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How-To: One iTunes Library With
Multiple Computers
By Jenny Kortina Oct. 13, 2008, 8:30am CST 78 Comments
0
I recently set up a Mac mini in my living room to act as a media server. Instead of trying to update
separate music libraries every time I added songs to my collection, I was just adding the music to the
Mac mini’s iTunes library and streaming it my laptop. That worked fine until I tried to sync my iPhone.
For obvious (copyright) reasons you cannot sync an iPhone to a shared library.
I wanted access to my music on both machines, but I did not want to share my Macbook Air’s library
because the laptop would have to be on with iTunes running for the Mac mini to have the music. At this
point, I had to choose between running separate libraries and updating them independently or figure out a
way to run one library that updated whenever I added music from either machine. I chose the latter of
the two options. Some advantages of having one iTunes library:
You can sync iPhones to any computer on the network
You can add and edit playlists on any computer on the network
You can add music on any computer on the network
Some things you should know before you begin:
If you are using a laptop and want to take all of your music with you, this is not the method for
you. All of the music is stored on a networked drive, so it is only accessible when on the network.
(You could set it up so your music can be streamed over the internet, but this article will not go
over that).
You can only make updates to one music library at a time — you cannot have iTunes open on both
computers and make changes. Make changes on one, then open the other one.
You need to close iTunes on the computer you made changes on, and reopen it on all other
computers to see changes
Those are all of the limitations I have found, so if those do not bother you, read on!
The Setup
The Mac mini runs Plex for watching movies, iTunes for managing my music, and is connected to the
internet so we can watch our online video content (Hulu, South Park Studios and Snackfeed being my
favorites). All of my movies and music are stored on a NAS that each computer on the network has
access to.
A: Mapping iTunes Music Folders
The first thing we need to do is point each computer’s iTunes music folder to the same location. There
are two different methods for this. If you have an NAS (Networked storage drive) follow procedure 1, if
you are going to use one computer as the host (a server or tower that’s always on) follow procedure 2.
Procedure 1:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
iTunes > Preferences
Go to the “Advanced” tab
Click the “General” tab
Under the “iTunes Music Folder Location” click the “Change” button
Navigate to your NAS and create a folder called “Music”
Click “Open”
Click “OK” — you should now be back at a normal iTunes window
Complete this on each computer. So in my case I did this with the Mac mini and the Macbook Air.
When you have completed this procedure on each computer, move on to the next step – “B:
Universal Library Setup”
Procedure 2: Go to the computer that’s going to act as the music host (the one that will be sharing your
music to all of your other computers). We are going to leave the iTunes music folder in the default
location on this computer, but share it on the network so all of the other computers can see it.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Go to Applications > System Preferences
Click “Sharing” under the “Internet & Networking” section
Click the check box next to “File Sharing”
Under the “Shared Folders” section, click the plus arrow
5. Navigate to your iTunes Music folder: HD > Users > Your Username > Music > iTunes > iTunes
Music
6. Click “Add”
7. Close System Preferences. You’re done on this computer for now.
8. Now go to a computer that is going to be streaming music from this one and continue to procedure
directly below.
To stream music from the host computer to other computers:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Go to a client machine.
Open iTunes > Preferences
Go to the “Advanced” tab
Click the “General” tab
Under the “iTunes Music Folder Location” click the “Change” button
Navigate to the iTunes music folder we just shared from the host computer
Click “Open”
Click “OK” — you should now be back at a normal iTunes window
Complete this on each computer. So in my case I did this with the Mac mini and the Macbook Air.
When you have completed this procedure on each computer, move on to the next step –”Universal
Library Setup”
At this point, all of your computers are accessing the same music library. Now all we have to do is make
sure all the computers are accessing the same master index. Onward, to the universal library setup!
B: Universal Library Setup
At this point, both computers are accessing music from the same folder. Now we are going to make them
access the same index file and album artwork. Once again, there are two different methods for this. If you
have an NAS (Networked storage drive) follow procedure 1, if you are going to use one computer as the
host (a server or tower that’s always on) follow procedure 2.
Procedure 1:
1. Now we are ready to point our iTunes index to our LAN. While holding option, double click on
your iTunes icon.
2. A “Choose your library” window will pop up. Select “Create Library.”
3. A window will pop up. Under “Where” select your a location on your NAS from the pulldown.
Save as: “iTunes1ʺ″. iTunes will Launch. Close it.
4. We’re done on this computer.
5. Now go to a client computer and continue to “The client machine” below
Procedure 2: Go to the computer that’s going to act as the music host (the one that will be sharing your
music to all of your other computers). We are going to leave the iTunes index XML file in the default
location on this computer, but share it on the network so all of the other computers can see it.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Go to Applications > System Preferences
Click “Sharing” under the “Internet & Networking” section
Click the check box next to “File Sharing”
Under the “Shared Folders” section, click the plus arrow
Navigate to your iTunes folder where the XML file is stored: HD > Users > Your Username >
Music > iTunes
6. Click “Add”
7. Close System Preferences. You’re done on this computer for now.
8. Now go to a computer that is going to be streaming music from this one and continue to the
procedure directly below.
