Question on managing two iPods on one computer

Currently, I manage my iPod Nano on my laptop and manage my iPod Video on my desktop computer.
Im now thinking of managing both iPods on one computer. My plan would be to use the same iTunes library for both iPods and whenever the nano is connected, I would have iTunes set to sync only selected playlists and when the iPod Video is connected, have iTunes sync all songs and playlists.
My queston is; if I set it like this the first time each iPod is connected, does iTunes remember this setup the next time each iPod gets connected (i.e., the next time the nano gets connected, iTunes will automacically sync selected playlists and the next time the iPod video gets connected, iTunes will automatically sync all songs and playlists)?

When you use multiple iPods with one iTunes library each can have it's own setting and iTunes will recognise each iPod when it's connected and use the setting you have chosen. If any of your iPods are currently set to update automatically you need to take care connecting to a different iTunes. You can use a keyboard command to prevent your iPod auto-syncing with iTunes. While connecting the iPod to the computer on Windows with iTunes 7 installed hold down the Shift + Ctrl keys. This will stop the iPod from auto-syncing with iTunes and the iPod will appear in the source list. Wait until you are sure the iPod has mounted, and that it will not auto sync and then you can let the keys go. This may take between 20 to 30 seconds depending on your computer: iTunes 7.3 Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows
Once you have the iPod connected to the computer you intend to use you can set the update option accordingly. However just remember that if you did ever want to use the iPods on both computers again you would need to set them to manual update: Using iPod with Multiple computers

Similar Messages

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    I have an iPod (early 40G model, and it's fine). I installed iTunes, and all fine. A year goes by. Another member of the household gets an iPod (mini), and we load the software into a different subdirectory in Program Files. This erases my iTunes, but all still works fine for some reason. i.e. when I attach my iPod, it is recognised, and my iTunes music is shown on the screen. When the other iPod is attached, same thing (i.e. it is recognised and her iTunes are shown on the screen). Our different music folders are stored in different subdirectories.
    This is all fine, until her iPod erases itself, and is now no longer recognised by iTunes. In the processes advised for solving this situation (restore and reset etc) we erase my iPod (but have managed to restore music to if after re-installing the original software that came with it.)
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    Thanks in advance for your help.

    Yep. Playlists will do it.
    If you want other options, see this:
    Natalie Beresford: Multiple iPods/iTunes Installations

  • 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

  • Can you have two iPods for one computer?

    I know nothing about iPods so please excuse me for this question that probably has an obvious answer. My sister has an iPod nano that she has been using with our computer for a long time. I just bought an iPod and was trying to set it up. So can I use her i tunes to put music on my ipod or how does it work? I am aware you are not supposed to steal music though. So what am I supposed to do?

    Yes, you can use 2 iPod with 1 computer quite easily.
    Using two iPods with One Computer
    JC

  • How do i get two ipods on one computer

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    There are a couple of methods for using more than one iPod on a single computer. Have a look at the article linked below. Method one is to have two Windows accounts which by definition would give you two completely separate libraries. Method two is to set your preferences so each iPod is updated with only certain playlists within one library. Have a look anyway and see what you think and go for whichever you feel suits your needs best: How To Use Multiple iPods with One Computer

  • How can I use two Ipods on one computer.

    I was wondering if it is possible to use 2 Ipods on one computer without having to reload all of the music to the new library.

    If you are adding a second 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 users then there are actually a few methods for using more than one iPod on a single computer: How To Use Multiple iPods with One Computer
    Just to summarise what's in the link above which is a little out of date:
    Method one is to have individual Mac or Windows user accounts which by definition would give you completely separate iTunes Music folders and libraries.
    Method two is to set your preferences so that any or all of iPods get updated with only certain playlists within one library:
    Loading songs onto iPod automatically - Windows
    Choosing the update option "Sync Music - Selected playlists" 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 iPod. You can read more about playlists at these links:
    iTunes: Creating playlists of your favorite songs
    How to create a Smart Playlist with iTunes
    Another option when using a single library is to set any or all of the iPods to manual update: Managing content manually on iPod

  • Can you have two ipods on one computer?

    Ok I have a mac computer and an ipod nano and everything works great, but my mom is now getting an ipod nano. Is there a way to have two ipods on my computer, where each ipod has it's own library and account so we don't have to share all of our music?

    There are actually a few methods for using more than one iPod on a single computer: How To Use Multiple iPods with One Computer
    Just to summarise what's in the link above which is a little out of date:
    Method one is to have individual Mac or Windows user accounts which by definition would give you completely separate iTunes Music folders and libraries.
    Method two is to set your preferences so that any or all of iPods get updated with only certain playlists within one library:
    Loading songs onto iPod automatically - Mac
    Choosing the update option "Sync Music - Selected playlists" 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 iPod. You can read more about playlists at these links:
    iTunes: Creating playlists of your favorite songs
    How to create a Smart Playlist with iTunes
    Another option when using a single library is to set any or all of the iPods to manual update: Managing content manually on iPod

  • Two Ipods for one computer

    i just set up my ipod on my computer and everything is working. how do i set up a family members on a different account and different itunes?

    There are actually a few methods for using more than one iPod on a single computer: How To Use Multiple iPods with One Computer
    Just to summarise what's in the link above which is a little out of date:
    Method one is to have individual Mac or Windows user accounts which by definition would give you completely separate iTunes Music folders and libraries.
    Method two is to set your preferences so that any or all of iPods get updated with only certain playlists within one library:
    Loading songs onto iPod automatically - Windows
    Another option when using a single library is to set any or all of the iPods to manual update: Managing content manually on iPod

  • How to Install two Ipods on one computer?

