Organizing Music Folders

What is the best way to move all iTunes music into the same folder (from separate folders) without having to relocate each file?

check are checkboxes marked at Edit > preferences > advanced "keep iTunes media organized" and "Copy Files to iTunes media folder"
then click on top folder where all subfolders with music are located and OK

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HT203167 Why do files that I have organized into folders not stay in their folders after closing and reopening iTunes? And Why does the renaming get undone? I do this in iTunes Media/ Music.

Why do files that I have organized into folders not stay in their folders after closing and reopening iTunes? And Why does the renaming get undone? I do this in iTunes Media/ Music.

I recently had to reinstall my software for a
dell computer a dell latitude d 830, then after installing all of my software and such including itunes the player did well even record to disks with no problems now that my system has done alot of updating of system files....now the itunes does not burn to my cd...error message 2131 this time
The 2131 usually indicates firmware needs to be updated on a drive.
Head to your drivers and downloads page for your latitude at Dell, and check for updates to your firmware for your optical drives. If you're behind and you update, does that clear up the 2131?

Organizing music in iTunes

Hello-
I apologize if this question has been posted in the past, but I'm having a difficult time successfully searching the thousands of threads here.
I am a new iPod owner (80gb) and am trying to organize my music. I am running Windows XP and have my mp3s organized exactly as I'd like them on an external hard drive. My problem is that I cannot figure out how to get iTunes to import and organize them the same way.
An example of how my music is organized (in Windows Explorer on my hard drive) is as follows:
<folder> mp3s
--<folder> classical
----<folder> bach
------*files
------*Winamp playlist(s)
------*subfolders
----<folder> beethoven
------*files
------*subfolders
------*subfolders within subfolders
----<folder> brahms
--<folder> jazz
----<folder> charlie parker
------*files
------*Winamp playlist(s)
------*subfolders
----<folder> miles davis
Any suggestions on how to successfully make my iTunes library look like my Windows Explorer library would be much appreciated. I've spent considerable time in the past organizing my files and playlists into Windows folders/subfolders and would like to avoid re-learning how to re-organize everything in iTunes.
Thank you!
Toshiba Satellite Windows XP
Toshiba Satellite Windows XP
Toshiba Satellite Windows XP

No, iTunes cannot do as you want.
It organizes on the drive by Artist -> Album.
But everything is done in iTunes. so how/where it is stored on the drive is pretty much irrelevant.
You can maintain your own structure in one of two ways.
1
iTunes prefs -> Advanced.
Uncheck Copy files to iTunes music folder when adding to library.
File -> Add folder to library and start adding yoru folders. They will go into iTunes but willstay where they are. iTunes will not copy them into the iTunes music folder.
2
iTunes prefs -> Advanced.
Uncheck Keep iTunes music folder organized.
Drag your music folders into the iTunes music folder.
File -> Add Folder to library and select these folders.
iTunes will keep the directory structure as it is and simply add them the library.
If you later tick Keep iTunes music folder organized, it will move and rename everything according to the ID3 tags into Artis -> Album folders.
Note that iTunes playlists are not saved as a separate file like WinAmp or WMP. They are part of the iTunes library file.

Best way to organize/use multiple Music folders

I have a situation where I want to keep all of my classical music separate from the rest of my music. I was wondering if anyone has a suggestion as to the best way to go about doing this. The way I have done it is this: I created a new user account on my computer, and while logged into that account, I import all of my classical music into iTunes. This creates a separate music folder in the new separate account. Then, in order to access that music from my primary account, I enabled myself to access that folder by giving myself permissions. Is this the best way to go about this? Is there a way to create separate iTunes music folders from within the same user account? If not, is the way that I am sharing the best way to go about it? Would it be better to copy the music folder (or drag it) to the public folder, or shared folder?
Thanks for the input in advance.

teedoff087,
I've used (and use) the smart playlist option for many things. I would use it in this case, but I have a ton of classical music and I don't want to fill my main music library list with so much classical music. I sometimes listen to music straight from the main music library, and then there is the problem of it playing a rock song and then a classical, etc. Also, it becomes much more difficult to navigate through my main library when there is so much more content in it. I know with the use of smart lists, you can really create well organized music sub libraries, and I do use this feature often. I use it in my non classical library, as well as my separate classical one. I create lists for the different composers, or the era, such as Baroque, Romantic, Classical, etc. Also, Sonatas, Concertos, etc, and even musical instrument. Anyway, I guess my point is that it is just easier to keep the classical music separate. I had all of my music integrated on my last computer, and was often frustrated by it.
Thanks for the suggestion though. Any other thoughts you might have on the topic would be welcome and appreciated.

Missing music folders

Hello,
I've read many posts regarding similar issue I've been experiencing for awhile but yet to discover how to prevent it from happening. I've noticed that random music folders just go missing. Not all of them just some of them.To explain how I organize, I have one main folder "Music" and within that folder I create folders for each artist and within that folder I place each individual album. What's even more mysterious, some of these folders I know I haven't deleted them.
Now it's happened again but to an extend I haven't seen before. Most of the current music in my iPhone that I've been listening too are just completely gone and I'm absolutely baffled. I cannot find these folders, I've searched my HD and they are just simply gone. I'm running WIN8.1, would anyone be able to explain why this may be occurring? Any advice or help would be great. Thanks.

