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multiple macs and iTunes library on NAS device

My iTunes library is stored on a Buffalo NAS drive.


I have an older Mac desktop - running OS X 10.6.8; on this machine iTunes 11.4 is set up to use the library on the above noted NAS device. This is working fine; all my burned and purchased music is playing no problem.


I have a new (latest) version Macbook Pro Retina - running OS X Yosemite 10.10.2. I proceeded to set iTunes 12.1.0.50 on this machine to use the exact same shared location as is being used on the desktop noted above for the library location. On this machine, however, I am only able to view my purchased music (with the download cloud displayed).


Anyone know why two Macs pointed to the exact same iTunes library shared folder location would result in one working fine and the other only showing purchased music available for download?


Thanks

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Yosemite (10.10.2)

Posted on Mar 26, 2015 7:50 PM

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1 reply

Mar 26, 2015 8:17 PM in response to Daryl James

How exactly did you set it? You do not do it in preferences (a common mistake). You do it by starting up iTunes while holding down the option/alt key whereupon iTunes will irreversibly convert what it sees as the library, namely the iTunes Library.itl file, to a version which will only work with the newest version of iTunes you run (your 12). Clearly you can't use 12 on your old computer so there is no way to share the same library file. Each version of iTunes will have to run its own library file which will essentially maintain its own independent list of entries, though they can share media. This means changes you make to one library will mostly not appear in the other but if you do something such as delete media in one library the other library will fuss it can no longer find the file, etc.


If you are going to start doing advanced iTunes things you need to learn how iTunes works.


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 - plus supplemental information about organizing to new structure https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6477809?answerId=26404702022#26404702022


Image of folder structure and explanation of different iTunes versions (turingtest2 post) - https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-7392 and making an iTunes library portable.


One other tip. Just about every mention I see of people using iTunes with a NAS is something with a problem that results from using iTunes with a NAS. iTunes is likely not written with NAS use in mind. It may work, or it may not. Keep regular backups.

multiple macs and iTunes library on NAS device

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