iTunes and file format

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.

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?

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

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

Do you plan on using Time Machine for backups? If so you should remember that the first time you perform a backup you should allot 2-3 X's the copied drive's capacity on the Time Machine drive. In other words if you set up a fresh drive as a 1TB backup and copy 700GB of music onto it Time Machine will not work. I'd run Time Machine after you've copied 1/3 of your music then copy the next 1/3 and run TM again. Finish copying the final 1/3 and lastly running TM again. A program such as SuperDuper would need to be purchased/used or you'd need to start over if you get the point where TM gives insufficient space errors. I nearly lost it the time I made that mistake. Right on the screen it said something like "Insufficient Space-you are trying to back up 600GB but you only have 920GB available...". I was like huh?!