The client machine:
1. We are ready to point our iTunes to the shared index. While holding option, double click on your
iTunes icon.
2. A “Choose your library” window will pop up. Select “Choose Library.”
3. A window will pop up. Navigate to the iTunes index XML file just set up on the NAS or shared
from our host computer. You should see a folder called “iTunes1ʺ″. Open it.
4. iTunes will Launch. Close it. We’re done on this computer. Repeat this procedure on all other
client machines.
You’re now ready to roll. Simply add music to any computer you want, making sure iTunes is closed on
all other computers, then when you are done adding your tunes, close iTunes and wait for Dropbox to
upload your files. Once Dropbox is done uploading your updated library XML files, fire up iTunes on
another computer and you will see your freshly added tunes. Enjoy!
NOTE: All the software mentioned is cross platform, so this method will work on your Windows
machines as well!
iTunes
: dropbox, iTunes, plex
0
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78 Comments
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1.
Reply
Adam Monday, October 13 2008
So why store the music library on your local network, and your index on Dropbox? Why not store
everything on your local network?
2.
Reply
Theo Monday, October 13 2008
Great timing, I’m about to do the exact same thing.
Why did you choose to use Dropbox, rather than creating a share on the host machine and point all
the client machines to use that?
3.
Reply
Jose Monday, October 13 2008
Is the index format created by iTunes running on a Mac the same as the index created on a
Windows Machine? In other words, Can I use an iTunes index created on a Mac to run the
Windows Machine iTunes library?
Thanks
4.
Reply
f. Monday, October 13 2008
I don’t understand why using Dropbox… I have this setup, with the index on the LAN too.
5.
Reply
Tuomo Monday, October 13 2008
I have the all my music on an USB disc attached to a Time Capsule. Every few days I copy the
“Itunes”-folder of the main (ripping) Mac to all the “client” Macs. IPods will be synced with the
main Mac.
6.
Reply
DJFelix Monday, October 13 2008
Very interesting!
Could you just as easily use an iDisk or the local network?
I’m actually quite surprised that Apple hasn’t brought out a device that will let you load all of your
music into one central location that can feed your iPod, iPhone, Apple TV, Mac, PC …. Sure you
can share your library, but you can’t load music onto your iPod from a shared library … at least
not without 3rd party software.
7.
Reply
Jenny Kortina Monday, October 13 2008
Yeah you can store your library XML file on the LAN too. I originally set it up using DropBox b/c
I thought it might merge changes, instead of just overwriting with the newest copy. I’ll make some
changes to the article though, thanks.
8.
Reply
Brian Monday, October 13 2008
I’m running Boot Camp on my MacBook Pro with Windows XP- Is there a way that I can access
and run iTunes on the XP side with my library from OSX?
9.
Reply
Ricki Monday, October 13 2008
Beware!
I have been running a setup up where 3 computers and an AppleTv is using the same library
situated on a network drive. My girlfriend, the AppleTv and me accidently tried writing to library
at the same time. It messed up the entire disks index file and only disk warrior could save it.
It sucks, sucks, sucks that we can not easily maintain a shared library in the same household
without breaking the DRM…..so darling who’s 9 Gig music library is allowed to live on the
appleTv this week.
Also each week I have to delete a ****load of XML’s called “previous iTunes Library xx-xx-xx”
for each time some comp tried writing a new version of the iTunes library.
An iTunes music collection should not be limited to one person. The same way my girlfriend can
use my cd’s on the stereo, she should be able to listen to my mp3ʹ′s on our mutal computer/appletv.
Sorry about the rant, just bought noteburner and plan to free our music!
10.
Reply
lovely45 Monday, October 13 2008
thanks for the heads up on good video sites in this article as well — liking http://snackfeed.com
11.
Reply
Dr Macenstein Monday, October 13 2008
Awesome tutorial, thanks!
12.
Reply
Jay Tuesday, October 14 2008
I must be doing something wrong cause when I get to the section: “Navigate to the iTunes music
folder we just shared from the host computer” I can’t see it in the list!
13.
Reply
Andy Wednesday, October 15 2008
Whoa – Dropbox just comes out of nowhere in this article. I have it and use it, but can you clear
up how exactly you are using it to update the iTunes XML files?
And I’d love to hear how you do iPhone syncing. Since the contacts, calendars, photos are not
included in the iTunes Library, how is it possible to sync from any computer on the network as
you say?
14.
Reply
entica Monday, October 20 2008
Whenever I open iTunes on one of the “client” machines, I get “Cannot write to this library” error
message (or something to that effect). I’ve set everything as wide-open as possible, guest and
registered users have read/write access to the music folder and the itunes library folder. It’s shared
properly and I even ran a permissions repair on the disk. Still, no matter what I do, I can’t get any
client machines to actually write to the shared library. It doesn’t matter if I’m remotely connected
as “Guest” or as the administrator on the server.
Any idea? Thanks.
