Sharing Itunes on my Windows 7 homegroup

How do I share Itunes on my windows 7 home group. I turned on my itunes homegroup share option and still i have nothing. I even shared my entire Itunes folder and library with my homegroup. Please help!!!!

The issue is with Itunes - I am currently running version 10.1 on all my machines (very similar setup to yours).
Itunes seems to think that a cabled computer (connected to router - RJ45)is not on the same network as any wireless machines (e.g. laptops).
which is completely untrue as they are on the same network with the same subnet and all that.
I found discovered this because if I ran two machines(wireless laptop and wireless PC) wirelessly, they can see each others Itunes libraries. If I connect my laptop via a cable and not wireless, the computer that is hard wired can see the laptop and vice versa.
So with the current Itunes you have to either hard cable your whole network or run everything via wireless, if you want every computer to see your main Itunes library.
What a pain in the ***, Come on apple!

Similar Messages

Problem sharing iTunes with multiple Windows accounts

My kids and I share a single computer via multiple user accounts. We also share a common iTunes account across all Windows accounts. When new songs or playlists are added, they appear in the other accounts.
Recently, I had to create a new Windows account for my daughter. In iTunes, I went to Edit -> Preferences and changed the iTunes Media folder location to the shared folder. The problem is that none of the playlists came through, and when new songs are added, they do not show up in her account either.
What could be causing this problem on just this account, and what is the possible fix?
Thanks,
Jeff

If you create multiple user accounts on one computer but want the same music to be available in iTunes for all users, see iTunes: How to share music between different accounts on a single computer.
The important stuff is near the bottom
+To listen to another account's music files+
+Open iTunes.+
+From the iTunes menu, choose Preferences.+
+Click Advanced.+
+Deselect the "Copy files to iTunes Music folder when adding to library file" option.+
+Click OK.+
+From the File menu, choose Add File to Library.+
+Note: Windows users can also choose Add Folder to Library to add a folder of songs.+
+Navigate in the Add File To Library window to the location where the other user's music is saved (the iTunes Music folder in the case above).+
+Click Open.+
+Repeat these steps for each account that is listening to shared music.+
+When another user of the computer has imported new music from CD, *repeat steps 6 through 8* to add the music to your library.+

Sharing Itunes library between windows desktop and macbook not working

Hi, I just bought my laptop today. I've had it about 3 hours. I have 2147 songs on my windows itunes library, and i would love to be able to put them on the laptop too. Now, both of my computers are on the local area connection, but for some reason when i go to network places on my desktop the laptop doesnt show up. When i go to iTunes on my laptop and click import, i find my server, i find my computer, and then it asks me for a domain name, a username, and a password. I've tried multiple combinations, i'm not sure which username/pw combo its looking for but no matter what I do i get no error messages telling me i'm wrong, but absolutely nothing happens. Please help.

This is a compleentary advice: MAKE SURE THAT WINDOWS AND MAC HAVE THE SAME GROUP NAME!
In mac go to the preferences and activate Windows Sharing from the network.
Then go with the finder to applications utility and Directory Access. SMB is the protocol that OS X uses to exchange with Windows. Go into its proprieties and choose the same name you have given to your windows group (USUALLY "WORKGROUP" but it may differ)
To change the name in windows Xp is even easier. right click the m computer and choose properties and then the "Name" tag - change the group - You'll need to restart.
Almost forgot: you have to share the Music Folder on XP to have it show up from the mac. Right click it and choose Properties - Share tab - Activate network sharing
And remember, it is easier with a USB drive
Message was edited by: eiapoce

Shared Itunes Files, Windows 7

I have installed iTunes on my Windows 7 PC (I will call it A).
All the source music files are on a disk M: local to my PC
The iTunes folders are on a disk I: local to my PC.
Both disks are shared with everyone (r/w) and also in the music library (also in homegroup)
Can I install iTunes on different PCs, and have them access the iTunes folder on my (A PC). Will the other PCs have access through iTunes to the music that is in the iTunes folders?
| New PC 1 | | New PC 2 | | New PC 3 |
| | |
--------------+-------------------
V
| Itunes Folders | |Physical Music Files|
^ | |
| | |
| ------------------
+----- | Computer A |
All connected via wired lan

If you set up windows sharing correctly, you can get this to work.
However, only ONE computer can have the itunes database file open at one time.
iTunes Library.itl
That's the file that holds ratings, play lists, play counts, etc.
If you want 3 PC to share one database file you need to buy something like TuneRanger that says it can do this. Although I have not tried it.