I don't know the answer, but I would recommend you turn off the feature that lets iTunes Keep the iTunes Media folder organized if there is any risk that iTunes might be at fault. Do you use the "convert higher bitrate songs to XXX AAC" feature? Hints that it might be involved. I'd also urge you to backup your library routinely. The method I use lets you review the proposed updates to the backup set, giving you a chance to recover any data that you don't want deleted.
See also Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device if applicable.
tt2

How to move from 3 separated itunes music folders into one new hard discs??

So : i bought a new external 6TB thunderbolt hard disc (for extra speed for my huge library) and i copied from 3 other 2TB hard disc into there. I named the sub folder the same like an original. I thought it is enough to determine the new place of each in "media folder locations" and updated.... but its not working
What should i do? How will see the itunes these music folders like an originals??? I dont want to reimporting, because i dont want to loose all of my "date added, played etc" informations.
If I'm doing three partitions with folders, as were the old ones will work?
..or should i rewrite the iTunes Music Library.xml with text editor?
pls help me and thx for answering!!!!!
macbook pro/ osx 10.8.4 / itunes 11.0.4

Best to give the new iPad a different name. I assume you have purchased an iPad 2 or the next generation iPad which is just called "iPad"? If so, you can name the iPad 2 "Kens iPad 2" or "Kens iPad 3" since the new iPad just introduced is the 3rd generation.
The first time you connect your new iPad to iTunes on the computer used for syncing your existing iPad, you will be prompted to transfer the backup for your existing iPad to the new iPad, or set up the new iPad as a new iPad. Both must be followed by a sync with iTunes.
Each device has its own sync preferences with iTunes, which can be the same or different for each device synced with the same iTunes library and computer.

Can I have two identical iTunes Music Folders for my Laptop and my desktop

I have an iMac Flower Power, 20GB of HD running OSX 10.2.8 as my desktop, 2 users, with an 80GB External HD (Firewire). I also have my new MacBook. Right now all my music and pictures are in my MacBook and I have BUps of everything in my external HD. My problem is that when I'm away, my wife can't listen to our music with the iMac 'cause I have all the files (iTunes is using the Library located at my Laptop). My questions are... Can I have 2 identical iTunes Music Folders, one in the XHD and one in my MacBook? How can I do to have both Folders sycronized so when I add music being away with my Laptop, then when I get back home the "home" Folder gets updated with the new music or viceversa? I have an iPod but I want to have the ability to also change the playlists in my iPod when I'm away. I hope this is not too hard to do.

This is what I did: First, I backed up my iTunes Music Folders. Then, I disconnected my xternal HD from my iMac and connected it to my MacBook where I had my iTunes Music Folder. Then, I copied the whole iTunes Music Folder to my xternal HD. Then I ejected the xHD from my MacBook, and connected back it to my iMac and restart. When the iMac was up I sent to the trash all the content of the iTunes Folders in my iMac, there is one in the root directory /Documents/iTunes and another in /Users/Home/Music/iTunes. Be aware that you need to "clean" the iTunes Folder which includes the iTunes Music Folder. Then I went to the xHD and copied the iTunes Library file (the data file) to /Users/Home/Music/iTunes Folder in my iMac, then open iTunes. After doing that you should be able to open your iTunes program in your desktop without having your laptop conected to your network. The only thing is that, in order to keep both libraries identical, you have to update podcasts in both computers every day, and import CD's in both computers every time you add one to your library, if you want to have the same thing in both computers. There might be another way to keep them both syncronized but I'm still searching for it. Make sure after you have your iTunes running, to go to Preferences/Advance, and set up you iTunes Music Folder Location exactly where you want it. I hope this help you guys. Let me know if you need clarification in any of this.
MacBook Black Mac OS X (10.4.7) 2GHz Intel Core Duo, 1GB RAM

How do I "link" my music folders to the iTunes Library?

I have recently upgraded my computer. I have formated my disk and installed a new XP, Office, iTunes etc.
Now I have all my music files on a disk D: and my iTunes at C: but I can't manage to "add"/"link" my music folders to the iTunes Library. After iTunes installation, I have changed the path at Edit/Preferences/Advanced/iTunes Music Folder Location to D: ... but the iTunes Library keeps "empty".
Help please !!!
Thanks.

Goncalo,
Changing the location of the iTunes Music folder will only affect songs you add with iTunes in the future.
To add the songs you already have, use the File menu > Add Folder to Library ... option and select the folder that contains your music in the navigation pop-up window that appears.

