Problem moving iTunes library between users on MacBook Pro / OS Lion

Hey guys, I can't figure this one out. I bought a new MacBook Pro, and since I didn't have the firewire cable, I just made my account on the new one. I got the firewire cable, and used migration assistant to transfer my old MacBook Pro over (photos, music, documents, etc...)
Now I have two accounts - my primary one "Matt Dustin" and my old one "Old Macbook." When logged into my primary, I can access all my songs, but they show up under shared, and not when I click Library at the top of my iTunes source list. How do I move them over? I tried placing my old library in a shared folder and important that, but it doesn't work.
I just want to delete account "Old Macbook" since I already transferred my old Macbook and have everything under "Matt Dustin", I just can't make my old iTunes library my primary one on the new account. Any help? I'll try to attach a screenshot of where the music currently is. You can see from the pics where it is, I want it on the top "Library", not "Shared."

Welcome to Apple Support Communities
There is a folder in /Users directory named "Shared" which can be opened by all users and where you can put your iTunes library to be shared among different users. Another option would be to use an external drive.
You only have to copy the iTunes library to that folder. In order to access there, open a Finder window, select the Go menu -> Go to Folder, and type:
/Users/Shared
After doing this, open iTunes while holding down the Alt key, and point iTunes to the library saved in that folder. Finally, open iTunes, go to iTunes menu (in the menu bar) -> Preferences -> Advanced, and choose the iTunes Media folder in the Shared folder. Do this in all your users.
Both roaringgnome's and Niel's answer (which is the same as this one) are valid. Just use the one you want to :-)

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Moving iTunes library between users

I am creating a new administrator account, and I would like to know how to move my iTunes library from the old account to the new account. Thanks to any and all who reply.
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If you want to share your library between the two accounts, see the following article:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93195

Sync itunes library between macmini and macbook pro

hi!
I have a MacBook Pro and a MacMini, both running ML 10.8.2 and iTunes 11.0.1. The MPB has a cd/dvd reader, the MM doesn't.
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Home sharing may be your answer as you can copy all the files over to the Mac Mini when the MBP is in range so they are always on there. Then in the settings you can set it to automatically transfer purchase. It would do this when the MBP is in range. Hoem Sharing is NOT just about streaming.
See this article
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4620

Move an iTunes library between users on the same mac

How do I move an iTunes library between users on the same mac?
I accidentally created a secondary user on my mac some time ago when using the migration tool and am now going back and transferring all my files from the secondary to the admin user profile.
I wanted to know which itunes files/folders need to be copied over.
Is the process as simple as replacing the itunes folder on admin with the copied itunes folder from my secondary profile or do I need to delete the admin folder first and then copy the old folder over or do I delete the contents of the folder and replace with the copied contents?
I am using shared folders to move between users, but want to make sure that I am picking the right files to transfer.
Thanks in advance.

Assuming you have left iTunes to default settings so everything is still in the iTunes folder the way iTunes likes it to be, copy the whole of the iTunes folder to the new location. If it is in the default directory (Home > Music) for iTunes the application will automatically use it there for the new account. If you put it elsewhere you will have to start iTunes and immediately hold down the option key to direct it to the new location.
It is just possible you will have to change permissions. If you encounter those issues read the part about changing permissions on the iTunes folder in: https://discussions.apple.com/message/11583914
This is all a slight variant on: iTunes: How to move [or copy] your music to a new computer [or another drive] - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527

HT1449 I've transferred my itunes library from PC to Macbook pro running latest itunes and now it will not recognize my iPods (nano 4 and 5th Gen an Ipod touch). All music is there and playable but will not recognize any devices

I've transferred my itunes library from PC to Macbook pro running latest itunes and now it will not recognize my iPods (nano 4 and 5th Gen an Ipod touch). All music is there and playable but will not recognize any devices. Help please

The ipod is not a backup/storage device.
You need to copy everything from your old computer to your new one.
The Apple store will do this for you, you can call apple support and they will help you, you can use google.

HT1222 Anybody else having problems installing itunes version 11 on a MacBook Pro?

Anybody else having problems installing itunes version 11 on a MacBook Pro? Is so, how can they be resolved?

