Using ChronoSync with iTunes - what files/folders to exclude?

Question

Using ChronoSync with iTunes - what files/folders to exclude?

I want my laptop and HTPC to have the exact same iTunes library. I started with copying the *iPhoto Library* package file to the HTPC, so right now, they have the exact same library.

I'll do most of my iTunes work (e.g. adding new music) on the laptop. The HTPC-sync is just for changes to playlists, ratings, etc. - minor edits I might happen across while listening to my music there. I would want these changes to sync back to the laptop.

I know I can now use ChronoSync to keep these libraries in sync:

http://econtechnologies.com/pages/cs/chrono_tips25.html

My question is: for my needs, _which files/folders in the iTunes Library can/should I exclude for synchronization_?

Thank you.

MacBook Pro 13 UB; Mac Mini 2010, Mac OS X (10.6.4), I still miss the iMac desklamp design

Posted on Aug 3, 2010 1:49 PM

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Answer 1

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Aug 3, 2010 2:00 PM in response to Helicon Twist 2008

You need to sync the entire >Music>iTunes> folder.

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Answer 2

Aug 4, 2010 11:46 AM in response to Chris CA

That's what I figured. I was just looking for ways to shorten the sync times by excluding certain folders. Thanks for proving otherwise.

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Answer 3

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Aug 4, 2010 2:39 PM in response to Helicon Twist 2008

I was just looking for ways to shorten the sync times

After the initial sync, the only thing that will sync are changed items, likely only the *iTunes library* and *iTunes library.xml* files, any songs you added and any songs you changed the info for.

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Answer 4

Aug 5, 2010 8:19 AM in response to Helicon Twist 2008

Good point, thanks!

Next question: What file(s) in the iTunes folder control the size of the iTunes window, and the amount of "zoom" when viewing content in Grid View (not Cover Flow)? Is it possible to non-disastrously sync everything except the file(s) that control this?

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Answer 5

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Aug 5, 2010 8:23 AM in response to Helicon Twist 2008

What file(s) in the iTunes folder control the size of the iTunes window

None. It would most likely be in the iTunes application prefs file, which is not in the \Music\iTunes\ folder.

Is it possible to non-disastrously sync

I don't know what you mean by this.

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Answer 6

Aug 5, 2010 8:31 AM in response to Chris CA

Chris CA wrote:
None. It would most likely be in the iTunes application prefs file, which is not in the \Music\iTunes\ folder.

I don't think that's true. The sync I set up didn't touch any iTunes .plist files. When I changed the window size and content zoom on one computer (and nothing else), then re-synced, the display settings were copied back to the other.

Chris CA wrote:

Is it possible to non-disastrously sync

I don't know what you mean by this.

Meaning, if I choose not to sync whatever file actually controls the window display settings, will iTunes still function properly, or will I "break" something in it?

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