How to Combine 2 iTunes Libraries / Need help w/simultan. access

[zynizen]

to sum this up, I posted a topic here..
http://discussions.apple.com/thread....37893&tstart=0

I need to know if there is a way to access the same file between two networked machines simultaneously, the iTunes Library file, or a way to have 1 Consolidated iTunes Library and be able to import/remove similar to the post I described above, but allow the ability to load/play music with multiple computers, like in a family situation.

THANKS! I really appreciate it.

[eric2006]

I have been trying to do this as well. The problem I have is that, if you make any changes to the library, they are only saved after you quit. So, if you add a song on one computer, then quit, it is saved, but if you have iTunes open on another computer at the same time and quit after that one, the new song will not show up in the library because the library index has been re-saved with the old version. If you only have one library open at a time, or quit on other computers before you make changes, you shouldn't have any problems. I haven't had problems listening to the same library file, without making changes
I'm not sure how the AirDisk works, but I resolved permissions issues on a firewire drive by doing "get info", then checking "ignore permissions on this volume" (on host computer). I can then mount the firewire drive on any computer over the network (the drive is connected to a G4 PowerMac w/ Gigabit), then open iTunes while holding the option key, and select the library on the external drive.
If your Mini has gigabit (or even if it doesn't), it may be faster to connect the drive to the mini - and you will need all the speed you can get. Gigabit switches are under $30 these days.

[zynizen]

ok it wasn't my mini, I was just posting what I currently know and have tested. However, you are able to achieve something I am not.. open itunes on multiple accounts at the same time.

I cannot even load itunes twice to be able to do this. If lets say one account is using itunes, then I switch over to another account, or another mac and load itunes on the same network, mapped to the same library file, it won't even load itunes because the other is in use by that first instance of the application.

and yes actually my situation is actually stored on a 300GB usb drive on my iMac, and still cant load iTunes on other computers.

What does work, is everything else., updates, etc. although I haven't been able to load it on multiple accounts to see if it DOES infact update or remove while both in use..

Any suggestions? I've changed ALL the permissions on that folder to even "anyone" and nothing works.


You think this would be easy to do, but I guess apple doesn't want "pirates!" I mean, its our own music, just multiple machines.. it should be as easy as a .Mac setup or an iPhoto setup.. like one dude's post I read, same thing, but with iPhoto, and no problem.