Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
Except for the specific problem with the multitude of audio files I mentioned, which I have a great solution for, I'm pretty happy with my filing system. I have little need for another system. That said, since a couple of these Mac apps insist on putting files in a big pile, and I'm starting to use these apps more, I've been thinking of delving into the tag stuff next winter when I have more time. Thanks Mike wrote: Might want to learn about tagging, it would solve many of your issues with your library. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
Thanks, I do or have done some of what you describe. As I've said the joining files eliminates the multitude of tiny files, and adding names and labels in the various categories will keep things totally clear. I also take a step that takes the location of these files out of iTunes hands. For each book I create a folder and in iTunes/preferences/advanced, put the book in that folder. Then iTunes can't spread the files all over the place in unnamed folders. Steve at Verizon wrote: I use my iPods almost exclusively for audiobooks. My method for ensuring proper sequencing is: In iTunes preferences, for the When insert CD option, I chose Show CD (instead of start importing). Then if the CDDB database doesn't have the tracks and/or disks differentiated, I select all and, with Get Info, name the album, Book Name nn, author as the artist, and, Books and Spoken as Genre. Then hit the Import CD button. Each track can now have the track nn name, but be grouped in CD order. When you make your playlist, the albums will be in CD order under the author (block select, drag and drop to playlist). Also, if more than 9 CDs, be sure to number, 01, 02, etc, so that you don't have 10, 11, etc, betwe * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
Thanks, I'm OK on backups and I tried starting over with iTunes, and reimporting some files and there are still no dates. I'll start fresh again with this when I have another block of time, which may be soon if it keeps getting hot and steamy out. Again, because of the filing methods I've adopted, the lack of dates has become more of an irritation/curiosity than a need. I'll get to the bottom of it eventually. You are right. I did do something to show hidden files months ago, and then got distracted and forgot about it. I remembered that last night after I mentioned it here. b_s-wilk wrote: Back up your iTunes library: File--Library--Back up to Disk, and Export Playlist Move and rename the original iTunes library file [database]. Then reimport your music. The easiest way to do this is to drag and drop the iTunes music folder into the Music library in the program. Don't do all of the 11000+ files at a time. Try a few hundred at a time, then work up to 1000 or more. Or you can do it in the File--Add to Library dialog box. You shouldn't see the .DS_Store file. It's supposed to be invisible. It stores metadata about contents of a folder. Are you using any of the utilities that make invisible files visible? [OnyX, TinkerTool, etc.; playing with the Terminal] If you are, those utilities can also create mischief in the Finder if you don't know exactly what they're supposed to be doing [RTFM]. Did you restore your HD recently? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
I have loaded books on CDs into iTunes. Many of them have dozens or even a hundred tracks on each CD, and a book might be 10 or 15 CDs long. These audio files typically have a name like Track 1, Track 2, and so on, there are no differentiating titles, up to 25 or 99. So when I first loaded up a book I'd have 15 tracks called track 1, and 15 called track 2 and so on, and I quickly discovered that iTunes could get confused about the order of these apparently identical files. With audio books I generally have no problem listening to them in iTunes. On an iPod it's another story. I was listening to a collection by Neil Gaiman, with 70+ chapters. On my iPod they were out of order, but not in iTunes. I took the book and merged all of the chapters, adding chapter markers. It was easy, but, sorry, I don't remember which program I used, maybe QT pro, Garage Band, or Audacity. It played correctly on the iPod that way, and I could select chapters. It's possible, no, likely, that since I didn't RTFM for the iPod Touch, I might have set it on Shuffle by mistake. I haven't bothered to tag things on my computer. My file system works OK for now and I don't want to add another layer when files already have metadata embedded anyway. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
Tagging would specifically fix your problem for good. Sent from my iPod On Jul 27, 2009, at 5:56 AM, Jordan jor17...@gmail.com wrote: Except for the specific problem with the multitude of audio files I mentioned, which I have a great solution for, I'm pretty happy with my filing system. I have little need for another system. That said, since a couple of these Mac apps insist on putting files in a big pile, and I'm starting to use these apps more, I've been thinking of delving into the tag stuff next winter when I have more time. Thanks Mike wrote: Might want to learn about tagging, it would solve many of your issues with your library. *** ** ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http:// www.cguys.org/ ** *** ** * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