Reply
Dwain Willis Tuesday, July 21 2009
When choosing the library, ensure that you do not have that library already opened on
another machine. Quit ALL instances of iTunes on all machines except the one you are
trying to map to.
Reply
Bob Tuesday, February 23 2010
Doesn’t seem to matter. I even moved my .xml files to the same external drive as the media.
Both users are set up on one iMac. If one user has iTunes open, the other can’t even open for
read access to the library file. Error message is that file or disk is locked or you don’t have
permissions. Don’t know how these others seem to be doing it — either not simultaneously
or maybe it’s a Snow Leopard “feature”.
15.
Reply
Damon Friday, October 31 2008
Ditto the comment #13…please explain more fully how to do this with DropBox. I know how to
use Dropbox I just don’t understand what iTunes files would go into it. The music files AND the
library files? Or would the music files be on all the computers separately and just sharing the
library xml files? If the latter, I do not see where there is an option in iTunes which allows one to
independently select the locations of the respective music libraries and index libraries. Or maybe I
am missing something.
Thanks.
16.
Reply
Dietrich Saturday, November 1 2008
I have an old iMac connected to an external hard-drive that has my main iTunes library. In
addition, I have a MacBookPro with a different iTunes library.
I tried the method described above (Procedure 2 that uses my iMac as the host computer) with the
modification that I am pointing to my external hard-drive which is attached to my iMac.
But it’s not working. Is there something that I am missing?
Help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Dietrich
17.
Reply
Help!! Friday, November 21 2008
Do you guys think it works well or are there to many downsides? I’m planning on putting my
itunes and iphoto library on my time capsule and let time machine backup on the drive connected
to time capsule. You guys think it will work? or do you have some suggestions, always want to
learn more…
18.
Reply
yaalag Wednesday, November 26 2008
This works really well! I have the same thing set-up in my house and once the library and index is
setup on the network drive, you can add any computer very easily. Installing itunes, then delete the
created library and when starting up, after the error message point it to the network drive and
chnge the preffs for the index file. I have added cheapo older windows notebook around the house,
connecting to stereo’s in the room and connected to the network wirelessly. The children, my
office, the kitchen anywhere we share our music and play it the same time. only point is still that
only one machine can update it while other itunes apps are closed.
19.
Reply
Peter Saturday, January 3 2009
RE: #14
I am having the same problem as the person in post #14. I have successfully set this up with my
MacBook Pro as a Client (old PowerMac G4 is the Server). I am trying to set up my wife’s New
MacBook Air and I am getting an error message when I try to choose the iTunes xml library on
the Server. It says I do not have permission. I am connected to the server as the Administrator.
Has anyone been able to resolve this issue?
Thank you,
Peter
20.
Reply
Ugo Thursday, January 8 2009
Worked for me with the following setup
iTunes (media, database files, artwork, mobile applications) on ReadyNAS Duo
Client 1 (PowerMac, Tiger 10.4.11, iTunes 8.0.2)
Client 2 (MacBook, Leopard 10.5.6, iTunes 8.0.2)
I can see the same library from both clients. I can add songs from both clients.
Didn’t try yet to sync iPhone on client 2 (since I want first understand what will happen with
Calendar sync).
Thanks Ugo
Reply
Arun Venkatesan Saturday, August 22 2009
sync all your calendars to gmail and that should help with calendar sync
21.
Reply
Scott Friday, January 9 2009
This is a great setup if you have multiple machines but one user. My setup has two users, each of
whom have different music tastes, so we want different playlists, and we want to keep different
music in our libraries. But we also like some of the same songs, and don’t want to keep them
twice, and I want to back up the music. So our setup is similar: – Media files on a media server – 2
machines, each with their own local libraries, but with the iTunes preference set to use the network
server as the library location. This preference is under “Advanced,” at the top (iTunes Music folder
location).
Now our music syncs to our iPhones, and we can set up our own playlists without stomping all
over each other.
Reply
Scott S Wednesday, July 8 2009
Scott (Jan 9th)… I am very interested in your set up… I moved my library to an external
drive and would like a second user (my wife) to be able to access the same music library…
Any chance you can supply me with a little more specific info re: your set up and the steps
took to get there?
Reply
SteveK Monday, August 31 2009
Wow – this is exactly what I want to do. I have a Windows environment with a AD server.
On teh server is a shared folder with ALL the iTunes music. I want to have a shared library
as well as 2 or 3 personal libraries. Can you please provide in depth instructions on how to
accomplish this.
Thanks so much in advance.
22.
Reply
Craig Thursday, January 29 2009
Using this setup, can two computers both be using iTunes at the same time?
23.
Reply
Julian Bond Tuesday, February 17 2009
Just Say No To DRM and copyright restrictions and you wouldn’t have all this trouble.
Reply
Borat Wednesday, March 3 2010
This has nothing to do with DRM, this is a software problem with iTunes itself, which they
nearly solved with their home sharing update…but stuffed it up with the need to keep copies
of library files on each machine.
My lib is 160gb + and this is not pheasable….fingers crossed
24.