Sharing iTunes library across 2 Windows user IDs

My Windows XP computer is set up with 2 user accounts. iTunes is installed and all of my music is stored in my Shared Music folder (this folder is in Shared Documents, which is accessible from each user ID).
I want to be able to use iTunes from either Windows user ID. The problem is that iTunes creates and maintains 2 separate iTunes Music Library.xml files. When I'm logged on (user #1), iTunes uses the xml file in my My Documents folder. When my spouse is logged on (user #2), iTunes uses the xml file in her My Documents folder.
This is problematic. If I add a new song to iTunes from my Windows ID (and the song file is placed in the Shared Music folder), it is added to my library and xml file. If my spouse logs on and launches iTunes, the song is NOT in her iTunes library. She has to manually add the file from the iTunes Add File to Library command.
I'd like iTunes to use a single library that both Windows user IDs can use and maintain. I don't want to have to manually try to keep these in sync.
I can't find any setting in iTunes for this, and the user guide doesn't even mention this topic. Any help is appreciated!!!

TheMint,
I think it works like this:
The setting you describe is where iTunes will store the music files themselves (.aac or .mp3, etc.) However, iTunes creates an index of all of your music, and it uses that index to display all of your music in iTunes. The index file is called iTunes Library.xml
The index is stored in the My Documents\My Music folder of the user ID you log in as. Apparently, you cannot tell iTunes to store this in a different location.
So if you create an iTunes library under one Windows user ID, the index is created in that user ID's My Documents\My Music folder. If you then log in as another Windows user ID, iTunes does not see the index that was created by the first Windows user. Thus you do not see any of the music listed in iTunes.

Home Sharing in Itunes 9 on Windows Home Server

I have installed iTunes 9 and have started using Home Sharing. I want to be able to use Home Sharing with my WHS (Windows Home Server) as our music is stored there and we have iTunes on all computers, plus 2 iphones and iPods.
This would need a Home Sharing server (service) to run on the WHS. Has Apple produced such a piece of software or can I install the Home Sharing component of iTunes 9 on my server? I am advised (by Microsoft) that installing iTunes 9 is not a good idea on WHS as WHS is designed to run services not user apps.
Any suggestions or has Apple someting in plan?
It seems that sharing between PCs is a bit behind the times when many people have moved over to Home Servers or NAS drives.

I too would like to would like to know how to implement iTunes on Windows Home Server (WHS) so my Music library can be stored on a redundant source that is always available to be accessed from any PC in the house. Does Apple have a way to do this or plans to create a product for WHS?
I understand Firefly can be used to stream music content on a WHS, but think this should be a complete iTunes solution with a common library and allow playlist storage from iTune clients that connect to it.

After sharing itunes with MP3 rocket I get a pop up window telling me that my Apple Push is not working at present. Do I need apple push?Everything is working well for me with itunes and Rocket. Also what is Apple push.

I have been sharing itunes with MP3 rocket but I still purchase many songs and books from itunes normally.I have not had any trouble. Just recently a pop up window appears after I have been sharing and it tells me that my Apple Push is not working corectly and windows is looking for the problem. What is Apple Push and do I need it. as everything seems to be working well for me.Can you please advise me.

