Usuing an external hardrive to store files.

I have a laptop and I store my library on an external hardrive, but when I unplug it to take my computer somewhere all the files get ! next to them and cant be found after I plug it back in. So I have to go back and add my entire library again. How do I get Itunes not to think the files are lost?
Thanks,
Daniel koucky

It's not impossible to do what you want, although not ideal.
There are a number of ways of doing it.
One way would be to have two separate music libraries. The main one entirely on your external drive and containing all your music files.
A second library on your internal drive containing a selection of tracks that you can delete or add to from the files on the external drive.
Then you would have to switch between libraries depending on whether you wanted to use the external drive or not.
This may sound a bit cumbersome but I thinks it stands the least chance of iTunes getting confused about the location of your files.
I could give you more details how to set this up if you want. Maybe someone else has a better idea how to do it.
Can you not use an iPod when your on the go?

Similar Messages

Using Time Capsule to store Files

Can I partition Time Capsule to use like a hardrive to store files such as photos and media, or does Time Capsule just function as a backup drive?

How would I go about this?
Once the connection to the Time Capsule is established, look for its icon in the My Computer window and use it as if it was a regular drive. You may need to use the AirPort software for it to show up; this is in the /Applications/Utilities/ folder.
(40198)

Drag and Drop Files Onto Seagate External Hardrive

I can't seem to just drag and drop files I want to store on an external hardrive with Seagate. I hate that. I just want a simple drag and drop so I can free up some space on my computer. But Seagate just seems to just seems to say **** you, we're gonna do it backwards ***. Can someone please explain how to just drag and drop files? I have zero idea, and they don't make it simple to understand.
So for the love of god....please explain it to me (without use of computer terminology or telling me places I should go on my computer that I don't know what the **** they are. Renders your help useless, and it's frustrating because no matter how many times I ask this, you just give me help i can't understand anyway.)
Please....it's not hard to ask.
If possible, use step by step instructions, if you need to tell me to go somewhere on my computer, tell me where that is too so I know where to go. Don't be vague, I can't understand vague instructions when i read them.

What is the drive formatted as? this is extremely likely the issue.
FORMAT TYPES
FAT32 (File Allocation Table)
Read/Write FAT32 from both native Windows and native Mac OS X.
Maximum file size: 4GB.
Maximum volume size: 2TB
You can use this format if you share the drive between Mac OS X and Windows computers and have no files larger than 4GB.
NTFS (Windows NT File System)
Read/Write NTFS from native Windows.
Read only NTFS from native Mac OS X
To Read/Write/Format NTFS from Mac OS X, here are some alternatives:
For Mac OS X 10.4 or later (32 or 64-bit), install Paragon (approx $20) (Best Choice for Lion)
Native NTFS support can be enabled in Snow Leopard and Lion, but is not advisable, due to instability.
AirPort Extreme (802.11n) and Time Capsule do not support NTFS
Maximum file size: 16 TB
Maximum volume size: 256TB
You can use this format if you routinely share a drive with multiple Windows systems.
HFS+ ((((MAC FORMAT)))) (Hierarchical File System, a.k.a. Mac OS Extended (Journaled) Don't use case-sensitive)
Read/Write HFS+ from native Mac OS X
Required for Time Machine or Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper! backups of Mac internal hard drive.
To Read HFS+ (but not Write) from Windows, Install HFSExplorer
Maximum file size: 8EiB
Maximum volume size: 8EiB
You can use this format if you only use the drive with Mac OS X, or use it for backups of your Mac OS X internal drive, or if you only share it with one Windows PC (with MacDrive installed on the PC)
EXFAT (FAT64)
Supported in Mac OS X only in 10.6.5 or later.
Not all Windows versions support exFAT.
exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table)
AirPort Extreme (802.11n) and Time Capsule do not support exFAT
Maximum file size: 16 EiB
Maximum volume size: 64 ZiB
You can use this format if it is supported by all computers with which you intend to share the drive. See "disadvantages" for details.