As Jordan and Steve described, I also join all the tracks before importing an audiobook CD, then make a playlist of all the CD's in the correct order. But I sometimes had a problem with regaining my place after stopping playback on my iPod. Somewhere on the web was a post explaining how to change the file extension of the audio files from .m4a to .m4b, in order to make the file completely bookmarkable, so this is the practise I now follow. Now the only time the iPod loses its place is after it has been connected to a computer (usually I recharge it from a wall socket), or if I connect the FM tuner. This may be different on a Mac, but when you change the file name a new file is created and you have to show iTunes where to find it. Kind of a PITA but preferable to have to fiddle with the iPod right when you are ready to drive somewhere, work out at the gym, etc. If anybody knows how to join all the individual CD files into a single monster file of the whole book, I would love ! to know how to do that, since this is the way downloaded audiobooks are delivered and playback is almost completely trouble free. George -Original Message- From: Computer Guys Discussion List [mailto:COMPUTERGUYS- l...@listserv.aol.com] On Behalf Of b_s-wilk Sent: Monday, July 27, 2009 11:02 AM To: COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM Subject: Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem I have loaded books on CDs into iTunes. Many of them have dozens or even a hundred tracks on each CD, and a book might be 10 or 15 CDs long. These audio files typically have a name like Track 1, Track 2, and so on, there are no differentiating titles, up to 25 or 99. So when I first loaded up a book I'd have 15 tracks called track 1, and 15 called track 2 and so on, and I quickly discovered that iTunes could get confused about the order of these apparently identical files. With audio books I generally have no problem listening to them in iTunes. On an iPod it's another story. I was listening to a collection by Neil Gaiman, with 70+ chapters. On my iPod they were out of order, but not in iTunes. I took the book and merged all of the chapters, adding chapter markers. It was easy, but, sorry, I don't remember which program I used, maybe QT pro, Garage Band, or Audacity. It played correctly on the iPod that way, and I could select chapters. It's possible, no, likely, that since I didn't RTFM for the iPod Touch, I might have set it on Shuffle by mistake. *** ** ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *** ** * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
This seems to be much harder then it should be. Properly tagging your cds upon import will correct any issues relating to order of the tracks. Part of the issue seems to be the reliance on iTunes to tag files. It can do basic tag editing but if your library is already imported and you want to tag more then a few files, iTunes lags way behind. http://www.mp3tag.de/download.html MP3Tag is a great mass tag editor allowing for wildcards among other things. To make any mp3 recall where you left off...as podcasts do by default, select the files you want and right click (on windows) and select get info. Under options there is an area to select remember playback position. This will make it so when you go to replay the file, it starts where it last left off even after sync. You can select one file or multiple files to do this. http://mpesch3.de1.cc/mp3dc.html is a free mp3 audio editor...I believe it merges. Audacity may merge as well. On Mon, Jul 27, 2009 at 8:52 AM, George Carr geo...@georgecarrstudio.comwrote: As Jordan and Steve described, I also join all the tracks before importing an audiobook CD, then make a playlist of all the CD's in the correct order. But I sometimes had a problem with regaining my place after stopping playback on my iPod. Somewhere on the web was a post explaining how to change the file extension of the audio files from .m4a to .m4b, in order to make the file completely bookmarkable, so this is the practise I now follow. Now the only time the iPod loses its place is after it has been connected to a computer (usually I recharge it from a wall socket), or if I connect the FM tuner. This may be different on a Mac, but when you change the file name a new file is created and you have to show iTunes where to find it. Kind of a PITA but preferable to have to fiddle with the iPod right when you are ready to drive somewhere, work out at the gym, etc. If anybody knows how to join all the individual CD files into a single monster file of the whole book, I would love ! to know how to do that, since this is the way downloaded audiobooks are delivered and playback is almost completely trouble free. George -Original Message- From: Computer Guys Discussion List [mailto:COMPUTERGUYS- l...