Has any had you try a reset yet? Sometimes the WiFi & Cellular anntennas get wacky.
Hold Sleep/Wak & Home buttons until the screen goes dark and you see the Apple logo

Sharing iTunes libraries on 3 Windows 7 PCs and 3 iPads

We have iTunes on 3 Windows 7 PCs. Mine (Tom), my wife's (Mary) and my daughter's (Sue). Each of us has our own iTunes account and we each "share" our libraries (using both "Home Sharing" and the old original "Edit, Preferences, Sharing").
The 3 PCs can simultaneously see each others' iTunes libraries with out problems (in the left side Side Bar under "Shared")
We each have our own iPad. Each iPad can see the shared library for the account specified in "Settings, Videos, Home Sharing" but they can't see the other libraries on the other 2 PCs. We have to change the Apple ID in "Settings, Videos, Home Sharing" to see a different library. Thus, on an iPad, if we go to Videos, Shared we see "My iPad" and 1 shared library... not the other 2 shared libraries.
Is this normal? Can you only see 1 shared library at a time on an iPhone or an iPad?
Thanks

Can you go to command prompt (START/ALL PROGRAMS/ACCESSORIES right mouse click "command prompt" and choose "Run as Administrator"
type in
sfc /scannow
let Windows fix any system files that need to be repaired.
Restart the computer if it did actually repair any files.
Start iTunes and see if it is ok.

My Apple TV and IPad drop after x mintues from "Home Sharing". To restart it, I need to close iTunes on my Windows 7 PC, open it , then I can listen again X minutes (15-90 minutes) to my music via "Home Sharing". Any idea why? What worked for you?

My Apple TV and IPad drop after x mintues from "Home Sharing". To restart it, I need to close iTunes on my Windows 7 PC, open it , then I can listen again X minutes (15-90 minutes) to my music via "Home Sharing". Any idea why? What worked for you?

I believe if you updated your Apple TV, you need iTunes 11 to make it work.

Why doesn't my itunes on my windows pc load on my apple tv? Home sharing is turned on and my ipad can see it!

why doesn't my itunes on my windows pc load on my apple tv?
Home sharing is turned on and my ipad can see it!

Welcome to the Apple Community.
Intermittent problems
Intermittent problems are often a result of interference. Interference can be caused by other networks in the neighbourhood or from household electrical items.
You can download and install iStumbler (NetStumbler for windows users) to help you see which channels are used by neighbouring networks so that you can avoid them, but iStumbler will not see household items.
Refer to your router manual for instructions on changing your wifi channel or adjusting your multicast rate.
There are other types of problems that can affect networks, but this is by far the most common, hence worth mentioning first. Networks that have inherent issues can be seen to work differently with different versions of the same software. You might also try moving the Apple TV away from other electrical equipment.
Consistent Problems
A frequent cause of consistent failure to enable AirPlay or HomeSharing at all, is the service being blocked on the network. Make sure your network isn't hidden, has a unique name, that MAC address authentication is disabled, security is set to use WPA 2 Personal and that there is only one router/device acting as a DHCP server and providing NAT services.
Make sure your router/computer allows access over the following ports
Port
Type
Protocol
Used By
80
TCP
HTTP
AirPlay
443
TCP
HTTPS
AirPlay
554
TCP/UDP
RTSP
AirPlay
3689
TCP
DAAP
iTunes/AirPlay
5297
TCP
Bonjour
5289
TCP/UDP
Bonjour
5353
TCP/UDP
MDNS
Bonjour/AirPlay
49159
UDP
MDNS (Win)
Bonjour/AirPlay
49163
UDP
MDNS (Win)
Bonjour/AirPlay
Refer to your router manual/manufacturer for any settings that are specific to that model.
Another frequent cause of consistent failure to enable AirPlay or HomeSharing at all, is security software, in many cases configuring it correctly, disabling it or even uninstalling it can help, but in some cases the security software can cause problems that simply reconfiguring, disabling or uninstalling cannot reverse.
If you are consistently unable to activate AirPlay, have tried all the steps in this article and have security software installed on your system, you might benefit from contacting its provider or participating in any online forums they run to discuss the matter with them.

Printing from Windows 8 to a shared printer on a Windows 7 machine

WE have a a user that has a laser printer on A windows 7 machine that others in the office can access EXCEPT the one person on a Windows 8 machine. We have tried everything, but cannot get her to print to this printer. Says it cannot be found. What does
Windows 8 need to see a printer on a Win 7 workstation. She does have access to network printers and her own.
Thanks.

