iTunes in a remote (UNC) location to import library

LTParis · 23rd October 2010, 01:00

So as an Andriod owner I am very intrigued with the wifi sync option, and when you include all the bloat that iTunes has accumulated over the years I am thinking of making the switch, but I have some unique needs that I am not sure can be overcome.

My wife will likely be using iTunes since she has a iPhone, so I need to keep it on one computer. No big deal since I have a separate computer and I can just use iTunes as the music manager there, but do a watch directory over on mine to the common music folder share.

The problem is I want to import my iTunes library on the other computer since I have meticulously rated my songs. But it seems by default WinAmp can only scan what it thinks is the local iTunes music folder.

Is there any way to import my library? My only real concern is ratings.

jewisharific · 26th October 2010, 06:47

I don't use iTunes, but this should work, from what I know about how it works:

The iTunes library is in XML, so you could copy the library's XML file from your wife's computer (File>Library>Export Library… I think). Then you could map the drive to your computer and do a Find and Replace in a text editor to change the path to the tracks.

So let's say the path to your music is \\wife\music on the network and "C:\Users\wife\Music\iTunes Music" locally (on her computer). You map \\wife\music to drive letter Z:, open the XML file with notepad, and find and replace "C:\Users\wife\Music\iTunes Music" with Z:\ . Then you import that XML file into iTunes on your computer.

You may also have to change a setting in iTunes for the location of the local music folder, but I think that'll work.

The reason we map the drive is because I'm not sure if the iTunes XML library file can use UNC paths.

LTParis · 26th October 2010, 13:36

Can Winamp handle a UNC path or only a mapped drive?

jewisharific · 26th October 2010, 20:24

The winamp library can use UNC paths, but I don't know if winamp will correctly import an iTunes library with UNC paths.

LTParis · 26th October 2010, 23:40

I think it will be fine. iTunes will still be the primary manager of files, and I'll just FTP or ROBOCOPY the xml file over nightly so I have the latest on the winamp machine.

23rd October 2010, 01:00	#1
LTParis Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 5	iTunes in a remote (UNC) location to import library So as an Andriod owner I am very intrigued with the wifi sync option, and when you include all the bloat that iTunes has accumulated over the years I am thinking of making the switch, but I have some unique needs that I am not sure can be overcome. My wife will likely be using iTunes since she has a iPhone, so I need to keep it on one computer. No big deal since I have a separate computer and I can just use iTunes as the music manager there, but do a watch directory over on mine to the common music folder share. The problem is I want to import my iTunes library on the other computer since I have meticulously rated my songs. But it seems by default WinAmp can only scan what it thinks is the local iTunes music folder. Is there any way to import my library? My only real concern is ratings.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

26th October 2010, 06:47	#2
jewisharific Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 6	I don't use iTunes, but this should work, from what I know about how it works: The iTunes library is in XML, so you could copy the library's XML file from your wife's computer (File>Library>Export Library… I think). Then you could map the drive to your computer and do a Find and Replace in a text editor to change the path to the tracks. So let's say the path to your music is \\wife\music on the network and "C:\Users\wife\Music\iTunes Music" locally (on her computer). You map \\wife\music to drive letter Z:, open the XML file with notepad, and find and replace "C:\Users\wife\Music\iTunes Music" with Z:\ . Then you import that XML file into iTunes on your computer. You may also have to change a setting in iTunes for the location of the local music folder, but I think that'll work. The reason we map the drive is because I'm not sure if the iTunes XML library file can use UNC paths.

26th October 2010, 13:36	#3
LTParis Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 5	Can Winamp handle a UNC path or only a mapped drive?

26th October 2010, 20:24	#4
jewisharific Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 6	The winamp library can use UNC paths, but I don't know if winamp will correctly import an iTunes library with UNC paths.

26th October 2010, 23:40	#5
LTParis Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 5	I think it will be fine. iTunes will still be the primary manager of files, and I'll just FTP or ROBOCOPY the xml file over nightly so I have the latest on the winamp machine.