HT201610: About iTunes library files

Learn about About iTunes library files
JNB_apple
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: why two different itunes libraries?

My music and movie files got too large, so I've moved my iTunes library to an external hard drive.

I since got a new computer and am trying to set it up.

All is working fine with movies and music. BUT- why do I have a separate itunes Library on my Mac?  It seems that the only files there are my apps.

 

I'd prefer to have ALL of my iTunes library files in one location.  How did this happen and is it normal?

Can I move everything to one library?

Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on Aug 12, 2012 9:21 AM

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JNB_apple

Q: why two different itunes libraries?

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  • by turingtest2,

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Aug 12, 2012 9:40 AM in response to JNB_apple
    Level 10 (88,163 points)
    Apple TV
    Aug 12, 2012 9:40 AM in response to JNB_apple

    Start here: Make a split library portable.

     

    If you want specific instructions I'll need to know a little more about exactly where the library files are now and where the media folder is located. Your library is in the "old" layout which is why the apps are on the internal drive.

     

    tt2

  • by JNB_apple,

    JNB_apple JNB_apple Aug 12, 2012 9:59 AM in response to turingtest2
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 12, 2012 9:59 AM in response to turingtest2

    My apps are in users/jnbernier/music/iTunes/Mobile Applications

    My music, videos and books etc are in  iomega/iTunes and then there are folders for each artist as well Screen Shot 2012-08-12 at 12.54.10 PM.jpgScreen Shot 2012-08-12 at 12.52.16 PM.jpg

  • by turingtest2,

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Aug 12, 2012 10:23 AM in response to JNB_apple
    Level 10 (88,163 points)
    Apple TV
    Aug 12, 2012 10:23 AM in response to JNB_apple

    These specific steps should apply to your setup:

     

    1. Use File > Library > Organize Library > Rearrange files in folder "iTunes". This puts the media folder into the current layout.

    2. Use File > Library > Organize Library > Consolidate files. This copies in the mobile apps and any other files that might not have been consolidated.

    3. Copy the files iTunes Library.itl, iTunes Library Extras.itdb, iTunes Library Genius.itdb & sentinel (hidden) and the folder Album Artwork from <Profile>/Music/iTunes to the <root> folder of your external drive Iomega_HDD. Ignore the xml file and other folders for now, they are taken care of elsewhere.

    4. Option-start-iTunes and open the library file at Iomega_HDD/iTunes Library.itl.

    5. Check things work.

    6. Close iTunes, rename the folder Iomega_HDD/iTunes as Iomega_HDD/iTunes Media, start iTunes, check the media folder is now called Iomega_HDD/iTunes Media, edit if not then close and reopen iTunes.

    7. Close iTunes, create a folder called Iomega_HDD/iTunes, move the iTunes library files, Album Artwork & iTunes Media folders inside Iomega_HDD/iTunes.

    8. Option-start-iTunes and open the library file at Iomega_HDD/iTunes/iTunes Library.itl, check the media folder is now called Iomega_HDD/iTunes/iTunes Media, edit if not then close and reopen iTunes.

    9. Check things work again. Enjoy the music!

     

    If at any stage things aren't working properly rewind the most recent change or ask for further help with details of exactly where you've got to.

     

    These steps should get everything sorted with the minimum amount of copying.

     

    Ideally you need a backup of the whole iTunes folder on another drive for security. Having set things up in this fashion it becomes easy to switch to the alternate copy if & when the need arises.

     

    PS the folder currently at Iomega_HDD/iTunes/Album Artwork should be redundant and can be deleted.


    tt2