Q: How to use iTunes library on a different mac stored on external hard drive - on wired network
I recently purchased a new iMac. I used a time machine back up to move all of the files over to my new computer . I still want to use my old iMac as a media server for my network. The main iTunes library is located on an external hard drive connected to my old iMac. I don't want to move all of those media files over to my new iMac as they are quite large.
I am syncing all of my families phones/ipads on this new iMac and obviously having difficulties with them finding their music/songs etc. When I contacted apple support, they had me move over my entire iTunes library to my new iMac. Now the phones are able to sync correctly and pull up all of their media. However I have just duplicated 200 gb of media files. I was able to access the external hard drive to move the media over. Is there a way having my new iMac accessing that external media hard drive in iTunes for playing and syncing media files without storing that library on my new computer?
iMac, iOS 9.2
Posted on Jan 8, 2016 4:04 PM
What exactly do you mean when you say library? A library is an entire iTunes folder with media files but also all the support files and folders. You can copy everything except the media to the new Mac, then start iTunes while holding down the option/alt key and when prompted guide it to the iTunes Library.itl file you just moved. It should "point" back to the media on the original drive as long as it mounts on the new computer as a drive. If there are problems and you get broken tracks ( ! ) you can find one track when asked, then let iTunes try to find others based on the one you find (will take some time).
Posted on Jan 8, 2016 7:30 PM