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Dual Boot iTunes, Share Library

20 January 2009 350 views 6 Comments

I have over 6000 songs on iTunes and I would like to keep my current library on my new Windows 7 boot. However, if I make changes on Windows 7, I want them to be applied to my Windows XP boot, and vice-versa. I found that there are two ways of doing this, one that is very simple and the other for power users.

Method 1: Easy Way

Step 1: Make sure iTunes is setup correctly on your first boot and Consolidate your library (found under File -> Library or under Advanced menus)
Step 2: Note the locations of your “iTunes Library.itl” file and your “iTunes Music” folder
Step 3: Boot into the second OS. Install iTunes (if its already installed, skip this step)
Step 4: Launch iTunes and hold down Shift, you should be presented with:

choose_library_iTunes Step 5: Click “Choose Library” and then navigate to your “iTunes Library.itl” file (it is probably on another drive or partition)
Step 6: iTunes will then proceed (if you get a message about keeping the folder organized, choose yes), but all of the files will be labeled as missing ( (!) next to song)
Step 7: Go to Edit –> Preferences then open the “Advanced” tab
Step 8: Next to the “iTunes music folder location”  box, press “Change” and select your “iTunes Music” folder, which you noted in step 2.
Step 9: Make sure the “Keep iTunes Folder Organized” and the “Copy files to iTunes Music folder when adding to Library” are checked and press OK
Step 10: iTunes should now process and reload all of your songs, Enjoy!

Note: If you get access denied on any of the above steps, quit iTunes, go back to your other OS and make sure “Everyone” has “Full Control” on the “iTunes Music” folder and the “iTunes” folder (containing .itl file). This can be viewed via Properties –> Sharing and Security (right-click on the folder). The Security option is only available if “Simple Sharing” is turned off, which can be turned off via “Folder Options” menu and “View” tab. Check online for more information about Permissions and Simple Sharing.

Method 2: More Advanced

If you want the more advanced setup, transfer all of your songs (“iTunes Music” Folder) to a USB drive or network drive. Also, transfer your iTunes Library file. Then use the path to that path above and you can even use other computers, however I have not tested multiple iTunes running on one library at the same time.

Enjoy!
- James Hartig

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6 Comments »

  • Nick said:

    This worked soooo good thank u a lot. Took like a split second to share the library.

    # 31 January 2009 at 9:55 PM
  • My week on the web | bitful said:

    [...] Dual Boot iTunes, Share Library | Tech Corner [...]

    # 2 February 2009 at 3:02 AM
  • Richard said:

    Unfortunately, you can’t disable simple sharing on XP home, so this will only work on XP professional.

    # 6 February 2009 at 1:14 PM
  • Chris Harding said:

    Hi James,
    Just used your suggestion for sharing the itunes library on a dual boot system.
    I’ve been trawling the net for ages trying to do this so just wanted to send a huge THANK YOU for your article.
    Cheers,
    Chris
    Bristol, UK

    # 24 October 2009 at 4:23 PM
  • Dell said:

    Thanks, helpful publish and interesting weblog – bookmarked!

    # 9 February 2011 at 5:53 AM
  • Corey said:

    How about actually saying something in your comments rather than just some generic comment that has no relation to what the post is actually about.

    # 10 February 2011 at 5:58 PM

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