Managing a unified Zune and iTunes library
So. An interesting dilemma faced me some time ago. Having gotten tired of Android, I stopped into a Sprint store and picked up an HTC Arrive, which uses the Zune software on Windows to sync media to the phone.
Seeing as I already had a 1300-large iTunes library, this became a little problematic, because I thought I would have to manage two completely separate libraries, taking up double the space. And because I have a 30GB iPod which I use quite frequently, ditching iTunes was out of the question.
So I found a solution to keep everything synced and happy.
Step 1. iTunes
Before we do anything, we need to make sure iTunes is doing it’s little library management magic. To do so, open iTunes, and go to Edit > Preferences.
Click the advanced tab. Note the location of the iTunes media folder. For me, it’s C:\Users\*username*\Music\iTunes\iTunes Media. (Of course replacing *username* with your username, leaving out the asterisks of course) Copy this address. We’ll need it later.
Meanwhile, make sure “Keep iTunes Media folder organized” and “Copy files to iTunes Media folder when adding to library” are checked.
From here on, you will be using iTunes to add stuff to both of your libraries. When you want to add something to your unified library, drag it onto the iTunes window. The file(s) will then be automatically copied to the iTunes media folder. Safe and sound.
Step 2. Zune
Fire up the Zune software, and click “Settings”. It should drop you into the “Collection” tab. If not, click it.
If Zune is pulling music from C:\Users\username\Music already, then you should be good to go. Anything you add to iTunes will show up in Zune. However, if it’s pointing somewhere else, add the location we copied in Step 2, either as a Zune folder (scroll to the bottom of the Collection settings) or as a Windows library.
Wrap-up
So now, when you want to add a mp3 from say, your desktop into your library, you will just drag the mp3 into iTunes, which then copies the file into your iTunes media folder. You can then dispose of the mp3 cluttering your desktop, knowing that the file is safe in the iTunes media folder. Then, in a few seconds, the Zune software will pick up the library changes, and also add the file to its own library, without duplicating the file.
