Can 2 different computer accounts share the same Itunes library?

Question

Level 1

4 points

Can 2 different computer accounts share the same Itunes library?

Does anyone know: Is it possible for two users on the same computer to "SHARE" the same iTunes Library so you don't have to duplicate libraries on the hard disk?

So far I have been having to load 25GB of Music on my wife's account and the same 25GB itunes library on my account.
I have put the single iTunes files in the "PUBLIC" music folder and set that as the default on the ITUNES "Preferences" but still does not work for some reason.
Thanks

DELL Quad, Using Windows 7

Posted on Oct 31, 2009 5:41 PM

Reply

Answer 1

ed2345

Level 9

62,450 points

Oct 31, 2009 5:52 PM in response to OLDBMWGUY

OLDBMWGUY wrote:
I have put the single iTunes files in the "PUBLIC" music folder and set that as the default on the ITUNES "Preferences" but still does not work for some reason.

That will work. Note, however, that iTunes does not watch the folder to see what is there. After placing the files there, you have to go into *each iTunes library* and use the command File > Add Folder to Library. Then each library will be using the same copy of each song.

Reply

Answer 2

OLDBMWGUY Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 31, 2009 6:45 PM in response to ed2345

Yessir, did that but when I would do the command File > Add Folder to Library command, it would simply copy all of the 49GB of music/movies from public to the private store on each account when I would open iTunes on that account.

Reply

Answer 3

roaminggnome

Level 10

106,365 points

Oct 31, 2009 6:48 PM in response to OLDBMWGUY

Why not share one account?

Reply

Answer 4

ed2345

Level 9

62,450 points

Oct 31, 2009 6:55 PM in response to OLDBMWGUY

OLDBMWGUY wrote:
Yessir, did that but when I would do the command File > Add Folder to Library command, it would simply copy all of the 49GB of music/movies from public to the private store on each account when I would open iTunes on that account.

You evidently have it set to copy files. Go to Edit > Preferences > Advanced and turn off "Copy Files..."

Reply

Answer 5

OLDBMWGUY Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 1, 2009 7:17 PM in response to ed2345

Yes sir, did that but it still has the same problem.
Now when I go to my wife's account (everything identical , playlists, etc. in both accounts) it does not know where to locate the songs. I place it in the default and it works, but as soon as I go back to the other persons account, the default has automatically changed back, and none of the playlists (although still intact) have again lost the location of the actual music (located on in the Public Music folder) very frustrating.
It would seem to be simple.

Reply

Answer 6

ed2345

Level 9

62,450 points

Nov 2, 2009 4:10 AM in response to OLDBMWGUY

OLDBMWGUY wrote:
I place it in the default and it works, but as soon as I go back to the other persons account, the default has automatically changed back

If the iTunes Music Folder location in Preferences is on an external, and you start iTunes without the external being accessible, the location will revert to the local drive.

Reply

Answer 7

OLDBMWGUY Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 5, 2009 10:47 PM in response to ed2345

Got it. Seems to work just fine now.
Thanks very much.

Reply