We have the same kind of problem but a bit different.
Dell Printer (used for years shared on a network) was moved to our Windows 7 machine plugged in via USB. We only use a plain workgroup with no Domain as we also have Macs on the network.
I have Macs using shared printer, a Windows XP using the shared printer, and even Windows 7 under Parallels on the Macs using the shared printer no problem.
I had the lone Windows 8 laptop using the shared printer but then it just stopped working. So I deleted it and now when I try to add it is want credentials and none work. It will not connect to the shared printer on the Windows 7 machine.
I have Windows 7 (which also has a couple shared drives that do work) set for No Homegroup and No Password for sharing - pretty much open as we are behind a Cisco Firewall to the outside. No firewalls on the pcs.
Not sure where to go from here...

Sharing Itunes library with another User Account & Fast Switching

Hi. I recently purchased a new iMac G5 and am in the process of setting it up to be used by 2 separate users (girlfriend and me). I apologize in advance if this is more of an Itunes issue and not solely an Administration issue.
My question deals with creating a new user account on my Mac (with Fast Switching) and allowing my girlfriend to share my iTunes library with the ability to transfer music to her ipod when she is logged into her own unique account. I will be the Administrator on the Mac.
We are trying to avoid loading our music two times into the Mac under each of our logins. Is there a way that we can share the music I have already loaded into my Itunes library when she is logged into her account so that she can transfer to her ipod and create her own distinct playlists? If so, any advice on how to enable this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Seth
iMac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.3)

Unfortunately, baltwo's solution will not allow your girlfriend to create any playlists or copy songs to iPod.
The easiest thing would be to share the entire music folder, so anyone of you can listen to your music.
You'd have two options.
If you want to be using the exact same library, so any playlist you created can be edited by your girlfriend and vice versa:
1. Go to yourusername/Music/iTunes. You'll find two files called "iTunes library" and "iTunes music library" Copy them to your desktop, so you'll have a backup just in case.
2. Move your yourusername/Music folder to computer/users/shared. (The folder will be copied ONLY in case your using FileVault, so you'd have to delete the original User/Music folder after making sure you'd got a functional copy at computer/users/shared) Select users/shared, press "apple+i" to get the info window, go to "Ownership" change all permissions to "read & write" and hit "apply to enclosed items"
3. In case you're using FileVault, either delete or rename the original Music folder within your own account. Again, not necessary as long as FileVault isn't enabled.
4. Select computer/users/shared/music, hold down "ctrl" while clicking on it and choose "create alias" from the contextual menu. Copy that alias into your homefolder as well as your girlfriend's account (need to log in) and rename it to "music" without the "alias" at the end.
5. Launch iTunes. Done.
6. Don't worry, in case you don't see your music. I've used a slightly different approach, yet this one should work totally fine.
If you want to listen to the same music, yet be able to set up your own playlists, ratings etc.:
For your account:
- go to yourusername/Music/iTunes, move "iTunes Music" to computer/users/shared and change ownership according to #2.
- If FileVault is enabled, check #3. Of course, you want to rename the original "iTunes Music" in this case.
- create an alias for computer/users/shared/iTunes Music and copy the alias to yourusername/Music/iTunes. Rename it to "iTunes Music" without "alias".
- Launch iTunes. Should be working the way it used to. Quit.
For your girlfriend's account:
- log in, copy alias to username/Music/iTunes, rename alias.
- Launch iTunes, go to File-> Add to Library, select username/Music/iTunes/iTunes Music, choose.
That's it.
The only downside is, only one user at a time can access the music folder, so if you're logged in and running iTunes, you're girlfriend, logged in via fast user switching, won't be able to open iTunes until you quit it for yourself. Haven't found a way around this yet.
Fell free to report any issues.
huhh...rather long posting...

Sharing iTunes Music folder on external HD but not Mobile Applications folder?

I share the iTunes Music folder on an external HD between two separate Mac user accounts. Each user has their own iPhone and syncs within their own user account. All the media for user#1 (books, apps, etc) are in the appropriate folders in this shared iTunes Music folder, which means user #2 is seeing all user #1's stuff in their iPhone sync windows in iTunes.
I don't want to share anything but the actual iTunes library music files between the two Mac user accounts (and the two iPhones). Everything else for each user (apps, books etc.) I want to keep separate. Both users have a separate iTunes store account. Is this possible?

