Michael Spencer
Level 2 (266 points)
Apple TV

Q: iTunes not using remote folder

Recently I moved all of my iTunes folder to an external disk. I did this because my startup was getting quite full.

 

Then, I started iTunes, went to preferences/advanced, and pointed iTunes to the new location. Pretty standard stuff.

 

Then, I restarted the computer. Not needed, I know.

 

Then, I selected a tune at random in the iTunes list, control clicked, and chose 'Show in Finder. The song was in the old location. Double checked that ioTunes had been informed about the new location, and it still showed the external drive.

 

I've done this before, but have obviously missed a step. Any ideas?

 

Latest Mavericks and iTunes.

 


Posted on Apr 10, 2014 4:43 AM

by Limnos,Solvedanswer
Limnos Limnos
Level 9 (54,353 points)
Mac OS X
A:

Woah, I had to scroll three times to read all your post.  I am wearing my reading glasses today.

 

You did it the wrong way.  Changing preferences only changes where iTunes will start saving media from that point on.  If you really only want media on the external drive (not recommended) you need to organize/consolidate as part of changing preferences.  Better yet, put your whole library on the external drive.  Copy the whole iTunes folder to the drive, then start iTunes with the option/alt key held down and guide it to the library.itl file in the relocated folder.

Posted on Apr 10, 2014 7:04 AM

Close
Michael Spencer

Q: iTunes not using remote folder

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Limnos,Solvedanswer

    Limnos Limnos Apr 10, 2014 7:04 AM in response to Michael Spencer
    Level 9 (54,353 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 10, 2014 7:04 AM in response to Michael Spencer

    Woah, I had to scroll three times to read all your post.  I am wearing my reading glasses today.

     

    You did it the wrong way.  Changing preferences only changes where iTunes will start saving media from that point on.  If you really only want media on the external drive (not recommended) you need to organize/consolidate as part of changing preferences.  Better yet, put your whole library on the external drive.  Copy the whole iTunes folder to the drive, then start iTunes with the option/alt key held down and guide it to the library.itl file in the relocated folder.

  • by Michael Spencer,

    Michael Spencer Michael Spencer Apr 10, 2014 9:43 AM in response to Limnos
    Level 2 (266 points)
    Apple TV
    Apr 10, 2014 9:43 AM in response to Limnos

    Sorry about the fonts! for whatever reason I figured the big ones would be on my end only.

     

    As it turns out, that solution didnt actually work, even though I now see it's the approved method. I also tried the (old?) method of just making an alias and placing it int he Music folder.

     

    I notice though that the music folder is a mess and I have no idea why or if that's related to the issue. All iTunes related items and folders are in /Music:

    Finder001.jpg

     

    But many of these folders also appear in the iTunes Media folder:

     

    Finder002.jpg

     

    Everything works. iTunes knows where things are but there are duplicates. I wonder what the correct organization is, and if this situation on my computer is somehow dissalowing a change in the iTunes location?

  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Apr 10, 2014 11:12 AM in response to Michael Spencer
    Level 9 (54,353 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 10, 2014 11:12 AM in response to Michael Spencer

    Here's how things should look:

     

    What are the iTunes library files? - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1660

     

    More on iTunes library files and what they do - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITunes#Media_management

     

    What are all those iTunes files? - http://www.macworld.com/article/139974/2009/04/itunes_files.html

     

    Where are my iTunes files located? - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1391

     

    iTunes 9 [and later]: Understanding iTunes Media Organization - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3847

     

    Image of folder structure and explanation of different iTunes versions (turingtest2 post) - https://discussions.apple.com/message/13025536 and https://discussions.apple.com/message/17457605

     

    The location of files shouldn't "disallow" change in location, but something else you did very well could.  iTunes expects things to be in certain places and if they aren't then it gets confused.  Either that, or you tell it you are going to do it all yourself (and make sure you aren't confused).

     

    You're probably best off consolidating/organizing everything to your drive as it is, then moving the entire iTunes folder to your external and starting iTunes using that as the location for your library.

  • by Michael Spencer,

    Michael Spencer Michael Spencer Apr 11, 2014 9:21 AM in response to Limnos
    Level 2 (266 points)
    Apple TV
    Apr 11, 2014 9:21 AM in response to Limnos

    I certainly agree that consolidation/ putting things right per:Apple makes sense, but having been previously burned by making changes in Finder not in iTunes I dont want to move things around. How would this be accomplished?

  • by Limnos,Helpful

    Limnos Limnos Apr 11, 2014 9:27 AM in response to Michael Spencer
    Level 9 (54,353 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 11, 2014 9:27 AM in response to Michael Spencer

    iTunes 11 for Mac: Change where your iTunes files are stored - http://support.apple.com/kb/PH12165 - more information at: https://discussions.apple.com/message/22026652 - and steps 5-8 in https://discussions.apple.com/message/24491967

     

    Basically, set the preference for the media folder to the desired location.  Select "organize (=consolidate).  This will copy files to the media folder location. Once consolidation is accomplished perhaps get info on a track or two to make sure it is using tthe file in the correct location, then you can delete the original files.

     

    I always think it is a good idea to do a backup first in case things don't go quite as planned.

  • by Michael Spencer,

    Michael Spencer Michael Spencer Apr 12, 2014 2:56 PM in response to Limnos
    Level 2 (266 points)
    Apple TV
    Apr 12, 2014 2:56 PM in response to Limnos

    Sad to say I never noticed File/Library/Organize…! I suppose it's been there through several iterations. Always thought stuff like that would be in Preferences.

     

    Anyway, this worked to reorganize, and I learned that I have some dupes. Thanks for the help.