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I have two iPods, and one iTunes, how do i use both seperately?

I used my mom's ipod for a while, for christmas i got my own, and now i want to know how she can use her details to buy songs on her iPod and i can use my dad's for mine, step by step instructions would suffice, thanks!

Steve.

?, Windows XP Pro, ?

Posted on Dec 25, 2008 1:36 AM

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12 replies

Dec 25, 2008 1:43 AM in response to Gynx

When the iPods belong to different people, there are basically three ways of using multiple iPods on a computer and these involve:
a) Sharing a single iTunes library
b) Creating Multiple Libraries in a single Mac or Windows user account
c) Creating multiple Mac or Windows user accounts.

Note: When you are sharing an iTunes library, you don't have to set each iPod to update in the same manner, you can mix and match from the options below as each iPod has it's own update settings

Sharing a Library and/or User Account

If you want to share the one library, you can set either or all of the iPods so that they only get updated with only certain playlists (you can update from more than one if you wish):
iPod - Syncing Music
Syncing Music to iPod shuffle

Choosing the update option "Sync Music - Selected playlists" allows you to create a playlist specifically for the iPod and drag the tracks you want into it. If you tire of the list and want to change it, you just add or remove the songs you don't want. The ones you take out out remain in the library to be used some other time if you choose.

Or you can choose to update any or all of the iPods manually and just drag whatever content you want to them: Managing content manually on iPod and iPhone

Multiple Libraries

It's also possible to have multiple libraries in a single account. To create or access a second (or more) library, hold down the Shift key in Windows when launching iTunes. In the resulting dialogue you will get the option to create a new library or navigate to the other Library.

Note: You can only have one Library open at a time and iTunes will default to the last library opened if you don't use the keyboard command to choose one. This can prove tricky when using multiple iPods, if you don't use the keyboard command you can risk syncing to the wrong library: Using multiple iTunes libraries -Windows

Separate User Accounts

Another option is to create a separate User account for each person on your PC or Mac. Different accounts by definition would give you completely separate libraries. Each account has it's own iTunes folder, Library and iTunes Music folder and you load it with CDs etc just as you did with your original one. The iPod can be set to update however the owner chooses, sync all, manual or sync specific playlists.

I don't use Windows so I can't give you a step by step on that one, however I can point you to another web page which should help you out. You can read about Windows user accounts here:
Create and customize user accounts in Windows XP

Dec 25, 2008 2:10 AM in response to Zevoneer

Yes, we are trying to make seperate iTunes Store accounts so we dont buy out of eachother's pockets, i've tried making seperate playlists, but does that mean i have to open iTunes every time with shift+click? Also, even if i do go onto my playlist, when i try to sign her out of my iTunes store and sign into mine, her email still comes up.

Help?

Dec 25, 2008 2:19 AM in response to Gynx

*i've tried making seperate playlists, but does that mean i have to open iTunes every time with shift+click?*

No, you only hold down the shift button when you want to access a different library not when you are simply using different playlists inside the one library. If you are talking about purchasing songs from different iTunes Store accounts then you would of course have to log into the relevant account to make the purchase. You appear to be mixing up iTunes Store Accounts and iTunes Libraries, they are 2 different things. A store account is where you need a username and password to purchase things, a library is what you log into to view and manage the songs etc that you have added to iTunes.

Dec 25, 2008 2:26 AM in response to Gynx

If you were to delete an iTunes Store Account then you wouldn't be able to play any songs you bought using that account. You have no need to delete iTunes either, you can make as many libraries as you want. Alternatively you could set up a different Windows Use Account for each person using the computer. Different Windows accounts will completely separate each person's iTunes library and they can add whatever they like to it. Within their user account they can open their own iTunes, log onto the Store and buy their own songs and they won't be mixed with anyone else's.

Dec 25, 2008 3:44 AM in response to Gynx

If it's coming up with someone else's details you must be using their username and password to log on with. I can only assume that you are signing on and filling in the password when you are being asked. You might want to check out this page: How to set up an iTunes Store account

Also I don't understand why you downloaded iTunes over again since it was already on the computer and available to any user account you create.

I have two iPods, and one iTunes, how do i use both seperately?

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