@listserv.aol.com] On Behalf Of b_s-wilk Sent: Monday, July 27, 2009 11:02 AM To: COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM Subject: Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem I have loaded books on CDs into iTunes. Many of them have dozens or even a hundred tracks on each CD, and a book might be 10 or 15 CDs long. These audio files typically have a name like Track 1, Track 2, and so on, there are no differentiating titles, up to 25 or 99. So when I first loaded up a book I'd have 15 tracks called track 1, and 15 called track 2 and so on, and I quickly discovered that iTunes could get confused about the order of these apparently identical files. With audio books I generally have no problem listening to them in iTunes. On an iPod it's another story. I was listening to a collection by Neil Gaiman, with 70+ chapters. On my iPod they were out of order, but not in iTunes. I took the book and merged all of the chapters, adding chapter markers. It was easy, but, sorry, I don't remember which program I used, maybe QT pro, Garage Band, or Audacity. It played correctly on the iPod that way, and I could select chapters. It's possible, no, likely, that since I didn't RTFM for the iPod Touch, I might have set it on Shuffle by mistake. *** ** ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *** ** * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
b_s-wilk wrote: With audio books I generally have no problem listening to them in iTunes. On an iPod it's another story. I was listening to a collection by Neil Gaiman, with 70+ chapters. On my iPod they were out of order, but not in iTunes. I took the book and merged all of the chapters, adding chapter markers. It was easy, but, sorry, I don't remember which program I used, maybe QT pro, Garage Band, or Audacity. It played correctly on the iPod that way, and I could select chapters. It's possible, no, likely, that since I didn't RTFM for the iPod Touch, I might have set it on Shuffle by mistake. Before I knew to join the files from a whole CD, I would add the files from each CD of a book to a playlist and simply order them by date added. Using this method iTunes made just a few mistakes in a few dozen books loaded. That was OK, but joining files is better. I haven't bothered to tag things on my computer. My file system works OK for now and I don't want to add another layer when files already have metadata embedded anyway. Right! * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
Quoting Mike xha...@gmail.com: Tagging would specifically fix your problem for good. Sent from my iPod On Jul 27, 2009, at 5:56 AM, Jordan jor17...@gmail.com wrote: Except for the specific problem with the multitude of audio files I But isn't tagging just filling in the artist/title and all that other info? And isn't that the same as metadata? Or am I missing something? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
The file system is ok...till it's not, and now you are here wondering what to do with all those files that you have no info on. The fix you are attempting is only going to make you work towards a solution that will cause another problem down the line. BTW, these files don't have metadata or they have useless metadata. On Mon, Jul 27, 2009 at 9:50 AM, Jordan jor17...@gmail.com wrote: I haven't bothered to tag things on my computer. My file system works OK for now and I don't want to add another layer when files already have metadata embedded anyway. Right! * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
Here is an article from Macworld that I think nails this subject down pretty well: http://www.macworld.com/article/136824/2008/11/audiobooks.html George Carr wrote: As Jordan and Steve described, I also join all the tracks before importing an audiobook CD, then make a playlist of all the CD's in the correct order. But I sometimes had a problem with regaining my place after stopping playback on my iPod. The article above talk about making the joined files bookmarkable. One important thing to do: click on the Options tab, then, from the Remember Position menu, choose Yes. Click OK to save this information—this will let your iPod or iTunes keep your place when listening to a long file. Somewhere on the web was a post explaining how to change the file extension of the audio files from .m4a to .m4b, in order to make the file completely bookmarkable, so this is the practise I now follow. Now the only time the iPod loses its place is after it has been connected to a computer (usually I recharge it from a wall socket), or if I connect the FM tuner. This may be different on a Mac, but when you change the file name a new file is created and you have to show iTunes where to find it. Kind of a PITA but preferable to have to fiddle with the iPod right when you are ready to drive somewhere, work out at the gym, etc. If anybody knows how to join all the individual CD files into a single monster file of the whole book, I would love ! to know how to do that, since this is the way downloaded audiobooks are delivered and playback is almost completely trouble free. George -Original Message- From: Computer Guys Discussion List [mailto:COMPUTERGUYS- l...