Resync iPad 2 to a new iTunes "library" file

I got an iPad 2 as a gift to my mom over the weekend. Alas, as my mom isn't exactly tech savvy, I was going to just manage downloading apps and other things for the iPad on the same computer as my iPhone 4.
Unfortunately, while I was out of the house, my dad decided to charge the iPad on my computer. That synced the iPad 2 and the iPhone to same library and that caused me a few problems. For now, I am not auto syncing new apps on my iPad. However, I can see that managing both devices on one library might be problematic.
I saw that there is a way to have two library files using iTunes (using Option - Shift or something when I open iTunes).. It'll be a hassle but I think that might be the best way. However, I saw that iTunes said that I would "lose data" that I already had on the iPad if I synced to a new library file. Can anyone tell me what this means? Do i have redownload all the apps I purchased on my iPad?
I appreciate any thoughts on this.

Assuming that all of mom's content and all of your iPhone content is in the same iTunes library now .... and If you are purchasing all of the apps for mom's iPad with your Apple ID and iTunes account - and you are doing the all of the syncing - there is absolutely no reason why you can't do it all from one iTunes library.
coach41 wrote:
I got an iPad 2 as a gift to my mom over the weekend. Alas, as my mom isn't exactly tech savvy, I was going to just manage downloading apps and other things for the iPad on the same computer as my iPhone 4.
That is probably a good idea. Mom is lucky to have a fine and caring "coach".
Unfortunately, while I was out of the house, my dad decided to charge the iPad on my computer. That synced the iPad 2 and the iPhone to same library and that caused me a few problems. For now, I am not auto syncing new apps on my iPad. However, I can see that managing both devices on one library might be problematic.
Tell dad - thanks but don't touch. Geez ... parents today what are we gonna do with them! If you have set iTunes to not sync when the iPad or iPhone is connected you will be fine. You can sync multiple iDevices to the same iTunes library without problems.
I saw that there is a way to have two library files using iTunes (using Option - Shift or something when I open iTunes).. It'll be a hassle but I think that might be the best way. However, I saw that iTunes said that I would "lose data" that I already had on the iPad if I synced to a new library file. Can anyone tell me what this means?
It means exactly what it says. If you create a new iTunes library - and sync to that - it would be the same thing as syncing to a new or different computer - you will lose all content - and app data - but you can transfer the app purchases first - before you sync. Connect the iPad to the computer and launch iTunes, right click on the device name on the left side and select transfer purchases. You can also do this from the iTunes menu. Go to File>Transfer Purchases from Mom's iPad. That will transfer the apps into the new iTunes library. But you must do this before you sync, so if you are not syncing automatically you should be fine doing this.
Do i have redownload all the apps I purchased on my iPad?
If you create a new library, you can transfer the purchases from the iPad into the new library like I described above. Remember - it must be done prior to syncing.
I sync my wife's iPod Touch, my iPod Touch and my iPad to the same iTunes library. You can select exactly what you want to put on each device and do it all from the same iTunes library. When you sync mom's iPad, just remember to select only the apps, music, videos, photos, TV shows, books etc. in iTunes that she wants to put on her device and you do the same when you sync your iPhone.
This is what I do and have done from day one.
Launch iTunes on the computer
From the menu at the top Go to iTunes>Preferences>Devices
Check the box at the bottom of the devices pane to prevent the devices from automatically syncing.
Quit iTunes.
Connect either device to the computer and launch iTunes (if it doesn't start on it's own)
Click on the device name on the left side under Devices.
In the summary tab - in the main iTunes window on the right - select Sync Only checked songs and videos.
I also uncheck - Open iTunes when iPad (or iPhone) is selected. (optional step)
If you do all of this, iTunes will not start on its own when you plug in your iDevices and it will not sync automatically - you said you aren't auto syncing anyway. Now you control everything. You just select the apps and so - all of the content by choice - that mom wants on her iPad and then you sync. iTunes will remember mom's iPad set up the next time you sync. You do the same thing for your iPhone and all is good. iTunes will remember what you have on your phone and what mom has on her iPad.

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I'm sure this is a common issue, and I've google-searched for solutions but I cannot find a straight forward answer anywhere. I really hope an expert here can help me out.
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how to use iTunes to sync is in the
http://www.apple.com/support/itunes
For MacBook Pro community and OS X
MacBook Pro
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http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1386
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1351
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Thanks for the suggestion on the Time Machine ... it's on my list of items to get.
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Got a new PC and transferred everything to the new library. HOwever, my podcasts don't show up. Any idea how to get my podcasts from my iPad to my new iTunes library? Thank you!

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It is just as easy on a Mac if you know what to do. Authorize the computer first - launch iTunes and go to Store>Authorize this Computer from the iTunes menu.
1) Without connecting your iPad to your computer, start iTunes. Click on iTunes. Click on Preferences. Click on Devices. Check the box next to "Prevent your iPod etc. from automatically syncing." Click OK.
2) Now connect your iPad to your Mac and start iTunes.
3) When iTunes starts, right click on your iPad under Devices in the left column. Select Transfer purchases etc.
4) After it finishes transferring all your apps to your Mac, right click on your iPad and select Backup your iPad.
5) After it finishes backing up your iPad, right click on your iPad and select Restore etc.
6) After it finishes restoring, left click on your iPad , then click on the Apps tab on top, and check the box next to Sync Apps, then click on Apply below.
If everything on your iPad looks good after the sync, go back and click on iTunes / Preferences / Devices and UN-check the box next to Prevent your iPod etc. The only other thing you may want to check is if your contacts, bookmarks, etc. are syncing correctly now. If not, go to the Info tab after connecting and make sure you indicate which features you want to sync with what sources.
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Google for more "iPad to Mac transfer apps"
http://www.ipadtomactransfer.org/

Resync iPad 2 to a new iTunes "library" file

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