Itunes

TheBazman

Hi all

I have around 7000 music files which I have on my hard drive in a Music folder, which then has all the files in alphabetical sub folders. Heres my problem: if I now burn a cd or purchase music online with Itunes, that song goes into my Itunes directory. I then have to cut this file and paste it into my alphabetical music folder. I then have to go to Itunes and "Add this (new) file to library" and delete the old link in my library (as because I have moved the file the old link is dead. This is obviously a lot of hassle. What should I do:
1. Change my Itunes directory location to my music folder where my alphabetical files are shared. But then when I burn a new folder, it then wont be organised alphabetically. I'll still have to move the file and have the same problem as above.
2. Use the consolidate library function? What exactly does this do? I presume it just copies any music files anywhere on your pc and puts them into the Itunes directory. This will use a load of memory unless I delete the originals. Also does this keep the mp3's in their original format?

As an aside - when you move a file and you are left with a dead link on your Itunes library - Is there a way to quickly get rid of this? Do you have to go and delete each one , one by one? Is there not a way to delete all dead links/files (ie) cleanup library .

Phew a lot of questions I know, but any help is appreciated

Cheers

Idleater

TheBazman wrote:

1. Change my Itunes directory location to my music folder where my alphabetical files are shared. But then when I burn a new folder, it then wont be organised alphabetically. I'll still have to move the file and have the same problem as above.

I have my library set up simalar to how you want yours set up.
Edit - Preferences - Advanced.
Change the ITunes Music location to where you have your music files. For example, mine points to s:\shared music.
When ITunes recordes a cd, it puts it under artist\album\track number trackname.
If I give it an mp3 file, I chose file - "add files to library", it copies it as above and I delete the original.
If you want ITunes to rename files and folders as you edit them, choose the "keep ITunes music folder organised". If you want to edit them yourself uncheck this.

TheBazman wrote:

2. Use the consolidate library function? What exactly does this do? I presume it just copies any music files anywhere on your pc and puts them into the Itunes directory. This will use a load of memory unless I delete the originals. Also does this keep the mp3's in their original format?

I don't know. I wouldnt do it. look it up in ITunes help. I think it copies files from all over the place to your music itunes music folder.

TheBazman wrote:

As an aside - when you move a file and you are left with a dead link on your Itunes library - Is there a way to quickly get rid of this? Do you have to go and delete each one , one by one? Is there not a way to delete all dead links/files (ie) cleanup library .

I haven't found out a simple way other than deleting (or moving) the itunes library file away and rebuilding the file from the music folders. I only had to do this once, but now that my library is set up, I just add to it.

L.

TheBazman

Cheers Nereid

Some good tips there - I'll give it a shot