You need to tell us exactly what messages you are seeing.
You posted this in the OSX 10.4 forum but your computer profile says you are running OSX 10.6.8 Which system version you are running makes a big difference.

Question/Problem Sharing iTunes Library between multiple users

Hello all,
I have a question (potential problem) regarding sharing an iTunes Library between multiple users.
In the past, I had placed the iTunes folder in /Users/Shared, and created an alias to it in the "Music" folder of each user, and it worked fine. However, with a recent upgrade to Mac OS 10.5, only the Home user account can access the library.
I read the Apple Support Document http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1203 uner Mac OS X which specifically states *not* to move the iTunes folder, just the iTunes Media folder (which I don't have, would that be iTunes Music?).
Any recommendations? Should I delete the different alias, move the iTunes folder back to the home user, and then follow the instructions in the support document?
We're also looking to sync music purchsed on our iPod touches, as well as apps (which weren't supported in our privous Mac OS X version.
Any advice is appreiciated.

David Guay wrote:
... iTunes Media folder (which I don't have, would that be iTunes Music?).
yes.
specifically states *not* to move the iTunes folder
*do* keep the entire iTunes folder in /users/shared, however, instead of creating aliases, launch iTunes while holding the option (⌥) key, click choose library when prompted, and select the iTunes folder in /users/shared.
obviously, only one iTunes at a time can access the library !

How can I share my iTunes library between user accounts in iTunes 11

Since upgrading my iTunes library to Version 11 I can no longer share the library between user accounts on the same Mac.
The 2nd user is asked to create oir use an iTunes library, but when it is pointed to the Media folder it cannot share it.
Previously in iTunes 10 it all worked fine.
How can this be done please?
The library is in a shared areas that we both have Read/Write permissions to.

jc_hering wrote:
that works for anything he purchases after he creates the new account. What about his current music that currently resides in my itunes library? How can I get his current music out of my library into his new account/library?? Thanks..
Copy it to his computer into his iTunes library and authorize his computer with the iTunes account used to purchase them..
You cannot tranfser items from one iTunes account to another. Purchased items remain part of the iTunes account is was purchased with.
iTunes account - used to purchase items
iTunes library - where purchases (and CD RIPs) go on the computer

Cannot share itunes library between users after Lion upgrade

Before the Lion upgrade, I was able to share my iTunes library between two users on the same computer. The library is located in HD > Users > Shared. Both users have read and write access to the folder. Home sharing is turned on in iTunes from the one user who can open iTunes.

This can be done with ACLs. I use it to share an iTunes library between my and my wife's user accounts.
First go to System Preferences -> Users & Groups, and make a new group. Call the group itunesshare. Add the users you want to the group.
Then, in Terminal, paste in all of this and press return:
sudo chmod -R +a "itunesshare allow delete,chown,list,search,add_file,\
add_subdirectory,delete_child,file_inherit,directory_inherit" \
Then drag the iTunes Library folder into the Terminal window and press return again. Enter the admin password when prompted.
Your iTunes library will then have full read and write permissions for all users in the iTunesshare group. This includes permissions to any items added to the library at any future time.

Share iTunes library between users

I would like all the users on my computer to share the same itunes library. It is music that belongs to our whole family and I don't want to have to store it in multiple places and take up space. How can I do this?

Create a folder within /Users/Shared to put all of your media. Then have each user account point its iTunes Library to that folder.
Follow the instructions here, except you're not moving your media to another hard drive; just to another (shared) location on the same hard drive:
http://www.apple.com/itunes/inside-itunes/2011/02/how-to-move-your-itunes-librar y-to-another-hard-drive.html

Sharing iTunes Library between user accounts...possible?

Hello all,
I'm an experienced Mac user but am currently setting up a new iMac for my family. I've never had more than one user account because I'm the only one who uses my macbook but now my family wants 3 different user accounts for the new iMac in their home.
Because I only use my one user account at home, I never thought about the fact that different user accounts would also split up iTunes music libraries. If I import music from a CD, I would like that to be accessible and available when using any 1 of the 3 user accounts. Is this possible?
For example, my mother and father purchase CDs together...so they both own the same albums. They want to share music on the iMac, but if I import discs twice it takes up twice the amount of time and much more importantly twice the amount of space. How can I get around this??? Can one user access another users iTunes library and make that the default folder?
Thanks for your help as always!!