Copying music folders from an old ext HD to a new one

Hey guys, long time off the discussions, back with a question I hope you can help me in.
Got a macbook. Have all my iTunes library on an external HD. Since this HD is failing, bought a new one. The failing HD is not being recognized by my new macbook, only by my old powerbook.
My goal is to transfer my music files from the failing HD, connected to the old powerbook, to the new HD, connected to the new macbook.
My (idiot?) plan is:
1) To set the new iTunes library location to the new HD through my macbook;
2) To use a flash drive to copy all FOLDERS of artists from the failing HD;
3) To connect the flash drive on the macbook and ask it to add the folders to my new location (the new ext. HD)
4) Thing is, I´m not sure if iTunes will be able to copy FOLDERS instead of simple mp3 files. Is it possible? Is there a simpler plan to this mess??
Thanks a lot guys, any help appreciated.
Paulo

Copy the music folders to the new hd.
On the new computer, set iTunes prefs -> Advanced - iTunes music folder to the location of the music on the external drive.
File -> Add to library and select the music folder on the external.

I have 300 apps organized in folders on my ipod touch 4th gen, and connected my iphone 4, these apps have copied over but none have been placed in folders, any ideas how to replicate folders from ipod to iphone...?

I have 300 apps organized in folders on my ipod touch 4th gen, and connected my iphone 4, these apps have copied over but none have been placed in folders, any ideas how to replicate folders from ipod to iphone...?

What may work is to restore the iPhone fom the backup of the iPod. However, if the two devices ahve different apps that come with the device, that may mess up some of the folders.

Is there a way to mass add m4a music folders to the library?

I have several thousand music folders containing m4a music. The files are in the iTunes music folder but are not in the library. iTunes can only add one folder at a time to the library, a time consuming, user hostile restriction. Is there a way to mass add all of the folders to the library using either iTunes or another program?

Will iTunes ignore the non-music folders and files?
Yes, it will only import the files it can import.
I've read posts about files disappearing seemingly caused by iTunes.)
It shouldn't but you do have an up-to-date back of all your files, correct?

Any hope for music folders on the ipod Touch?

Hi All
It is getting VERY difficult to manage my music on my 32 Gb iPod Touch. I have hundreds of playlists (for example one playlist for every version of a classical piece; on playlist for a pop album, etc. etc.)
Is there any hope for music folders as in iTunes on the Touch?
ed

Why do you have a playlist for every album? If your tracks are tagged properly, you can just use the album menu on the Touch.
As for when/if there will be folders on the Touch, the only people who know are probably working under non-disclosure agreements. Who knows what will change when version 2.0 of the software comes out next month.
Best of luck.

In Windows 7, how to make music folders open with iTunes??

Ok, here’s my little problem:
In Windows 7, I have iTunes installed with WMP disabled. In the registry, I have added a Windows Explorer right-click shortcut for folders so that I can choose to open/play that folder’s content in iTunes (see image link below).
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u297/akita11/Explorer.jpg
All well and good, but I’m the lazy type. So what I would like, is when I left-click on a music folder that has audio files (like mp3’s) in it, instead of Windows Explorer opening the folder, for Windows to open/play such a folder in iTunes automatically. But, and that’s the thing I guess, this should only apply to music folders with audio files (like mp3’s) in it, and not to any other folder containing non-audio files.
I know I can go to the Folder Options control panel applet | File types, and edit the advanced settings for “Folder” from ‘Explore’ to ‘Play with iTunes’ as the default. But then this will be applied so that all and any folders open in iTunes, which isn’t exactly what I’m after.
I guess this can be handled via an advanced registry change, just like I added the Windows Explorer right-click shortcut via a simple registry setting. But for the **** of me I can’t figure out how to do it. I did google around a bit, but without any success.
All help and advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers

You need to place a shortcut to open Firefox in the Start > Programs > Startup folder.<br />
That is basically the same in all Windows versions.

The location for my music folders in itunes is showing correctly (E:\itunes\iTunes Media) but none of the songs are showing in my itunes library. Would be extremely grateful of any suggestions

The location for my music folders in itunes is showing correctly (E:\itunes\iTunes Media) but none of the songs are showing in my itunes library. Would be extremely grateful for any suggestions

Empty/corrupt library after upgrade/crash
Hopefully it's not been too long since you last upgraded iTunes, in fact if you get an empty/incomplete library immediately after upgrading then with the following steps youshouldn't lose a thing or need to do any further housekeeping. In the Previous iTunes Libraries folder should be a number of dated iTunes Library files. Take the most recent of these and copy it into the iTunes folder. Rename iTunes Library.itl as iTunes Library (Corrupt).itl and then rename the restored file as iTunes Library.itl. Start iTunes. Should all be good, bar any recent additions to or deletions from your library.
See iTunes Folder Watch for a tool to catch up with any changes since the backup file was created.
When you get it all working make a backup!
tt2

I have a windows pc, and a 2Tb portable HD, this contains all my music folders, what settings do i use or how do i get itunes to read my portable HD on F;/ drive ?

i have a windows pc, and a 2Tb portable HD, this contains all my music folders, what settings do i use or how do i get itunes to read my portable HD on F;/ drive ?

Hopefully you have the library files on the drive too, or access to the original computer where the library still works. See Make a split library portable.
tt2

Organizing Music Folders

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