Hello,
We have three ipods in our home - new g5 (mine) and 2 minis. We all use the same computers. Basically our library contains around 15gb of music (everyones).
We have individual play lists - mine: good music; daughters rap or thumping stuff - lol.
When you first plug your new pods on you get a screen up which asks you what you want to do (its in preferences usually). Chose the option to automatically update the following playlists and select which one you want to match with that particular pod. My youngest daughter has a few playlists i.e on the go, chill etc. so she selects around 4. I have one, and my elder daughter has a couple.
Its easy to do (especially if I could work it out). Good luck.

Multiple iPods on a Windows XP Pro networked computer

The school where I work is having a problem with multiple ipods on Windows networked computers.
Several of our students have been given 5G ipods. Each student has a network logon with a fairly restrictive mandatory profile.
The idea is that each student could log on, plug in their iPod and download the appropriate podcasts for their needs.
Here is the issue. The first student to log in plugged the iPod in and did all the setup work.
The next student logged in to that same computer and plugged in his iPod. The machine recognized it as teh iPod fom the first student.
Anyone have ideas why this would be? I have read the Apple papers on using multiple ipods on one machine and one of their suggestions is to create multiple logons, so this whole issue should not even arise.
Thanks

The next student logged in to that same computer and plugged in his iPod. The machine recognized it as teh iPod fom the first student.
those symptoms can be produced by the issue described in the following document:
Windows confuses iPod with network drive or hard drive and may keep iPod from mounting or songs may seem to disappear
(if that is what is going on, it would be a "doubled" version of the basic problem. you get an initial drive letter confusion. a copy of the ipod_control folder from the first ipod ends up on one of the drives as a result of the drive letter confusion. when the second ipod is plugged in, you get a second drive letter confusion, the PC sees the rogue ipod_control folder on the drive ... and it interprets the drive as the first ipod.)

Multiple ipods on single computer?

Can I manage 2 ipods on a single computer? My wife wants one now . . . Are there any gotchas? Things to know before I buy the 2nd one?
wayne

That delt with one iPod and multiple computers. Though there are some hints there that might be helpful.
Anyone using multiple iPods with a single computer/music library?
wayne
HP Windows XP

Using iTunes on multiple ipods and PCs

I currently have an iPod mini (purchased 2005) which I use in conjunction with iTunes on my PC. My mini is now on its last legs, and so my partner and I are going to get some replacements: two iPod shuffles (one each) and a classic to put our combined music collections on.
There are a couple of things that I could use help with.
1.) How do I connect the three new iPods that we're going to buy to my existing iTunes library?
2.) Is it possible to create a combined iTunes library that is shared between my PC and my partner's PC, so that we can each share each other's music? (My partner is not currently on iTunes and would have to sign up first).
3.) Is it possible to use our shared iPod classic both on my PC and on my partner's? (My PC runs on windows xp and my partner's on windows 2000).
Thanks for your help!

There are several different ways to use multiple iPods with one computer, have a look at this help page for suggestions and choose the method that suits you best: How to use multiple iPods with one computer
If you want to connect and use an iPod on more than one computer or with more than one library you need to change the update preference in the iPod Summary tab to "Manually manage music and videos" and click Apply. The content of iTunes and the iPod are not syncronised in this mode so the two can be different. You can directly access the content of the iPod and play it through iTunes and you can drag and drop whatever you want to the iPod from either library (iPod shuffles can only be used with one library by the way):
Using iPod with Multiple computers
Managing content manually on iPod and iPhone
Syncing Music to iPod
Something else to be aware of when using an iPod in manual mode is that the "Do Not Disconnect" message will remain on the display until you physically eject the device: Safely Disconnect IPod

Multiple iPod question

Hello all,
My friend runs a DJ business, and she employs 3+ DJs as well as herself. She has a fairly extensive collection of music on her ipod/in her music library--both purchased and ripped, etc. She frequently brings her iPod to events/parties as another source of music.
She is interested in purchasing @ 3 iPods and distributing them to each of her employees--each iPod containing her library of songs. In other words, she'd like to have 3+ iPods with the same collection of music on each for use by her DJs.
Is this possible? Can multiple iPods be associated with one library? And, more importantly, can 3 iPods have purchased music on them that was bought by HER and associated with HER iTunes account?
In a perfect world, the iPods would be returned at the close of each DJ's show, and all be stored at her home.

Well, that's good to know--just out of curiosity, is there a limit to how many iPods can be associated with a single library/iTunes account? I know it's 5 for computers, but I'm just wondering if there's some enforceable limit on handhelds (I'm assuming NO, but I figured I'd ask).

Multiple Computers / Multiple iPods

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