What you need to do is locate the iTunes Music Folder that contains the actual music in a location that is read/writable by all users. By definition, the security on each user's home folder keeps others out.
A common suggestion is to locate the music in the /Users/Shared/ folder and make sure that everyone has read/write privileges. Bear in mind that means that anyone will be able to delete all the shared music.

Problems Moving iTunes Library To Another PC

Hi All -
I'm having problems moving my iTunes Library to another PC.
OBJECTIVE
I have a new PC, and I want to move my iTunes library off my old and onto the new. I want to be sure that I get all of the music and videos that I have both purchased and loaded. Total library size 132 GB.
MY CURRENT SETUP
o Old PC - Windows XP
o My current iTunes Library is not in the default location; my C: drive was too small, and I installed a separate data disk quite some time ago
o All of my files (music, videos, apps, etc.) are consolidated in the new library location.
WHAT I'VE DONE SO FAR
o Researched to find out how to copy my library to a new PC - from Apple's site
o Copied my iTunes library directory to an external disk.
o Installed iTunes on the new PC
o Opened iTunes on the new PC and changed the location of the library to a secondary data disk.
o Closed iTunes
o Copied my iTunes libaray from the external disk to the new PC library.
o Opened iTunes - where the heck is my stuff?!?
o Research ... i need the .itl file
o Apparently the itl file was not in the directory structure when I copied my library onto the external disk.
o Find the itl file ... copy the itl file ... open iTunes while holding down the <SHIFT> key
o Point to the new itl file which is now co-located w/ all of my content.
o iTunes shows my stuff, but when I click on one of the items, it tells me the file it not found.
Clearly I'm missing a step somewhere. I just want to move all my stuff, lock-stock-and-barrel, to a new installation of iTunes, on a new PC, into a library location other than the default.
Help!
Thanks.

With iTunes closed, copy the files iTunes Library.itl, iTunes Library Extras.itdb, iTunes Library Genius.itdb, sentinel and the folder Album Artwork from C:\Documents and Settings\Compaq_Owner\My Documents\My Music\iTunes into G:\ - Note that sentinel is a hidden file so use Tools > Folder Options > View > Show hidden files and folders in Windows Explorer to reveal it. The iTunes Music Library.xml file and Previous iTunes Libraries folder won't be needed.
Press & hold down shift as you click the icon to launch iTunes. Keep holding until prompted to choose or create a library, click choose and browse to G:\iTunes Library.itl
Check that you can play a file or two. Close iTunes
Rename G:\iTunesLibrary as G:\iTunes Media
Launch iTunes. Check under Edit > Preferences > Advanced that the media folder has been automatically updated to G:\iTunes Media. If not, use the Change... button to correct it. Don't consolidate files if prompted. Close iTunes, then reopen. Check that you can play media.
Close iTunes. Create a folder called G:\iTunes. Move the files iTunes Library.itl, iTunes Library.xml, iTunes Library Extras.itdb, iTunes Library Genius.itdb, sentinel and the folders Album Artwork & iTunes Media inside G:\iTunes.
Press & hold down shift as you click the icon to launch iTunes. Keep holding until prompted to choose or create a library, click choose and browse to G:\iTunes\iTunes Library.itl
Check under Edit > Preferences > Advanced that the media folder has been automatically updated to G:\iTunes\iTunes Media. If not, use the Change... button to correct it. Don't consolidate files if prompted. Close iTunes, then reopen.
Check that you can play media. You're done....This library can now be connected to any computer and you can use the shift-start-iTunes method to connect to it. whatever drive letter is provided.
If the media won't play at any stage stop, check that you've followed the steps properly or ask for help.
tt2

Help! Problems Moving iTunes Library

Sorry is this is a repost...i didnt quite know what to search for.
Here is my problem...i reformatted my computer and moved my itunes folder onto my ipod as it said to do in the apple tutorial. but it appears i failed to export the library and when i formatted my computer my drive letters changed and my library wont re-import. I REALLY don't want to loose all my playlists and ratings as ive spent sooo many hours using them.
I also have another ipod with all the data still on it from when i last synced it. is there a program i can use to take the data off of it to salvage my library on my new computer?
Ill be on to answer any questions and will be so grateful if you can help me out! Thanks so much!

