Syncing iTunes library & music files
Does anyone know how to sync iTunes between 2 computers? I have 2 macs in my home (one with an external drive that holds all of my music). I can get both computers to see and operate from the music files in a single location but I can't seem to figure out how to have any changes to my library, playlists, etc. made on one computer to automatically show up on the other in iTunes. Does this have something to do with the iTunes library.itl file?
If so, do I have to copy the iTunes library.itl file from the computer on which I have made the most recent changes and then delete this file from the other computer and drop the recently modified iTunes library.itl file into the music folder on the unmodified computer? Will this effectively sync both libraries? If so, is there a program that will automatically schedule this procedure for me. I am in the process of sorting through 5000+ duplicates (fun, I know) and I don't want to do it twice.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Chris
Hello Midori55,
Take a look at this article named iTunes: How to open an alternate iTunes Library file or create a new one found http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1589 to direct iTunes to open the library you copied over.
I would also change the location of the library in the iTunes preferences
iTunes for Mac: Moving your iTunes Media folder
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1449
Open iTunes.
From the iTunes menu, choose Preferences.
Click the Advanced button in the Preferences window.
Click the Change button in the iTunes Media folder location pane.
In the Change Media Folder Location window that appears, navigate to the location where you would like your new iTunes Media folder to be created.
Note: By default, your iTunes Media folder is a folder named "iTunes Media" in ~/Music/iTunes/ where the tilde "~" represents your home directory.
Cheers,
Sterling
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Windows Vista: C:\Users\username\Music\iTunes\
Windows 7: C:\Users\username\My Music\iTunes\
Windows 8: C:\Users\username\My Music\iTunes\
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Where are my iTunes files located?
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1391
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Steps to create or choose a different iTunes Library file
If iTunes is running, quit iTunes.
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iTunes: How to open an alternate iTunes Library file or create a new one
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1589
Thank you for posting in the Apple Support Communities.
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More on iTunes library files and what they do - [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITunes#Media_management]
Library files with graphic and explanation of different iTunes versions - http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=13169517
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--randyt00The XML file is not used by iTunes. It is created for the use of other programs. Your library is in the itl file. SInce you still have the file you could simply add them to your library using the add folder option instead of downloading again.
What are library files
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93732
Rebuild library.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93313 -
I am unable to load ITunes, get Message:The ITunes library.itf file is locked
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This seems to have happened after an upgrade of ITunes. Have unistalled and reinstalled a new version, but get the same message. Can y ou help?iTunes: How to move your music to a new computer
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What are the iTunes library files -
I want to move the location of my iTunes Library db files to a new location without moving the whole lot, including my Media file [Music, Films etc etc files]... in this case I want to move the Library db files to my iCloud Folder so I have a backup of the Library db File [ good idea huh :-) ] and I should be able to open iTunes whether the media can be seen at that point or not. is it possible to just move the Library files and then tell iTunes where they are so it can launch iTunes?
Is this just a case of cut and paste the Library files to the new location, then updating config in iTunes?
This may be a silly question but in my book, no question is silly if it needs to be asked.
Any ideas, advise welcomed.m1g1c1 wrote:
Thanks Chris but I think I have not explained it well enough.
This...
I am using an iCloud Folder on my local Mac hard drive. iCloud Folder syncs with iCloud and works like a backup. It is a subscription service that Apple offer.
You should be adding them to iCloud, not your local drive.
Yes I understand how it works.
The iCloud folder on the local drive is (and should be) managed by the iCloud drive/OS, not you.
You are simply trying to work around iCloud drive.
I just want to know if I can move the iTunes Library cb files to a new folder/location on my macs local hard drive
... and tell iTunes where to look for the Library so that it can launch / startup
The iTunes library.itl file is part of the iTunes library.
I already back up my actual media files (music etch) by other methods.
You should back up the entire iTunes folder, not just the media.
If you wna to backup the iTune slibrary.itl, just copy it to the iCloud drive on the left side of aFinder window.
You don't need to go (and shouldn't) into the iCloud folder in your user library.
This is what the "guru" will tell you. -
ITunes Library.itl file is unavailable
Anytime I try to open up iTunes or sync my iPod touch, I get an error message that says "The iTunes Library.itl file is locked, on a locked disk, or you do not have write permission for this file." I've tried uninstalling/reinstalling iTunes, changing the iTunes Library.itl file to a Read Me and unchanging it (per some help on other forums), and nothing has worked. It's been pretty frustrating, since I haven't been able to update my iPod or get new music for a few months now. Is there any way to fix this?
Usually when you get this problem in vista, it is to do with folder permissions.
The account you are using needs full control of the iTunes and iTunes Music folder.
Vista file folder permissions help
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/2464a180-e5dc-45d1-a2b8-3c8a 2b571e9d1033.mspx
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/05/25/how-to-take-ownership-and-grant-permiss ions-in-windows-vista/
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