Reply
Shailesh Thursday, February 19 2009
In your steps:
Now we are ready to point our iTunes index to our LAN. While holding option, double click on
your iTunes icon. A “Choose your library” window will pop up. Select “Choose Library.”
If I’m using iTunes for Windows, how do you start iTunes so you get the choose your library
prompt? — Since there is no option key to hold while starting iTunes.
Reply
Face Monday, August 3 2009
you hold down Shift key when double clocking the itunes icon. you may need to try it twice
for it to prompt you.
25.
Reply
sheila Wednesday, February 25 2009
can i still do this procedure without a mac? I have a dell inspiron 1521
26.
Reply
Marshall Tuesday, March 10 2009
I’m getting the same permissions problems as posts #14 and #19. All permissions/sharing settings
are open on the host machine. iTunes is closed on it, and I’ve restarted it on the client. I can access
all the music but keep getting an iTunes error message on the client that says “The iTunes Library
file cannot be saved. You do not have enough access privileges for this operation.”
Has any figured out why this might be the case?
27.
Reply
Pete Saturday, March 14 2009
I am having the same permissions problem as posts #14, #19, and #26. Perhaps it has something to
do with this drop box? As someone above said, it comes out of nowhere in this article and I’ve
never used it.
Please explain if you can – if this really does work it will be a huge help.
28.
Reply
Eric Saturday, March 14 2009
2009-03-14 Hi, I tried the setup mentionned above but it’s nok working… I think I know why it’s
not working but don’t know how to solve this…
On my iMac (the one that holds all my CDs), in the Library XML file, the path of each file looks
like this: file://localhost/HD/Music(…). So on my “client machine” (and old G4), I’m able to “see”
all the songs but when I want to listen, I can’t. Of course, the XML file tells iTunes to look on
localhost for the songs…
Is there a work around to solve this ? Because I want iTunes to work on both Mac’s, iMac and my
old G4.
29.
Reply
parkersweb Tuesday, March 17 2009
@Shailesh – hold the shift key and double click the iTunes desktop icon
30.
Reply
drew Saturday, March 21 2009
I’m pretty sure the drop box comment came from an earlier revision of the article (comment #7).
They probably just forgot to take out the reference to it.
31.
Reply
JT Saturday, March 21 2009
Does anyone know how to do this with a mixture of mac and windows pc’s? I’m using my
macbook as the main computer but can’t get my wifes dell pc to access it as it can’t see the xml
file.
32.
Reply
UV-Birke Saturday, March 21 2009
Actually there is a better way to do this:
Assumption: You have one computer where you started/built yolur iTunes library and are now
moving to a server/NAS with several computers accessing it.
1) Put the “iTunes Music” folder containing the music itself from the original computer on your
NAS/server. 2) Put an alias of this folder into the original computers Music/iTunes folder replacing
the “real” one. 3) Repeat step 1 and 2 with your “Album Art”, “iPod Games”, “Mobile Apps” and
“Previous iTunes Libraries folders” if you have them. 4) Repeat step 2 and 3 for every computer
that should have full access to the iTunes library. 5) Buy/try and install Syncopation on every
computer accessing the library. Subscribe to the original computers iTunes library on every
computer. Make shure to check “Automatically syncronize with remote libraries”, “Automatically
delete tracks from remote libraries” and “Import tracks without copying”. 6) Sync the libraries on
all computers. This should happen very fast. 7) Subscribe to every computers library with every
computer.
Voila, now you can use iTunes simultaneously on every computer in the network and even modify
the library from every computer, instantaneously updating it on the other computers.
Reply
Chris Wednesday, August 5 2009
@UV-Birke Sounds promising.
Is there any danger of corrupting files using this approach? Or does syncopation assure that
no two computers are writing to any given file at the same time?
Reply
steve Monday, February 15 2010
except it doesn’t work if you have both macs and pc’s? Apple really should figure this out,
don’t they want you to buy a new computer every year or two?
33.
Reply
Max Tuesday, March 24 2009
You can do this a whole lot easier with Echodio. I’m using the beta version to sync my home
media server and me and my girlfriends laptop and it’s working flawlessly. The only catch is that
it’s MacOS only for now so I can’t sync my work machine. Use the TC/DC invite code instead of
accelerator it gives you 5GB instead of 1GB.
34.
Reply
Computer Rental Company Wednesday, March 25 2009
Great Tip!
Your blog was really helpful.I was hoping that it can also be integrated with the Windows OS
knowing that a lot of computer users are using Windows on their computer system.
35.
Reply
Mark Saturday, April 4 2009
I use this setup storing my music on an AirDisk. My setup includes a macbook and a mac pro and
I want to be able to share the same music on both computers supporting the ability for both
computers to run itunes at the same time, two different people. The only way I have found to do
this is to have two itunes folders that contain the itunes library (itunes library.xml) or more, one
per user that wants to simultaneously access the library. The benefit of doing this is to be able to
avoid needing to constantly synch music files to multiple locations, each user can maintain their
own play lists. The downside is that when new music is added to one library it is not automatically
added to the other libraries, this has to be done manually. With a little tinkering I bet I will be able
to figure out how to automagically synch the two itunes library xml files, that would keep both
perfectly in synch while allowing multiple users to simultaneously access them.
