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.

Similar Messages

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

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

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

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

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.

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

How do I sync multiple ipods to one computer?

How do I sync multipleipods through one computer? I know it must be pretty basic but I cannot get it. I have my Itunes store account up, but my wifes ipod info is up on the left side of the screen. I do not want to sync to her info and the messages acknowledge that it is my ipod connected.

Connect each one separately. Sync it with your desired info using iTunes. Then do the same with each device. You may configure the desired info separately for each device as long as each device has a different name. You can change the name from the sidebar listing in iTunes.
Download the IPod Touch user guide

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

Multiple logins on one computer - Different accounts, same picture...?

Greetings,
Since the iPhone 3.0 recently released push notifications, I decided to open an account for my wife that she could use on her iPhone. From what I understand, iChat now allows multiple logins on each computer.
I set everything up accordingly, noted that I am the admin on this computer, my picture pops into my ichat name. If I then enable her account on the same computer, her login also pops up next to my window. This is working according to plan.
However, if I try to change the picture on her ichat window it also changes on mine. What am I doing wrong here?
Cheers...

Hi,
iChat can not display different Buddy Pics for different Buddy Lists.
This may change with Snow Leopard.
Click the iChat Menu and use the Feedback option and post your wish there.
iChat can use one of 4 Buddy pics.
You can set a Pic in the iChat Buddy List by clicking on the current one and using the edit features.
If there is not one in the Address Book for yourself And this tends to be the one selected in System Preferences > Accounts > Your account although you can set them to be different (Three choices so far) it will default to one for the account type (A Running yellow man for AIM, A Blue Globe for @mac.com names and the Cloud for MobileMe names).
Apple have tended to suppose that if two or more people are going to be using a Mac that there are then Mac User Accounts set up on the computer and therefore there is no issue with Buddy Pics.
The iChat Buddy List is held on the AIM server (AIM names, @Mac.com [email protected] ones).
Part of the process is that the local Buddy list compares this to the Address Book and Add the Real names you have entered.
So only this name in the Address Book on that computer will show Real names if entered.
You can Export the Address Book on one computer and Import on the other to get them the same. (Or Sync via MobileMe if you have an Account)
You are getting in to the realms of your wife's Buddies being in your Address Book.
Did I mention another Mac User Account ?
10:31 PM Thursday; June 25, 2009

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.

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.

Problem with multiple iPods on one computer

I just got a new Ipod and since my computer's internet is down I'm using the computer my mother and brother use for their iPods. We each have our own user profile on the computer. However when I plugged my iPod into the computer for the first time it synced all the music from my brother's library into my iPod. I had thought about just restoring it, but I am affraid doing that might erase all of my brothers music. I logged into his profile to comfirm that he had logged out of iTunes and he was. So I'm not sure what the problem is. How do I fix this? I really don't want my memory wasted on his music.

Just restore the iPod it will not effect the contents of iTunes.

Multiple ipods but one computer--different libraries?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for