I have an external server that stores all my movies and music, is there a way to stream it to my apple tv? If not is there a way I can link the folders to itunes (without downloading files to computer) and will that make them view-able for the apple TV?

I have an external server that stores all my movies and music, is there a way to stream it to my apple tv?
If not is there a way I can link the folders to itunes (without downloading files to computer) that will make them view-able for the apple TV?
If none of that works is there a way to get it working alternativly?
Additional Information:
Everything is linked via ethernet cable.
I'm using a PC to set it up.
If you have any other questions feel free to ask and I'll help where I can.
Thank you for any help

(I think the daughter got he better end of the deal!) I believe if you change the password and user id one of the devices it will stop that from occurring. But I'm not the one to tell you how to do it; someone like "Illaass" (Illaass seems to know how to correct / fix almost anything!) will know how if you don't. Just look for the "cat" icon.

Cant drag file onto external hardrive.

can anyone help me please dont have my imac worked out just yet. My WD elements external hardrive is formatted MS-DOS (FAT). Now i have been using it for quite a while have never had any problems until now. Usually i can drag pretty much anything and everything into it. I'm not sure whats happend, but now it wont let me put anything in it. It wont let me move anything -The white circle with the line through it pops up now whenever i try to drag any files onto it. i have plugged another hardrive in to see if that would work and it wont let me drag anything into it either and it is fromatted the same as my other one. Whats has happened? any help with fixing this would be greatly appreciated!! cheers

Hello,
In Finder, do a Get Info on one of the Drives, is it Locked or what Priviledges does it show for you?
Another thing about MS-Dos/Fat drives is the limit of files/folders at the top level, (128-256 depending), once that is reached, no more can be added, you have to delete one file & make a folder to move or create other files in.

I am trying to import aperture library from macbook to new imac the import window sees the external harddrive but does nt see library. I can open library as a refernce library but cannot import onto hardrive as managable files Tried to do as a backeup t

I am trying to import aperture library from macbook to new imac the import window sees the external harddrive but does nt see library. I can open library as a refernce library but cannot import onto hardrive as managable files

I may be misreading what you are trying to do but you don't import libraries via the import window. You use File->Import->Library..
If this doesn't resolve your problem post back with more detail of what you are doing and what is happening.
regards

Computer Crashed! How do I set up itunes w files on an external hardrive?

My notebook has a corrupted hard drive and went to junk when I tried to install Service Pack 3 for XP and I cannot get it to run. How can I set up itunes on a new computer when I cannot open itunes in my old one and use the ipod to synch or burn CDs as support suggests? I have all of my music files on an external hardrive and am hoping I can use this to set up on new machine; however, I cannot find any guidance on how to do this or if possible.......
Thanks!
PS--I did have itunes 7 installed on the PC before it crashed.

See this http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527
Also, follow the steps given here...
Syncing to a "New" Computer or replacing a "crashed" Hard Drive

File Transfers with External Hardrive

My computer's hardrive was filling up because it is the family computer, so i purchased a 320 gig external hardrive for my music. in the past when i have moved my music to different files i get a grey exclamation point in front of the song and i need to locate the song in order for this to work. i have many songs and would like to transfer them to the external hardrive without having to individually locate them all. is this possible?

Sure, first thing to do is make sure your exHD has a letter pretty far down in the alphabet so Windows won't do any funny stuff and change that drive letter on you when you plug in other USB devices.
(if the drive letter changes you'll get the ! all over again)
Then, follow the directions from this article to consolidate your library.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1364
I would hold off on steps 11 & 12 until you're sure it worked properly.

Using external drive with store

Hi,
I have run out of room on my computer for my itunes library, so I am now storing it on an external hard drive. The problem is, now that I am trying to order tv shows from the store, it seems to be taking A LOT longer (estimated download time = 9 hours!!!) Is there anyway to keep most of my files on the external hard drive, but when downloading, download first to my laptop, then transfer to external drive later.
Also, unrelated, when I sync my ipod in this situation, will it know to look to the external hard drive's information?
Thank you.