36.
Reply
Dan Schneck Monday, May 18 2009
Great tutorial – thanks for your efforts and willingness to share!
37.
Reply
Niall Smart Wednesday, May 20 2009
This is all very complicated :) We’ve built Echodio specifically to solve this problem – it work just
like DropBox, and easily syncs your playlists, tracks, ratings and metadata across multiple iTunes
libraries – and for peace of mind keeps a backup in cloud storage. We also have support for
streaming from the cloud to Boxee, so you’ve the same music collection everywhere.
Right now, we’re in beta, so it’s free to use. See http://www.echodio.com to signup!
38.
Reply
Kevin Friday, June 12 2009
I would love to figure out how to have the itunes library open on multiple machines at once.
Echodido – Mac only, limited storage space, and only syncs one playlist. I want my entire library
synced on both machines.
Syncopation – Again, Mac only. Looks promising, but I use PCs.
39.
Reply
Jason Tuesday, July 28 2009
Try SuperSync
http://www.supersync.com
40.
Reply
tilman Sunday, August 9 2009
Hi,
I tried this with Apple iDisk and it worked. Cool Tipps, thanks a lot! I also tried using my
Timemachine Airport Extreme Backup Volume (over Network) and here I just copied my local
iTunes Forder (and all media files) to it. This woked, too. So what I ask myself: is it really
necessary to go the way that is described here regarding creating a new xml and folder etc? isn’t it
the same if you copy all your itunes data to the NAS/iDisk and the option start iTunes, let it scan
and correct the paths and it works from different computers – as long as you don’t access the file
from 2 computers at the same time?
Tilman
41.
Reply
Steve in Seattle Saturday, September 26 2009
Awesome post. I have been able to share my library easily with XP but Windows 7 was not letting
iTunes default to the network share I have always had my library shared out on, it insisted on
keeping the library files on the local hard drive even though I used the Edit -> Preferences ->
Advanced -> iTunes Folder Location setting to point to my network share. That’s all I needed to do
with XP at least. Your client setup tip on how to point iTunes to the the library file did the trick.
THANK YOU!!!
42.
Reply
Dan in London Thursday, November 5 2009
Guys, I’m trying to set this up but on windows.
I get as far as “select option and double click itunes”. Obviously this is a MAC function. What is
the function for windows? And how to you point itunes to the .itl file?
Cheers, Dan
Reply
Steve in Seattle Thursday, November 5 2009
Use the key on a Windows machine where you see instructions to use the key. Also, be sure
to hold the key while double clicking on the actual program icon, not a shortcut. (Find the
acutal program icon here: Start button -> All Programs -> iTunes -> iTunes)
Reply
Steve in Seattle Thursday, November 5 2009
Aaaah foo. I used special characters before and after the words Shift and Option in my reply
above. Here, this should be more clear. My apologies.
Use the Shift key on a Windows machine where you see instructions to use the Option key.
Also, be sure to hold the Shift key while double clicking on the actual program icon, not a
shortcut. (Find the actual program icon here: Start button -> All Programs -> iTunes ->
iTunes)
43.
Reply
bins Sunday, November 8 2009
Great tips! I have the NAS sharing (Time Capsule, iTunes 9.0.2, Snow Leopard) configured, but
every time I switch computers and start iTunes I get Updating iTunes Library which takes quite
some time (45 min or more with 100Gb music)… Any suggestions to speed this up or stop this
from happening?
Reply
Pascal Wednesday, January 6 2010
Did anyone solve this “Update Library” problem? It must have been introduced with iTunes
9(.0.2?), since the setup worked before for three years without any problem.
44.
Reply
Mike Sunday, November 8 2009
I am having the same problem as bins. All my music is on my Mac Mini, and I’m connecting to it
with a Windows 7 laptop. Everytime I switch computers it rebuilds the library. Also, whenever I
go back to iTunes on the Mini I don’t have permissions to the “iTunes Library” file. My user has
been taken away, and there is a user “nobody” that has the only read/write access. I can re-add
myself to the file, but then iTunes still does the “Updating iTunes Library” thing.
Any suggestions?
45.
Reply
Chris Monday, November 9 2009
I am using Windows 7 and iTunes 9. I have a desktop with two logon’s mine and my wife’s.
Additionally I have a notebook with a universal log on. My music is all on one shared folder on
my Windows Home Server. I have successfully mapped iTunes to the server folder with the music;
and the iTunes library to the library file on the server. So, it all works great with my desktop logon.
However, when I log off iTunes and log into my wife’s account or the notebook’s account and
attempt to point iTunes to the library file on the server it states that the file is locked or that I don’t
have permission to use it. Is this something with iTunes 9? Any suggestions. I’ve tried to
troubleshoot for hours now.