@listserv.aol.com] On Behalf Of b_s-wilk Sent: Monday, July 27, 2009 11:02 AM To: COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM Subject: Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem I have loaded books on CDs into iTunes. Many of them have dozens or even a hundred tracks on each CD, and a book might be 10 or 15 CDs long. These audio files typically have a name like Track 1, Track 2, and so on, there are no differentiating titles, up to 25 or 99. So when I first loaded up a book I'd have 15 tracks called track 1, and 15 called track 2 and so on, and I quickly discovered that iTunes could get confused about the order of these apparently identical files. With audio books I generally have no problem listening to them in iTunes. On an iPod it's another story. I was listening to a collection by Neil Gaiman, with 70+ chapters. On my iPod they were out of order, but not in iTunes. I took the book and merged all of the chapters, adding chapter markers. It was easy, but, sorry, I don't remember which program I used, maybe QT pro, Garage Band, or Audacity. It played correctly on the iPod that way, and I could select chapters. It's possible, no, likely, that since I didn't RTFM for the iPod Touch, I might have set it on Shuffle by mistake. *** ** ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *** ** * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
Thanks, I will try changing the iTunes option you mention next time I import an audiobook, as it is indeed way easier than what I have been doing. And I will also check out MP3Tag at a later date. I got my feet wet with tagging photos in Photoshop Elements, but gravitated back to the old folder system just because after years of organizing files that way it seems more natural. But clearly the tagging system is a much more powerful way of storing and retrieving data and is the way of the future as you, Tom, and others have pointed out. -Original Message- From: Computer Guys Discussion List [mailto:COMPUTERGUYS- l...@listserv.aol.com] On Behalf Of mike Sent: Monday, July 27, 2009 12:18 PM To: COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM Subject: Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem This seems to be much harder then it should be. Properly tagging your cds upon import will correct any issues relating to order of the tracks. Part of the issue seems to be the reliance on iTunes to tag files. It can do basic tag editing but if your library is already imported and you want to tag more then a few files, iTunes lags way behind. http://www.mp3tag.de/download.html MP3Tag is a great mass tag editor allowing for wildcards among other things. To make any mp3 recall where you left off...as podcasts do by default, select the files you want and right click (on windows) and select get info. Under options there is an area to select remember playback position. This will make it so when you go to replay the file, it starts where it last left off even after sync. You can select one file or multiple files to do this. ** * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
Quoting mike xha...@gmail.com: Yes. At this point he is missing the MD or it is wrong. On Mon, Jul 27, 2009 at 9:58 AM, Reid Katan ka...@his.com wrote: But isn't tagging just filling in the artist/title and all that other info? And isn't that the same as metadata? Or am I missing something? So, getting back to the original question: The date/time metadata may actually be there, but iTunes is not displaying it (I'm guessing that one of the programs that's already been mentioned will show it if it's there)? If that's the case, perhaps upgrading to the latest iTunes will help (assuming he's not already there). * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
Is date/time for modification/creation system information or metadata? I thought this info was held within the system, not in the metadata. Would this info be kept intact across os x or windows or linux? It could be, but never have I ever heard of the creation date/mod dates being referred to as MD. On Mon, Jul 27, 2009 at 11:30 AM, Reid Katan ka...@his.com wrote: Quoting mike xha...@gmail.com: Yes. At this point he is missing the MD or it is wrong. On Mon, Jul 27, 2009 at 9:58 AM, Reid Katan ka...@his.com wrote: But isn't tagging just filling in the artist/title and all that other info? And isn't that the same as metadata? Or am I missing something? So, getting back to the original question: The date/time metadata may actually be there, but iTunes is not displaying it (I'm guessing that one of the programs that's already been mentioned will show it if it's there)? If that's the case, perhaps upgrading to the latest iTunes will help (assuming he's not already there). * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
Quoting mike xha...@gmail.com: Is date/time for modification/creation system information or metadata? I thought this info was held within the system, not in the metadata. Would this info be kept intact across os x or windows or linux? It could be, but never have I ever heard of the creation date/mod dates being referred to as MD. Dunno. I'm no expert that's for sure. I just assumed that the time stamps that shows up in Get Info was put into the MD by iTunes (actually, iTunes doesn't show the date added in Get Info, that I can see), and would be what it was looking for in the list headings. I don't know if it means anything, but I just changed the name of a tune in Win Explorer to see if it changed the modified stamp. It didn't. Changed it in iTunes, and it did change the modified stamp in both iTunes and WinExp. If Jordan Gets Info on a track, does it show the Date Modified:? All this may be a moo point* since it sounds like maybe he's finding other alternatives. *http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIkJ4BUChxI * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