All my songs, movies, music videos and TV shows are stored on an external hard drive. And my Mac mini and MBP are accessing these contents.
The external hardrive is hooked up to my Mac mini. My MBP is accessing the external hard drive wirelessly. If I download from iTunes on my MBP, it goes straight to the external hard drive wirelessly.
I only have an iPod shuffle. If I wanna sync it with any of the two Macs I have, it will pull the files from the external hard drive. Of course, it will be so much slower doing with the MBP.
Anyhow, the trick is to set the iTunes Music folder location at Preferences... > Advanced > General tab
If you forget to mount your external hard drive when you launch iTunes, iTunes will set the iTunes Music folder location to default which is in your Home > Music folder. All you have to do is to reselect the iTunes Music folder location to your external hard drive.
If you have not done it before, you could get iTunes to copy all your stuff to the desired location on your external hard drive.
Hope this helps.

Can you run Lightroom off an external hardrive?

I need to get a new laptop and am considering buying a HP Stream 14. It has only got 32GB of storage on it offline so relies on cloud storage mainly. I will have an external hardrive too though.
Will I be able to run Lightroom on this? I don't mind if all my files are up in the sky but I don't want to get this if I won't be able to continue to use Lightroom to process photos.

My apologies, I'll try and explain myself a bit better.
My main question is; is there anyway for me to get and use Lightroom on the HP Stream if it only has 32GB of storage on it (let's say I had nothing else on it so the full 32GB is available for Lightoom if necessary). I can put the photos and catalogue on the external harddrive no problem but it's the programme itself and running it that I am worried about. I'm not sure if an SSD is compatible with the HP Stream (don't honestly know what it is, actually!) so maybe give me an answer if I a) couldn't use an SSD and b) could.
I'd really like this laptop but there isn't much point in me getting it if I can't use Lightroom on it. But in order to do so I don't mind buying some extra storage devices or storing photos or the catalogue wherever necessary.
Here's the specs for the HP Stream in case they are of any use;
Windows 8.1 64
AMD Quad-Core A4 micro-6400T
35.6 cm (14") diagonal HD BrightView display
2GB DDR 3 Memory and 32GB eMMC storage
Ultra thin, fanless design perfect for computing on the go
And here's the link to HP's site on it;
HP Stream 14 Laptop (Neon purple) - HP Store UK

Can I install Windows 7 with boot camp, but install all my PC games for it on an external hardrive?

I have a new Mac, but I want to install Windows 7 with boot camp on it. However, I would only really be using it for gaming.
On another post, someone said that you could not install boot camp entirely onto an external hardrive. As boot camp would only be for gaming, then could I install all my games (when I'm given the option to chose the file of where to install) onto an external drive which is correctly formatted? (what is the format too?) Also, which would allow for a faster gameplay, USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt? as fast gameplay is important
Thank you

How to move steam to another drive:
Delete everything in the Steam folder except for the "steam.exe" and the "steamapps" folder
Move the steam folder over to the secondary drive you want it on
Open the "steam.exe" and it will reconfigure steam
Log in and BAM! All your games are recognized
Now, you can put what ever games you want on the SSD with Steam Mover (or junctions)
Create another folder on the C:\ drive and name it (C:\Users\Sean\Steam Games)
Run Steam Mover and have it move the game to that location and you are done!
Now go play the games you want!
How to have steam on the SSD while having the games on either the SSD or HDD:
Delete everything in the Steam folder except for the "steam.exe" and the "steamapps" folder
Have the "steam.exe" to a folder made on the C:\ drive (C:\Users\Sean\Steam)
Have the "steamapps" folder on the HDD you want to store your games (D:\User\Program Files\Steam\steamapps)
Make a junction from the "steamapps" folder to the SSD folder with the "steam.exe" in it
Open the "steam.exe" and it will reconfigure steam
Logged in and BAM! All your games are recognized and steam is on the SSD and the games on the other drive.
Now, you can put what ever games you want on the SSD with Steam Mover (or junctions)
Create another folder on the C:\ drive and name it (C:\Users\Sean\Steam Games)
Run Steam Mover and have it move the game to that location and you are done!
Now go play the games you want!

