Everything iTunes

It is possible to read and edit a single iTunes Library File from a shared location, (eg. a NAS) from two computers simultaneously. You can edit track names, ratings, artwork and other tags, as well as racking up a playcount from two different computers!

Note: Using a NAS is better because neither computer will depend on the other being on.

This guide will walk you through setting it up on your home network (on 2 PCs).

1. Install iTunes on both computers.
2. On one computer – henceforth [PC-A] – make the library accessible to the whole network.
3. Map this folder to a specific drive letter on that computer, eg “Z:/”. (Read how to do this).
4. Note: this may requires setting up a shared folder. You may find this article useful for help choosing where the library file is stored.
5. Make sure the “iTunes Music Folder Location” (‘Edit’ > ‘Prefs’ > ‘Advanced’ tab > ‘General’ subtab) is set to a shared location too.
6. On the second computer [PC-B], choose the location of your library to be the same as that of PC-A; the one on the network.
7. Also change the location of the music folder, as in step [4], to the same as PC-A.
8. Map this network folder to a drive of the same letter as PC-A. (Read “Mapping a Network Drive“).
9. You should finally check “Copy files to iTunes Music Folder when adding to library” so that the two libraries are stored together on the shared storage.
• This does not go without a glitch.
• If you try to edit the tags on a track in one library, then instantly begin playback of that track on either computer, you will see an error along the lines of “The iTunes Library File cannot be saved…”.
• Bump into any other problems on the way? Let us know in the comments!