    I want to install my Ipod and my wifes one on one computer. Do I need to have two accounts at itunes and if yes, can I have two accounts on one computer?
    Thanks!

    No need for two accounts.
    Open itunes, connect ipod, select what you want to sync, disconnect ipod.
    Connect other ipod, seletc what you want to sync, sync.

  • How to put two ipods on one computer

    how to put two ipods on one computer

    Set up the second exactly the same way as you set up the first. If iTunes is already installed, it doesn't need to be installed again.
    (64746)

  • Two ipods on one computer

    My daughter has an ipod and I'm getting a second ipod. I have separate user accounts and want to have separate itunes but access the same library. I've read the "How to use multiple ipods with one computer" and "Itunes How to share music between different accounts on the same computer".
    I copy the "iTunes Music Folder" only from the original user account that has all the music on it to the "\Documents and Settings\AllUsers.WINDOWS\Documents\My Music".
    I then Open iTunes, Edit, Preferences, Click Advanced and Navigate each iTunes account to the location of the iTunes Music folder.
    But the new account still doesn't show the music of the old account. I copied an album into my new account and thats all I ever see in there. I'm good at following directions so I don't believe I missed anything. I was a little confused at first about the "Important: Do not move the iTunes folder, the iTunes 4 Music Library file or the iTunes Library.xml file." (part of step 3) but moved only the "iTunes Music" folder.
    Sorry this is so long,
    Would appriciate any help
    Mainer

    Ok, so the iTunes music folder holds all the music. I copy or drag my iTunes folder and my Daughters iTunes folder from our separate user accounts to the shared music folder. Then open iTunes and steer my and my Daughters iTunes Music folder location to the same place.
    If she downloads new music I would have to open iTunes under my user account. Go file/add folder to library/ locate the new music on the shared music folder and that would bring something into my library file so I could see the new music on my iTunes.
    I guess what I started out to do was save memory space on my computer. Does all this do that?
    If it doesn’t I really don’t care anymore as long as I can copy her new music to my iTunes and vise versa.
    Thanks for the help
    Mainer

  • First ever message ever sent - Two ipod users One computer

    Could someone help please. I have been happily using itunes with my ipod nano for a couple of years. My daughter has now got an ipod shuffle for her birthday. How do I seperate my library from hers. Clearly she will not want my playlists etc

    This should help:
    How to use multiple iPods with one computer
    Regards.

  • Best way to manage 2 iPods on one computer

    I know there are similar threads, but I didn't see my specific question answered, so here goes.
    I have an iMac that my wife and I share using separate user accounts (trust me, it's better that way). I already have an iPod nano that I use on my account exclusively. Now, I bought my wife a nano for Christmas and without thinking about it too much today I logged onto her account, plugged in her new nano and set up a new iTunes account under her name, thinking it would be best for her to control and manage her own music from the store. However, now I'm realizing that she can't copy any of the music from my Library into hers (even songs ripped from my CD's) to sync to her iPod. I was able to share my Library with her so she can play the songs in my Library, but I can't copy them into hers. Even if she re-rips songs from our CD's into her Library this seems like a waste of space to have duplicate copies of certain songs, and if she wanted to have certain songs I've already purchased it seems like she should have permission to use them under the "5-computer authorization" rules without having to purchase them again. Is that true, or just wishful thinking in today's DRM world?
    I've read some threads that discuss creating a "shared" iTunes folder that both accounts could point to and create separate playlists for each. I guess that would work, but now I've already associated her iPod to her independent iTunes account. Is there a way to "undo" that and associate it with my existing account. When I set it up earlier I had the option to log into my existing account and I chose to set up a new one. Was that a mistake?
    I apologize for the rambling, but I'd appreciate some advice on the best way to set up our system with 2 iPods and 2 user accounts. If I set it up to have 2 iPods under one iTunes account, accessed from 2 different user accounts on my iMac, would I then be able to copy music files freely between the two Libraries? If so, that's probably what I would want to do - but I need to somehow establish her iPod with my existing account. If not, I guess I should just keep it the way it is now since I can't share the music anyway.
    Sorry for the rambling...Merry Christmas to all!
    Allen

    Syncing is generally referred to as the "automatic transfer of songs and playlists" to the iPod from iTunes, and manual means you do it manually by dragging and dropping individual songs/albums/artists etc from iTunes to iPod.
    Which setting is better for your iPod(s) depends on many things. You could set both to manual and drag different playlists to different iPods.
    Or, you could keep the convenience of auto sync and choose to transfer "selected playlists" to each iPod. This setting can be found by connecting the iPod and when the summary screen appears, click on the 'music' tab, you will see the options to:
    "sync music" with either "all songs and playlists" or "selected playlists". Choose "selected playlists".
    Select the playlist(s) that you want to go to the iPod, and that's it. Then do the same with the other iPod.

  • Managing two Ipods off one itunes list

    i have an extensive library and have two Ipods (30g & 2nano) how could you manage most playlist on 30 and a couple playlist on the other - is it possible? how can you updae only a portion?

    Set your IPODs to "Auto Update Selected Playlists Only" or set them to "Manual Update"
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    Answer: Yes. Each iPod communicates a unique device identification number to your computer, allowing you to take advantage of automatic music transfers to your iPod even if you share a computer with another iPod user. You can choose to automatically update your entire music collection on multiple iPod players or choose to update selected playlists, allowing you to transfer custom playlists to individual iPod players.

  • 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 ...
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    Open iTunes prefs -> iPod and select Automatically update only selected playlists and pick this new playlist.

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