Reply
Steve in Seattle Monday, November 9 2009
Sounds like a windows file permissions problem to me. On your server, try giving the other
user accounts that access that folder “Full Control” permissions: 1.) On the iTunes folder on
your server, right click, choose “Properties” 2.) Click on the “Security” tab 3.) Click the
“Advanced” button. 4.) Click the “Edit” button, then the “Add” button. 5.) Enter individual
users you want to have access and click the “OK” button. You didn’t mention if your
Windows Home Server is a domain controller or not. If it is, you might just make sure the
group “Domain Users” (no quotes) has “Full Control” permissions, this may be all you need
to change rather than list the individual users. 6.) In the “Permission Entry for iTuenes”
window, click the “Full Control” box under the “Allow” column. 7.) Click “OK” on each
window to close them all out. 8.) Try to access iTunes from your other user accounts. You
may have to log out and back in, but I doubt it.
Reply
Steve B Friday, January 22 2010
I’m having this same problem with locked files, anyone worked it out yet?
46.
Reply
Sally Thursday, December 17 2009
This is by far the best article I have come across regarding accessing a single music database from
2 computers. However, I am using Windows rather than Mac and some of the instructions are
unclear, eg I can’t find a Windows equivalent of “application>system preferences” referred to in
Procedure 2.
Also I’m not sure whether I would be considered to be using an NAS (Procedure 1) or a Server
(Procedure 2). All data is stored on a server (in the roofspace) accessible via Windows Home
Server.
I think I have both computers accessing the same library – they are the same size, but one is in
caps the other in lower case – which is slightly worrying – but I can’t actually find any folders in
caps in any of my file trees.
However, when I edit my index to the library on one computer – this is not automatically
transferred to my index on the other computer. Eg, I deleted a track from iTunes on one computer,
but when I checked the other computer, it was still in iTunes.
I have been struggling with this for months (!!!). I feel I am nearly there – all I need is for the
indexes on my computers to sync. Is this possible?
47.
Reply
Steve in Seattle Thursday, December 17 2009
Hi Sally, Here is my take on your questions, in order: Question 1: Procedure 2 has instructions to
share the folder out so other users can see it. To do this in Windows: 1.) In the file explorer or My
Computer on your server, navigate to the location where your iTunes folder lives. 2.) Right-click
on the folder, choose Properties. 3.) In the window that comes up, click on the Sharing tab. 4.) The
next steps vary depending on what version of Windows you are running, but essentially, you just
want to share out the iTunes folder to “everyone” or you could be more secure and specify
“Domain users” if you home server is a domain controller, or you can specify individual user
accounts.
5.) Test to make sure your clients have permission by opening the file explorer (or My Computer)
on one of your clients (it may be best to log it out and then log back in first). Navigate to the path
where your iTunes folder is shared. Next, drop down into it and create an empty .txt file to make
sure you have permissions (To do this, right click inside the iTunes folder, choose “New” and then
“Text Document”. You can just leave the default name (“NewTextDocument.txt); press . If it
doesn’t complain about insufficient rights, you are good to go. Delete this file.).
Question 2: If you are using Windows Home Server, you are using a server, not a NAS, although
your comment “All data is stored on a server (in the roofspace) accessible via Windows Home
Server.” makes me wonder if you are using an attached NAS device. Either way, it really doesn’t
matter as long as you have the iTunes folder shared out from your server with proper permissions
and this folder is online and available whenever you are using your client machines.
Question 3: Sounds like your clients are not using the same library. Make sure you have specified
the same iTunes library file in each client. Remember in Windows there is no Option key, so you
will need to hold the Shift key while opening iTunes. Also, be sure you are double clicking on the
actual iTunes program icon, not a shortcut. (Find the actual program icon here: Start button -> All
Programs -> iTunes -> iTunes). Here you will be prompted to choose an iTunes library and can
navigate to the one you have shared out above.
This is pretty wordy, but I hope it helps. Good luck. Steve
Reply
Sally Monday, December 21 2009
Hi Steve, thanks for your helpful and very prompt response.
I think my situation is now as follows. Both computers are accessing the same library on the
roof space server.
However, when I come to edit the index to this library on one of the computers, it does not
automatically sync to the index on the other computer. (I tend to “fiddle” with my index a
lot!)
Is this beyond the remit of iTunes – or am I still missing a crucial step?
Reply
Steve in Seattle Monday, December 21 2009
Sally, You’ve got me on that one. Hopefully someone else on this forum will reply with a
solution.
Sorry about that, Steve
48.
Reply
Dave Sunday, December 20 2009
Every one of these comments is way over my head. Is it possible to just copy my library from my
home PC Itunes to my laptop that I want to take on the road? If so, what’s the easiest way to do it?
Reply
Ronan Sunday, January 3 2010
Hi Dave
Did you get any “plain talk” replies on how to copy itunes library from the PC to your
laptop?
I have similar problem. Original itunes library on old laptop ….got new laptop and set my
wife and kids iPOD up with itunes ….now I cannot access the original library on new laptop.
Ronan Ronan
49.
