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iTunes and file format

I have several computers -- both Macs and PCs -- and am looking to finally consolidate things. Current music server is a (Vista) PC with library on external drive formatted in NTFS. I know this will work if I plug it into a Mac -- I've tried it -- but can I then just go ahead and import new CDs using iTunes on the Mac without making any changes to the external drive? Or is there a better way to do this, some other file format that would make more sense for a Mac-based server? If so, can I copy what I've got onto a properly formatted drive? (I sure as heck don't want to rip all 659 discs again!) I really don't know much about all of this -- as is doubtless obvious from this post -- and I'd really appreciate any help you all could give me. Thanks so much.
Howard
hodu
herman
2,238 posts
 
The MAC can read but can't write to an NTFS drive.

On a PC you can format your drives as FAT32 or NTFS. The Mac can read and write FAT32 but can only read NTFS. The PC can't read or write a disc formatted in one of the Macs native formats. The best bet for you is therefore FAT32 since they both can read and write to the drive without special programs.

You need to have a backup drive anyway and they are very cheap now so buy another external drive and format it FAT32. Copy all of the files from the NTFS drive over to it. Once you are confident you have a good copy, format the NTFS drive as FAT32 and copy the files back to it. Now you have 2 drives with the same files that both computers can read and write.
synthfreek's avatar
synthfreek
627 posts
 
I think instead of simply "copying" the files to the new drive you're supposed to use the Consolidate Library function. Simply copying would lead to incorrect path/directory errors wouldn't it?
almarg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
almarg
9,670 posts
 
I think instead of simply "copying" the files to the new drive you're supposed to use the Consolidate Library function. Simply copying would lead to incorrect path/directory errors wouldn't it?

Actually, Herman's excellent suggestion will end up with all of the files in their original location (as well as on a backup drive). And what the "Consolidate Library" function does is simply to copy music files that may be present at locations other than the iTunes music folder into the iTunes music folder.

However, it should be pointed out that the drive letter assigned to a given external drive may be different depending on what computer it is connected to. In which case the iTunes program on each computer can easily be pointed to the iTunes folder on that drive by going to Edit/Preferences/Advanced within the iTunes program.

Regards,
-- Al
hodu OP
316 posts
 
Thanks so much, Herman. I know so little about this that I nearly typed "NTSB" for the file format when I was posting this question. I plan to follow your very clear instructions -- on a really big drive -- and be good to go. Thanks, again.
Howard
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