Had to replace computer downloaded supposedly everything from old hardrives onto a external hardrive but appears none of my bookmarks transferred how do I get them onto new computer

old desktop was replaced with a laptop. used a external hardrive to download everything from desktop but none of my bookmarks from firefox transferred to the external hardrive because when we transferred the contents of the external drive they weren't there

See:
*https://support.mozilla.com/kb/Recovering+important+data+from+an+old+profile
*http://kb.mozillazine.org/Transferring_data_to_a_new_profile_-_Firefox
A possible cause is a problem with the file places.sqlite that stores the bookmarks and the history.
*http://kb.mozillazine.org/Bookmarks_history_and_toolbar_buttons_not_working_-_Firefox
*https://support.mozilla.com/kb/Bookmarks+not+saved#w_places-database-file

Storing Apps on external hardrive?

Hello,
I just got an iphone a week ago...already I have 600 megabites of apps and whatnot. I noticed they were stored in the folder mobile applications in my itunes folder.
Is there a way I can store them on an external hardrive? I figure the space is gonna start rackin up and id rather have it not on my mac's main hardrive.
Also if I can back this up on an external, would I have to plug in my hardrive every time I do a sync? Or would there just be a referenced file path?
Thanks

Check out this article about "Moving your iTunes Media folder": http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1449
You will have to sync with your external HD connected to make sure iTunes can do changes to your library.

I can't figure out how to save my events onto an external hardrive

I have been looking at the event libraries and everywhere to figure out how to save my files onto an external hardrive. I currently use FCPX to edit Call of Duty Montages for people as my job so I need this to work. I don't know what I'm doing wrong and I really need storage.

In the Copy Files Into: field there is a pop up that allows you select where your media is copied to.
Looking at the above screen shot if I want files to be copied to my External LaCie drive I just tick that one.
Firstly you will have to create at least one Library on the External to send it there.
There is the CHOOSE option that allows you to navigate anywhere on the the system to manually select a destination.
Al

Okay so I set up my Time Capsule already and is now backing up 2 of my iMacs. Works great. What I want to know is how to use the TC to directly store files? I want to do this to delete some files but still have them on the TC for future reference..

Okay so I set up my Time Capsule already and is now backing up 2 of my iMacs. Works great. What I want to know is how to use the TC to directly store files? I want to do this to delete some files on iMac 20inch but still have them on the TC for future reference..eg some movies on iTunes. I want to directly save them on the drive so I can delete them from iTunes and gain some storage. (Ps on iMac 20 inch (it's almost full - 320 GB) when I enter time machine, a tab comes up on finder which reads "Time Machine backups" it's able to be ejected like a disc or a connected device. On the iMac 20 inch, I dragged some files onto there as if using it like a hard drive. Is this the correct method? Then I went to my 27inch iMac and saw the "Time Machine Backups" hoping to see the files I dragged from the 20inch iMac. But the files were not there except a folder that said "Backups.backupdb". Can someone help me?

It's not a good idea to use a network disk for both Time Machine backups and other things. By design Time Machine will eventually consume all the space on its output disk, which will then cause problem for your other files. I'd store those other files on an external disk connected to the Time Capsule. The problem with that is that Time Machine will only back up files that are local to your Mac. That means that you'll only have one copy of the files on or attached to your Time Capsule.
By the way, you've been misled by poor field labeling on this forum into typing a large part of your message into the field intended for the subject. In the future just type a short summary of your post into that field and type the whole message into the field below that.

Usuing an external hardrive to store files.

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for