With iTunes closed, copy the files iTunes Library.itl, iTunes Library Extras.itdb, iTunes Library Genius.itdb, sentinel and the folder Album Artwork from C:\Documents and Settings\Compaq_Owner\My Documents\My Music\iTunes into G:\ - Note that sentinel is a hidden file so use Tools > Folder Options > View > Show hidden files and folders in Windows Explorer to reveal it. The iTunes Music Library.xml file and Previous iTunes Libraries folder won't be needed.
Press & hold down shift as you click the icon to launch iTunes. Keep holding until prompted to choose or create a library, click choose and browse to G:\iTunes Library.itl
Check that you can play a file or two. Close iTunes
Rename G:\iTunesLibrary as G:\iTunes Media
Launch iTunes. Check under Edit > Preferences > Advanced that the media folder has been automatically updated to G:\iTunes Media. If not, use the Change... button to correct it. Don't consolidate files if prompted. Close iTunes, then reopen. Check that you can play media.
Close iTunes. Create a folder called G:\iTunes. Move the files iTunes Library.itl, iTunes Library.xml, iTunes Library Extras.itdb, iTunes Library Genius.itdb, sentinel and the folders Album Artwork & iTunes Media inside G:\iTunes.
Press & hold down shift as you click the icon to launch iTunes. Keep holding until prompted to choose or create a library, click choose and browse to G:\iTunes\iTunes Library.itl
Check under Edit > Preferences > Advanced that the media folder has been automatically updated to G:\iTunes\iTunes Media. If not, use the Change... button to correct it. Don't consolidate files if prompted. Close iTunes, then reopen.
Check that you can play media. You're done....This library can now be connected to any computer and you can use the shift-start-iTunes method to connect to it. whatever drive letter is provided.
If the media won't play at any stage stop, check that you've followed the steps properly or ask for help.
tt2

Share iTunes library between Tiger and XP Pro?

I just recently got windows XP running on my macbook. I have already imported all my music (as unprotected MP3's) in iTunes for Mac. Since hard drive space will be slim for Windows, I would like to have iTunes for windows use the same library as iTunes for Mac. I'm running MacDrive 7 and iTunes-Windows sees everything just fine, but I have MacDrive set to make my Mac partition read only so as not to corrupt it. This makes iTunes-Windows unhappy. Is there any way to make this work?

Just for your info, Vista ***** whatever you try to do. I'm stuck with Vista on a pre-installed laptop. All experience I have from Vista is bad, don't buy Vista or a computer with preinstalled Vista if you can avoid it.
We have three computers in a home network, one Macbook Pro, one PC with Windows XP, and the Vista laptop. All are using iTunes-8, downloaded and installed last week.
Sharing iTunes libraries using the option to share libraries on a local network works fine between Mac and Windows-XP. The sharing also works fine between the XP and the Vista PC.
But the Vista PC can't access the Mac iTunes library. When trying to open the Mac library, iTunes on the Vista computer says something like "Fetching library info from...". It's the same problem when trying to access the Vista library from the Mac.
We had a similar problem when trying to access shared folders on the local network. Thanks to a tip on this forum how to tweak the Vista registry, the shared folder problem was solved.
I'm think some registry setting in Vista might solve iTunes shared library problems. Maybe some Windows freak knows how to patch the registry to solve this issue.
Otherwise the solution is to trash Vista, and install Windows-XP.

ITunes Library to a New MacBook Pro

I've just purchased a new MacBook Pro and would like to move my iTunes library which now resides on my PowerBook to the MacBook Pro.
Can someone point me in the right direction on how to simply move the music over. I have several gigs worth of music and do have both Mac's on the same network.
-Michael

You should be fine if you move your whole iTunes folder (with the Library and the Music folder) over to the new Mac (or your whole user folder, for that matter). Repairing permissions afterwards is always a good idea.

Problem moving iTunes library between users on MacBook Pro / OS Lion

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