It seems that removing the apps of user#1 from user#2's library (i.e. deleting them in iTunes window, not trashing the actual file) does the trick ... this change updates the user's library .xtml file. Now user#2's apps are syncing only on their phone when they log in and use iTunes. When user#1 logs in iTunes just shows user#1 apps and syncs those.

Sharing Itunes Music Library among Multiple User Accounts on One Mac

I have 3 user accounts set up on the computer and one itunes account authorized on all 3 user accounts. I have the music library files placed in the shared folders and permissions set up to allow all users to read & write the music. However, only my user account (the main account with admin privileges) is able to access the music unless I log into my user account, run iTunes with sharing enabled, then exit to the login window. Then the other users can access the shared iTunes library. I have preferences setup to use the same library folders.
An earlier version of iTunes used to allow me to do this, and iPhoto still does allow a similar setup with my photo library.
Is there a way to fix this?
Thanks!

I have an iMac at home with 4 users. I've recently struggled with this and thought I had a working solution ...
I created a new iTunes folder off of root. I then logged in as each user and set the path on their Advanced Tab to /iTunes/iTunes Music/ and dragged and dropped their local iTunes Music folders (~/Music/iTunes/iTunes Music/) into iTunes. This copies files that aren't there but skips anything that might be in two peoples library.
Then iTunes 8.1 came out and now things are broken. I've rebuilt the index by doing an Add to Library but my Podcasts don't download any more. 8-(

Sharing iTunes Library with two users on the same computer

I have all of my music stored on a external hard drive.
Both users on the same computer have the iTunes music location folder as the external hard drive. How do I see music added in one persons log-in? For example: I just purchased two albums under one log-in. The second log in can not see that music unless I manually add it.
Both Libraries point to the same file location.
I have over 40GB of music and I am looking for a way to manage my music files more effectively and I want to make sure that both log-ins have the same music.
I followed the instructions in article HT1203 from the apple support site.

lafdengine9 wrote:
Both users on the same computer have the iTunes music location folder as the external hard drive. How do I see music added in one persons log-in? For example: I just purchased two albums under one log-in. The second log in can not see that music unless I manually add it.
The reason you are having this issue is because you have a shared library but private databases. What you have on the external drive is the collection of media files (library) that each account is set up to access as the source for media. What you have not done is set up a shared iTunes database, so each user accesses the same library differently.
When each user opens iTunes, iTunes access the database on their account (~/Music/iTunes/iTunes Library). Therefore, their settings, views, playlists, etc., are private. When they add songs to their library only their database file is updated to reflect those additions; simply having files in the music folder does not mean that iTunes will recognize them, hence the reason iTunes asked you if you want to move the file to the trash when you delete it from your library.
The confusion here is the double use of the term library. The contents of you music folder most definitely constitutes your media library, as it is the collection of your media files. What you see as your library in iTunes is not your library but, for the most part, the content stored in a database table maintained by iTunes in the iTunes Library file in your iTunes folder. iTunes does not access your actual media files unless it is absolutely necessary. The general assumption is that what is shown in your iTunes “library” will actually mirror what is in your music folder.
So the missing step in your setup would be to switch to the account that has the most current iTunes library—that is the one reflects the actual contents of your music folder as of now—and follow this procedure.
1. Quit iTunes.
2. Move the iTunes folder to the Shared folder (./Users/Shared).
3. Launch iTunes, but immediately hold the option key to invoke the Choose Library window.
4. Select the database (iTunes Library file) now located in the shared folder.
5. If you do not see your content, go to iTunes’ preferences and reset the location of the music folder to the external drive.
6. In the other accounts, re-launch iTunes and change the library according to steps 3 and 4.
Now all users will have access to the same iTunes database as well as the shared library. The downside of this is that each user will have full access privileges. If you have iTunes 8, then to avoid the disadvantages that come with this type of set up, see [this thread|http://forums.macworld.com/thread/105366?tstart=0] over at Macworld.

Sharing Itunes on my Windows 7 homegroup

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