Reply
Sally Tuesday, December 22 2009
Hi Steve – I think the light has finally dawned. The problem is that iTunes 9 and Windows Home
Server are – wait for it – incompatible!!! So I don’t have iTunes software installed on the server.
Instead, I open iTunes on whichever computer I’m using. What I’ve now realised, is that if I go
onto the server, and click on the iTunes Library folder, this will actually open iTunes on the
computer and will be giving me access to the Library folder on the Server. Using this method, both
computers will now be accessing the same Library/Index and I can fiddle away to my hearts
content! Hoorah – it’s only taken me about 6 months to sort this out – well ever since iTunes 9 was
released.
50.
Reply
Sally Tuesday, December 22 2009
Hi again Steve
Unfortunatey my new found confidence was misplaced. I’m still getting 2 different libraries up.
Libraries under preferences are now definitely the same for both computers. But it makes no
difference whether I access them via iTunes software direct, or through iTunes Library icon on the
server they are still different libraries.
How can this be?
Anyone out there with any ideas?
51.
Reply
OW Tuesday, December 22 2009
Great article and knowledgable comments…The best I found on this subject.
The setup is great in addressing new installations with no existing libraries. My problem is that my
household has several users, each with his/her own playlists structure on his own machine pointing
to local media folder. Nobody wants to recreate these playlists manually from scratch. 1. Now that
I’ve copied all my music to the NAS, is there a way to recreate these libraries, such that the
playlist structure is preserved and pointing to the NAS media folder. 2. Assuming #1 is doable, Is
there a way to consolidate all libraries to a single master library and point all iTunes clients at
startup to this library?
Thanks!
52.
Reply
Dave Sunday, January 3 2010
Hi Ronan. Thanks for your comment. I was starting to wonder if I was all alone out here. No, I
have not rec’d any feedback on how to get my library of songs and podcasts from my home
desktop PC to my laptop or whether it’s even possible to do so.
My itunes skill is at about a 2 on a scale from 1 to 10. Need very simple instructions.
Reply
Chuck Friday, January 8 2010
found this link useful when moving Itunes around:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/moving-your-itunes-library-to-a-newhard-drive
maybe something useful here.
53.
Reply
barabadam Saturday, January 16 2010
I’ve got one iTunes music library shared between osx10.5 and vista home basic. I can’t open
iTunes on both computers at once because the iTunes Library.itl file is locked.
54.
Reply
Mike Tuesday, February 2 2010
Does anyone know of an app so I could access my itunes on my NAS on an iPod touch?
55.
Reply
levellerdk Friday, February 5 2010
@Mike
Well, that would depend on your NAS. If you have a Synology with DS2.2 you just need to add
the DS Audio app to your ipod touch.
56.
Reply
ajai Friday, February 12 2010
Hello
do you know a way to create a itunes library from the iphone so the music can be stored in an
external usb drive ? I want to control the music from the iphone but i don’t want a computer to be
all the time switched on, so i would access the music from the iphone but the files are stored in the
external drive
Is this possible ? do you know any app that can do this O
57.
Reply
Chris Perabo Thursday, March 4 2010
I’m still trying to figure this one out myself and have tried many things. I agree that the “Home
Network” option on iTunes is useless to achieve what you want. The solution I am looking for
must be able to do the following:
I have an iPod shuffle (for my kids lullabys), an iPod Nano (for my runs), an iPhone (cause it’s so
damn cool!!) and then three PC (strangely no Macs) When I plug any iPod device into any of my
computers I want it not to “reject” it based on sychronization with “another library”. I also use the
Nike+ iPod so after each run I plug it into a computer to update my runs.
What I have now is the solution posted here where I run all my computers from one library.
This mostly works, except for the nagging issues that Jenny points out during her discussion,
namely: 1 – If you are using a laptop and want to take all of your music with you, this is not
the method for you. All of the music is stored on a networked drive, so it is only accessible
when on the network. (You could set it up so your music can be streamed over the internet,
but this article will not go over that). This I can deal with since I rarely want “all my music”
with me… my syncd iPods take care of what and when I want to listen to.
You can only make updates to one music library at a time — you cannot have iTunes open on
both computers and make changes. Make changes on one, then open the other one.
Acccccckk! This is a pain in the ASS!! Since when do I “turn off iTunes”? It’s always on, should
be on, should stay on. This sucks.
You need to close iTunes on the computer you made changes on, and reopen it on all other
computers to see changes As above… SUCKY!!!
PLUS One she doesn’t mention, but worth mentioning… if your internet connection falls out (ie
wireless laptop), then iTunes gives you ERROR messages that it can’t save the library… buffering
issues with live streaming I can deal with… but error messages suck.
So after thinking and trying… I’m ready to try something NEW! I am already a huge fan of
Microsoft (did I just say that?) Live Mesh. Finally, they are starting to get it, and Live Mesh is a
great example of what the future will bring with cloud computing. (Why it’s limited to 5Gb and
why there is no “paid upgrade” option is another story…)
This is where I need help though…. thinking logically about it… instead of “Accessing the remote
library” as Jenny teaches, I want to SYNCHRONIZE my library. Note, I have also >400Gb of
music and I do NOT want to SYNCHRONIZE my music files, JUST the library that keeps track of
all the meta data (tracks played, album artwork, genres, playlists, all this great stuff…)
The advantage here is that the Library file (iTunes library.itl) is relatively small (1.5Mb) and can
be easily synchronized in one of my Live Mesh folders.
