Q: Locating files

I use synchronize, mainly because I generally want the ability to sync in both directions. In my case D:\iTunes syncs to E:\iTunes which is a portable drive I can take to work and sync with there in exactly the same way. Then any changes I make at work can be synced back to my library at home, and I have 3 parallel clones of the entire library. IIRC contribute does't replicate deletions so could be considered a bit safer, but I always preview the updates rather than running them automatically.

If you can still complete a purchase the next time that you want to then the secure link issue isn't worth worrying about.

See http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_xp-files/folder-opens-a utomatically-upon-startup/ace10384-5a99-… for a possible fix for the folder that opens on startup.

Windows 7 right? If you click the start menu, then right-click on the Music icon and select properties I think you'll find you've attached your profile's Music folder to G:\iTunes\iTunes Media\Music. If you reset this to the standard location of C:\User\<User>\Music that would change the behaviour.

See Getting iTunes & Windows Media Player to play nicely.

No, you're welcome.

tt2

Windows 10 actually. Am I best advised to avoid the Windows Music been able to access my music files on G. Could it cause a problem ?  If so do I go into properties on the windows music file > location and restore to default. A bit worried it may mess things up

I'll have a look at the Windows 10 equivalent of that library feature tomorrow to make sure I understand how it behaves, but it is probably responsible for the icon changes, and it should be possible to point it elsewhere and just not use it. If I recall from my very brief look whatever player is built into Windows 10 is a very poor substitute for Windows Media Player and is probably best avoided altogether.

tt2

OK, thanks. Will not alter anything until you contact me.

If you open File Explorer, type Libraries into the address bar and press enter, then right-click on Music and select Properties you should see something like this.

Here the first entry is the Music folder which I've added manually to test it, but it hasn't affected the icon on the folder. The second item is the standard C:\Users\<User>\Music folder. Clicking Restore Defaults at the lower right should restore the default paths without affecting your iTunes library.

I really don't like Groove Music. You can set it up to share the same common music folder that is inside iTunes Media but I cannot find anywhere to make sure that it never moves files around. This would confuse iTunes so it should be avoided. It is possible to replace the Groove Music tile with one for iTunes, or at least show both, in the start panel. I'd also recommend you work with your library through iTunes rather than File Explorer.

tt2

Opened the Windows music properties and restored it to default, it now just opens an empty folder. Hopefully it can't affect iTunes in anyway in the future.

Is it still OK to have iTunes as the default music player ?

Had a few issues with my iPod when I connected it but seems to be Ok now, but during the sorting out process I ran diagnostics and there were a few issues that still persist such as iTunes helper is not running. Do I need to be concerned ?  I would greatly appreciate it if you could let me know.

Regards, Alex

Have attached a copy of the diagnostics report, maybe you can understand it ! 

See Restart the Apple Mobile Device Service (AMDS) on Windows - Apple Support although if you don't have any iOS devices then it probably doesn't matter. Likewise I think you can ignore the iTunes Helper status if iTunes is working as you want it.

tt2

Restarted the AMDS and have a slight improvement in diagnostics, see attachment below:-

It would be nice to have the iTunes helper working but as everything seems to be working OK, and your happy I'm of the opinion if it's not broken don't fix it.

Once again thank you so much for your help.

Regards, Alex.    PS if you do find a simple fix for the iTunes helper please let me know but hopefully now I won't need to use it. 

See http://osxdaily.com/2009/09/10/ituneshelper-what-does-itunes-helper-do/ for background and a possible fix reversing the instructions there for disabling it.

Go to Start Menu -> Run, type in ‘msconfig.exe’ and hit enter. A system configuration utility will pop up and click the “Startup” tab, from there navigate to iTunesHelper.exe and enable it by selecting the checkbox next to the app name.

Looking here the checkbox is next to the word iTunes and you only see iTunesHelper,exe by resizing the command column. Mine is running, but it doesn't have much to do since I've told iTunes not to launch when I connect my devices since I often only connect to charge.

tt2

Followed the instructions to the start up tab but there doesn't seem to be any iTunesHelper to enable, see screen shot

I'll have a look at my Windows 10 install at work later to see where this start-up entry should be housed.

tt2

Went into properties on iTunesHelper and ran compatibility troubleshooter which basically informed me that the iTunesHelper I have is incompatible with the Windows 10. See below.

That's odd. Installed and working here on my Windows 10 64-bit test box.

C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe - version 12.3.2.35

tt2

I have checked I have the same version of iTunes as you, 64 bit. Where do you suggest I go from here ?

Is there an iTunesHelper.dll file in the same folder?

Do both the exe and the dll show the correct version numbers?

You could delete both and then repair iTunes from the Programs and Features control panel which should replace the files and the setting to run iTunesHelper on startup.

tt2