Why is iTunes so difficult to use?

Question

Level 1

32 points

Why is iTunes so difficult to use?

I really don't understand the concept of the iTunes library. I have changed computers a few times and transferred my libraries over, convoluting the whole mess more each time.
Now whenever I try to sync my ipod it says that the original library could not be found. Well, I'm sorry but there is no chance in finding that same exact library because it likely no longer exists in its original form. SO does this mean my ipod is useless for any further additions and I just need to make do with what is currently on there?

Also what is the path itunes uses because in my users>my name>music>itunes there are lots of folders in here. Some branch off even further, for example iTunes>iTunes>iTunes
Each of these has a slightly different group of files in it. Why must one be a computer genius to keep this running properly?

Do I have no hope of ever having a smoothly running multimedia experience? I think this should be simplified where the ipod can still be synced and added to on the fly without having to arrange things like someone with OCD in order for it to work.

Lastly, is there a way to dump the things from my ipod onto my new computer? I could fill the holes of missing files that way. Some things no longer seem to exist in my various itunes libraries but the files are on my ipods.

Any help would be appreciated.

.

ibook G4, iMac 9,1, Mac OS X (10.5.6), ipod, ipod touch 2nd gen

Posted on Apr 23, 2009 10:53 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Zevoneer

Level 9

52,705 points

Apr 23, 2009 11:18 PM in response to Kam D'Bret

*is there a way to dump the things from my ipod onto my new computer?*

iTunes will only let you copy your purchases directly from an iPod to the computer, you'll find details in this article: Copying iTunes Store purchases from your iPod or iPhone to a computer

Purchased applications can be downloaded over again, see this article for details: How to redownload purchased applications from the App Store

For everything else (music from CDs, other downloads and including iTunes purchases) there are a number of third party utilities that you can use to retrieve the music files and playlists from your iPod Touch or iPhone. You'll find that they have varying degrees of functionality and some will transfer data (such as playcounts and ratings), movies, videos, photos, podcasts and games as well.

A selection of iPod/iPhone to iTunes utilities:
Senuti Mac Only (iPod Touch & iPhone compatible)
iPodRip Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
Music Rescue Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
iPod Music Liberator Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
iGadget Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
iRepo Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
iPod Access Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
TouchCopy Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)

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Answer 2

Kam D'Bret Author

Level 1

32 points

Apr 24, 2009 12:57 AM in response to Zevoneer

Wow, thanks Zevo. I am definitely getting one or two of those and trying it out. I don't like the itunes store except for apps, so most of my stuff is from cds and it will have to be this third party route.

I'm keeping my questions open in the hopes of getting more information. Also, in case someone else is having my specific issues.

.

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Answer 3

PT

Level 7

20,888 points

Apr 24, 2009 8:11 AM in response to Kam D'Bret

The fact that you are seeing things like triple nested iTunes folders is not normal and indicates something went wrong during the various moves and copies from computer to computer or within the same computer.
How is it that you transferred your library from one computer to the next?
Is your library currently on a single computer now and we can consider that the "master" library?
Patrick

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Answer 4

roaminggnome

Level 10

106,365 points

Apr 24, 2009 8:20 AM in response to Kam D'Bret

That doesn't sound right.

I move my itunes each time I change computers and nothing changes. The ipods and iphones sync just like they always did.

The library on the new computer is exactly like the one on the old computer.

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Answer 5

mvest20

Level 1

115 points

Apr 26, 2009 11:12 PM in response to Kam D'Bret

I would make sure that your iTunes Advanced Preferences have the two checkboxes for Keep Organized and Copy Files to iTunes Music Folder checked at all times. More than likely, the multiple files and folders come from having one or both of those two boxes unchecked and attempting to keep the files organized using another method. It is possible, but makes it much more difficult than just letting iTunes do it for you. The only method that I think will help you clean it up some is using the Consolidate Library tool to be sure that everything gets saved in the right place, then slowly weeding through the excess double and triple files.

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Answer 6

Apr 27, 2009 6:57 AM in response to Kam D'Bret

iTunes is only difficult to use if you don't let it do what it was designed to do : manage your music. If you use Finder to transfer from one computer to another and don't let iTunes do it, then things - as you have discovered - become messy.

This article explains all the nuts and bolts :

http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/moving-your-itunes-library-to -a-new-hard-drive

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Answer 7

Apr 27, 2009 9:50 AM in response to Kam D'Bret

Sounds very self inflicted.
I have moved my iTunes Library 6 times since 2002 (iTunes 4) and never had a problem.

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