What I don’t understand though – is two-fold: 1 – What do I do with all the other files? Do I
need to sync these too?
iTunes Library Extras iTunes Library Genius iTunes Library.xml files too
2 – What about the other folders, do they need to be syncd too? Namely:
Album Artwork iPod Games Mobile Applications
I sense I’m on the verge of a breakthrough… can anyone help put the last pieces together? Then I
can make a “Setup” Entry and we can finally SOLVE this!
Reply
CJ Sunday, May 16 2010
Did this ever work for you?
I’m trying to do the same thing, but with no success.
I have a MacBook Pro that I store all my music. I wanted to have my iMac at home to
access MBP’s iTunes Library when I’m home. Didn’t like the Home Sharing, because I
would have to “sync” manually and it’s actually keeping two separate libraries.
If I could add a file from iMac and it gets reflected on MBP’s library, I’ll be happy.
I tried to set file sharing and tried to access the library file through the network, but I kept
getting “unknown error message (13014).”
Any advice would be helpful.
58.
Reply
James Saturday, March 13 2010
I have an ipod shuffle 2nd gen. My PC died and I bought a Mac, now when I connect my shuffle it
comes on that I am connected to a itunes library already. I don’t want to lose my music that is on
my ipod and I can’t get my music from my old PC as it is dead. What can I do to get back on to
itunes and not lose my music on my shuffle.
59.
Reply
Chris Wednesday, April 21 2010
Cheers for this, I haven’t fully tested it yet but I just got it all set-up and it looks right and it’s
downloading artwork etc right now.
12 Trackbacks
1. My Picks From GigaNET: Wattbot, iTunes Hacks, SNL Goes Solo - GigaOM October 13,
2008Tracked on
[...] TheAppleBlog tells you how to use one iTunes library with multiple computers. I have been
looking for this guide forever, because I have way too many computers. (Full story @
TheAppleBlog.) [...]
2. One iTunes Library With Multiple Computers October 13, 2008Tracked on
[...] Via TheAppleBlog [...]
3. Wrenn Stuff. » How-To: October 21, 2008Tracked on
[...] One iTunes Library With Multiple Computers | The Apple Blog Written by AW in:
Uncategorized | [...]
4. Smith Recommends » Blog Archive » How-To: One iTunes Library With Multiple Computers
November 25, 2008Tracked on
[...] Read Article Share: [...]
5. Go Brandstorm | Smith Recommends » Blog Archive » How-To: One iTunes Library With Multiple
Computers December 4, 2008Tracked on
[...] Read Article [...]
6. Share iTunes library with all your computers…. | 411zone.net January 7, 2009Tracked on
[...] you know how it goes but if you are tired of updating multiple iTunes libraries take a look at
this site Tags: itunes, living room, multiple itunes libraries « I hate [...]
7. Syncing Apps With Dropbox - TheAppleBlog February 25, 2009Tracked on
[...] like to keep synchronized. We’ve previously written how to achieve something similar for
your iTunes library, but will now take the idea a little further, extending it to other [...]
8. News-Mix: Torrents, iPhone-Hacks, iTunes-Sync Tipps & der Minutenguide February 27,
2009Tracked on
[...] wir das letzte Mal im Oktober berichtet. Heute fassen wir die Katze am Schwanz an und
empfehlen diesen, etwas älteren TAB-Artikel. Die Kollegen des AppleBlogs erklären, wie sich
eine iTunes-Bibliothek an mehreren Rechnern so [...]
9. Sync: Ein iPhone an mehreren Rechnern February 27, 2009Tracked on
[...] wir das letzte Mal im Oktober berichtet. Heute fassen wir die Katze am Schwanz an und
empfehlen diesen, etwas älteren TAB-Artikel. Die Kollegen des AppleBlogs erklären, wie sich
eine iTunes-Bibliothek an mehreren Rechnern so [...]
10. - iPhone-Informationen und News February 27, 2009Tracked on
[...] ein iPhone mit mehreren iTunes-Installationen zu synchronisieren. Dieses wird in einer HowTo auf TheAppleBlog beschrieben. Dort wird erklären, wie sich eine iTunes-Bibliothek an
mehreren Rechnern so [...]
11. iTunes-Anleitungen: iPhone-Sync an jedem Rechner March 3, 2009Tracked on
[...] wir euch erst am Donnerstag auf dieses iTunes-Tutorial einer gemeinsam genutzten iTunesBibliothek aufmerksam gemacht haben, und bereits im Oktober über [...]
12. Syncing Apps With Dropbox « mensonblog March 17, 2009Tracked on
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for your iTunes library, but will now take the idea a little further, extending it to other [...]
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