iTunes library on one computer with multi…

iTunes library on one computer with multiple users

Mom, Dad, and kids each have their own log-in to this computer. Mom is the main administrator and when we downloaded all the CDs to iTunes, it went to Mom's iTunes Library. Dad has logged in under his name and purchased items from iTunes store which are now in his library. We now have 2 separate iTunes Libraries. How can we make the iTunes library the same for both Mom and Dad?

Dad just got iPhone and wants to be able to sync his apps to his computer login as well as having access to Mom's iTunes library - it would seem to me that the easiest way to do this is to copy the library from Mom to Dad or somehow be able to have Dad share the itunes library. Can't figure out how to do this. Any help would be appreciated.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.5.7)

Posted on Aug 3, 2009 6:35 PM

Jun 9, 2010 8:54 AM in response to Paddy B.

I am trying to do the following and I'm not sure if it's supported or not, but would be shocked that it isn't.

Scenario
Home Network (workgroup)
4 computers on the network (1 Windows 7, 1 Windows Vista, 2 Windows XP)
1 iTunes Library (currently located on an external drive [Z:\Music])
2 iPhones
2 iPods
1 iTouch

Goal:
To be able to login to any of the four computers, connect to iTunes and sync any device (computer, i-device) as if everything was done on one computer.

I understand home sharing allows me to play the music from any computer, but I can't sync my device. Also, if you attempt to sync, it'll attempt to erase the i-device. I've tried to map a network drive (I:\itunes) that points at (\\computer1\z-drive\music) and can load the library, but it can't play anything. So I don't think that's the way to go.

Anyone have any suggestions? I'd be shocked that someone hasn't attempted to do this (and hopefully achieved) before.

Thanks.
House