iTunes is a Dick!

[B]

So, I keep my iTunes library on an external hard drive. Sometimes I forget to plug it in or the drive letter gets reassigned. When I do that, iTunes can't find it, and it just starts a new library on my computer and then I start ripping or adding things to the library w/o knowing it. When I discover it, I have to move everything onto the external hard drive and re-add it to iTunes.

Is there any way to block iTunes from creating a library on my hard drive or at least forcing it to ask me for permission before it does that, so that I can replug that damn drive?

[Self]

I think you're just gonna have to be more vigilant, B. Think before you click, for Christ's sake.

[Jorge]

So, I keep my iTunes library on an external hard drive.

I used to do that. Huge pain in the ass. I never figured out a non-cumbersome way to manage this. This post is useless.

[oasisfan35]

People really use iTunes?

[Jorge]

People really use iTunes?

Why not? It's pretty easy to use. If you're not storing your Library in an external hard drive.

[oasisfan35]

People really use iTunes?

Why not? It's pretty easy to use. If you're not storing your Library in an external hard drive.

Or want total control over your music you're saying.

[Jorge]

Can you elaborate?

[oasisfan35]

Can you elaborate?

This is totally not Mac friendly... but if you have a file, say an MP3 that you purchased you should be able to drop it in a folder and have any program, especially if the meta-data is set, place it right where you may want it while archiving it on another drive if you'd like.

[Jorge]

I see. I don't disagree with you, but it wasn't a huge problem for me after I bought another computer with a bigger hard drive where I keep all the music I want to sync with my mobile devices. I still have a bunch of music in an external HDD, but I don't use iTunes to manage it.

[oasisfan35]

I see. I don't disagree with you, but it wasn't a huge problem for me after I bought another computer with a bigger hard drive where I keep all the music I want to sync with my mobile devices. I still have a bunch of music in an external HDD, but I don't use iTunes to manage it.

Yeah, I'd say the original gripe was using iTunes to manage your music collection.

I'll add, the amount of music out there is lovingly frightening.

[Norah]

I just use windows to organize my music.

[Self]

I just use windows to organize my music.

As you should. I just add whatever I want to iTunes, when I want.

[Birds in Hell]

Using iTunes via external HD over here too.

I have no idea, sorry B. That problem has never once happened to me. I don't ever unplug the drive, though (and I'm on a Mac.)

[nyquillyn]

I just use windows to organize my music.

I'm the same. Then I use foobar2000 in Windows or Rhythmbox in Linux as a player. I'll occasionally use Mp3tag to edit metadata.

[B]

People really use iTunes?

I switched to Media Monkey for about six months, but it fucked up my iPods, nothing organized correctly and all the cover art is STILL fucked up, so I switched back with my tail between my legs.

[B]

I'm definitely not a big fan of iTunes, but I use my iPods mostly for audiobooks and podcasts. MediaMonkey did a really shitty job of organizing those. iTunes just makes them easy to subscribe and organize. Music organization is secondary to me. iTunes puts them in folders organized by artist. It's as good a system as anything else as far as I'm concerned. When I need an mp3, i know where to find it.

[Chris_H_2]

I bought a new computer, installed iTunes, and was able to play all of the music I've ever purchased on iTunes for the past 7 years or so without downloading the songs. Then, strangely, one day, the only songs appearing in the library were the ones that I purchased and downloaded directly onto that specific computer (I keep all the other music I previously downloaded on an external hard drive).

Anyone know of a way to play (but not download) your purchases directly from your iTunes library?

[Self]

iCloud?

[E.H. Ruddock]

MediaMonkey finally has an android app.

[B]

I just had a thought. What if I installed iTunes on the temporary drive? Then it would be impossible for me to open it w/o have the drive plugged in?