Making iTunes the same on 2 computers

[clayk]

I need to find a way to cleanup my iTunes and make them the same on 2 different computers. This was never a problem with the ipod. I could just manually manage the device.

Anyone know of an easy way to keep 2 libraries sunced?

Clay

 

[Dolphinsfan]

I need to find a way to cleanup my iTunes and make them the same on 2 different computers. This was never a problem with the ipod. I could just manually manage the device.

Anyone know of an easy way to keep 2 libraries sunced?

Clay

I was wondering the same thing.

 

[Lazarus]

same here and also if a song gets deleted of pc but its still on iPhone will it be deleted off iPhone when I sync? If so any way to prevent it?

 

[todd1010]

I'm using 2 computers but haven't sync'd my music yet in fear of loosing. I guess I could try it out with a few songs on it since I have all of my music on both computers (desktop and laptop).

I'm currently traveling and sync my iPhone to my desktop for music. I could try syncing it to see what happens with the music on the iPhone.

I would think you could have the option to merge or replace the data. At least you should be able to transfer "NEW" music onto the iPhone instead of replacing it.

 

[TomBombadil]

iTunes uses a library file as its database to track everything you have. If the computers are networked, you just need to have both computers use the same file to manage iTunes. All you need to do is hold 'Shift' while launching iTunes and it will allow you to select a different library file. Just point to the library file you want and you will be set.

For example, if computer 'A' has the iTunes library you want, just launch iTunes on computer 'B' while holding shift. Then, select the library file on computer 'A' to view iTunes as if you are on computer 'A'. It will remain that way until you change the library, so to get back to your original configuration, just hold 'shift' again while launching iTunes and choose the original library.

HTH!

 

[Mustangous]

iTunes uses a library file as its database to track everything you have. If the computers are networked, you just need to have both computers use the same file to manage iTunes. All you need to do is hold 'Shift' while launching iTunes and it will allow you to select a different library file. Just point to the library file you want and you will be set.

For example, if computer 'A' has the iTunes library you want, just launch iTunes on computer 'B' while holding shift. Then, select the library file on computer 'A' to view iTunes as if you are on computer 'A'. It will remain that way until you change the library, so to get back to your original configuration, just hold 'shift' again while launching iTunes and choose the original library.

HTH!

Ok, but what if i wanted everything on computer 'A' to go on to computer 'B'.
Could i just load a new version of iTunes on computer 'B' and then connect the iPhone to computer 'B' and everything will transfer?

 

[Mustangous]

iTunes uses a library file as its database to track everything you have. If the computers are networked, you just need to have both computers use the same file to manage iTunes. All you need to do is hold 'Shift' while launching iTunes and it will allow you to select a different library file. Just point to the library file you want and you will be set.

For example, if computer 'A' has the iTunes library you want, just launch iTunes on computer 'B' while holding shift. Then, select the library file on computer 'A' to view iTunes as if you are on computer 'A'. It will remain that way until you change the library, so to get back to your original configuration, just hold 'shift' again while launching iTunes and choose the original library.

HTH!

What if i just installed a new version of iTunes on computer 'B', how could i get everything from iTunes on copmuter 'A' transfered over? Just sync the iPhone up to cmputer 'B'?

 

[cdodkin]

What if i just installed a new version of iTunes on computer 'B', how could i get everything from iTunes on copmuter 'A' transfered over? Just sync the iPhone up to cmputer 'B'?

So I have two Macs, and wanted the same iTunes material on both.

One is my desktop, one my laptop.

Here's what I did.

I bought a piece of software called Martian SlingShot

http://www.martian.com/SlingShot.html

This allows you to set up Publisher files or folders on one machine, and then either manually or automatically sync them to Subscriber folders on a 2nd machine.

It even has a smart playlist option specifically for iTunes - where it will sync only the files you drop into a playlist on your iTunes.

I however use the basic file sync feature, and sync the whole iTunes folder from my desktop to my laptop using the software, over my network.

This means that it copied all of my song files, and the very important database file for my iTunes, and it works perfectly!

The folder I copy is under Music on my Mac, and is called iTunes.

It contains iTunes Libarary, Album Artwork, iTunes Music, previous iTunes Libraries and iTunes Music Library.xml

I have it set to manual sync, i.e. I tell it when to do it - but you can set it for auto sync, i.e. every time both machines are switched on, and are on the same network.

I also use slingshot to back-up my work folders from desktop to laptop, so I always have the latest documents with me when I'm out with the laptop.

Easy, cheap, simple, and it just works!

 

[ryan.howard@ntlworld.com]

The Answer to Everyone's Prayers

The answer to everyone's prayers is Tune Aid. You can connect your iPhone/iPod and copy your music directly into a different copy iTunes on a different computer, or you can simply copy the music directly into a Folder of your choosing.... and it's FREE!

Well at first.. You get to give it a go a few times then you have to register it for $18.95 which is about £10. Not bad for something that works well..

Pretty smart ey.?
Get it here: http://www.digidna.net/tuneaid/

P.S. Take a glace at DiskAid too. http://www.digidna.net/diskaid/
It let's you access your iPhone/iPod Touch like a memory stick

The one drawback, if indeed it IS a drawback is, you need to jailbreak your iPhone/iPod Touch for it to work. Well, you do if you have firmware 2.2. It might work on older firmwares, I don't actually know.

If you don't know what jailbreaking is, it removes various security measures Apple put onto your device to keep your filthy mits off it's inner workings. Once removed it installs a ouple of aps that give you access to a wealth of FREE 3rd Party Apps in addition to the appstore already on your iPhone/iPod Touch. The whole process is extremely simple to do and well worth it. Not sure if it screws your warranty though so don't blame me if you get shafted..

Get more info on jailbreaking here:
http://www.appleiphoneschool.com/jailbreak/

 

[401402]

i have lost 154 songs on my iPod touch under start and search feature i found them
1-how do i transfer 154 songs back to iTunes
then sync to iPod touch?

 

[phsycology]

A good program to keep two macs synced including iTunes and iPhoto libraries is Chronosync, I use it, and there is a trial version available upon request,