iTunes Media Folder won't switch location from external hard drive

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iTunes Media Folder won't switch location from external hard drive

So for the last few years I've had my iTunes library stored on an external hard drive (a LaCie Quadra), but I'm out of space, so I got a new one (a Lacie Rugged). However, when I go to change the iTunes Media folder location to the new iTunes folder in my Rugged, it's not switching over, and in fact what's even weirder is I've just discovered no matter where I set the iTunes Media folder location to, my iTunes library will only play from the iTunes folder in my old Quadra. I've Reset it numerous times, and even set the location to the Desktop (on which I have no music), yet it still is playing from my Quadra. It's as if it's locked onto it.

Does anyone know what's going on here and how to fix it? I should note I think I did get it to switch to my Rugged for a bit, as the first time I switched the iTunes Media to my Rugged (which at the same time my Quadra was still connected) I bought a song, which is no where to be found on my Quadra. But ever since I disconnected the Quadra, this problem started. Also, to transfer my files from my Quadra to the Rugged, I connected the Quadra via Firewire 800 and the Rugged via USB, and I intend to use Firewire with my Rugged from now on. Could that affect what's going wrong here? And FYI, every time I've connected to the Rugged, it does go through the Consolidate Files process, but that hasn't done anything.

Thanks

Posted on Apr 15, 2015 8:58 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 15, 2015 9:05 PM in response to meyersda

Use this program http://tunespan.com/

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Answer 2

meyersda Author

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Apr 15, 2015 9:12 PM in response to frogcicle

Thanks, but is there a solution that doesn't require to pay? It seems like that'd be just putting a "band-aid" on what's clearly a problem that can be solved somehow by simply changing a/some setting(s). It's just a matter of knowing what settings those are.

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Answer 3

Limnos

Level 10

411,217 points

Apr 16, 2015 12:22 AM in response to meyersda

Do you only have media on the external (which by the way is not a "library" because it is lacking many parts of a complete library), or do you have a complete iTunes folder with library files and support folders (a true library)?

If only media and you have both drives connected you need consolidate/organize media from one drive to the other. iTunes 12 for Mac: Change where your iTunes files are stored - http://support.apple.com/kb/PH19507 - more information at: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5036221?answerId=22026652022#22026652022 - and steps 5-8 in https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5782936?answerId=24491967022#24491967022

If you have your entire library on the external drive, copy the iTunes folder from one drive to the other. Start iTunes while holding down the option/alt key and select the relocated iTunes folder on the new drive.

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Answer 4

alan276

Level 1

12 points

Jan 11, 2017 9:18 PM in response to Limnos

The trick of holding down the option key at startup no longer works in iTunes 12.x. And changing the location under the advanced tab in iTunes doesn't work either. Any ideas?

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