Changing it in iTunes changes the metadata, changing in win explorer is just the filename. Filenames don't appear to show up in iTunes. Of course, os x has better metadata support across the board then windows I thinkso... On Mon, Jul 27, 2009 at 1:23 PM, Reid Katan ka...@his.com wrote: Quoting mike xha...@gmail.com: Is date/time for modification/creation system information or metadata? I thought this info was held within the system, not in the metadata. Would this info be kept intact across os x or windows or linux? It could be, but never have I ever heard of the creation date/mod dates being referred to as MD. Dunno. I'm no expert that's for sure. I just assumed that the time stamps that shows up in Get Info was put into the MD by iTunes (actually, iTunes doesn't show the date added in Get Info, that I can see), and would be what it was looking for in the list headings. I don't know if it means anything, but I just changed the name of a tune in Win Explorer to see if it changed the modified stamp. It didn't. Changed it in iTunes, and it did change the modified stamp in both iTunes and WinExp. If Jordan Gets Info on a track, does it show the Date Modified:? All this may be a moo point* since it sounds like maybe he's finding other alternatives. *http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIkJ4BUChxI * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
Get info in iTunes does say Date Modified but no date. Finder shows date created and date modified. I think you can tell iTunes on the Mac to change the name of the file if the name is changed in iTunes. I believe I read that somewhere. As I mentioned, I'll dig into iTunes at some point to make it show dates, but I don't really need that capability as a tool right now. Reid Katan wrote: Dunno. I'm no expert that's for sure. I just assumed that the time stamps that shows up in Get Info was put into the MD by iTunes (actually, iTunes doesn't show the date added in Get Info, that I can see), and would be what it was looking for in the list headings. I don't know if it means anything, but I just changed the name of a tune in Win Explorer to see if it changed the modified stamp. It didn't. Changed it in iTunes, and it did change the modified stamp in both iTunes and WinExp. If Jordan Gets Info on a track, does it show the Date Modified:? All this may be a moo point* since it sounds like maybe he's finding other alternatives. *http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIkJ4BUChxI * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
To show or hide hidden files on Mac put this with a yes or no in Terminal: defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles YES b_s-wilk wrote: You shouldn't see the .DS_Store file. It's supposed to be invisible. It stores metadata about contents of a folder. Are you using any of the utilities that make invisible files visible? [OnyX, TinkerTool, etc.; playing with the Terminal] If you are, those utilities can also create mischief in the Finder if you don't know exactly what they're supposed to be doing [RTFM]. Did you restore your HD recently? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
In iTunes, it's easy to join cuts from a CD, as long as they're AIFF or WAV. iTunes can do that for you for most audio genres except podcasts. It doesn't join MP3 or AAC files. You need another program to do that. I haven't had much luck either finding the books on CDDB, and I don't want to take the time to rename them myself, or tag them. Can't recall which program I used for joining the tracks, but there are several freeware and shareware ones listed at Versiontracker.com. I think I used Toast one time and QT Pro another, too. Before I knew to join the files from a whole CD, I would add the files from each CD of a book to a playlist and simply order them by date added. Using this method iTunes made just a few mistakes in a few dozen books loaded. That was OK, but joining files is better. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
On Jul 26, 2009, at 9:37 AM, Jordan wrote: OK iTunes fans, I've got a question for you. I've got my audio tracks showing in a list and Date Added and Date Modified are headings in the list. But of the 11047 songs in the list, there is not 1 date shown in those columns. iTunes stores this in a binary file called iTunes Library. It also writes out a duplicate of this information into iTunes Library.xml. Are the modify dates of these 2 files what you would expect? Do you see the missing dates in iTunes Library.xml? Are your file permissions okay? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
Thanks Tom: t.piwowar wrote: On Jul 26, 2009, at 9:37 AM, Jordan wrote: OK iTunes fans, I've got a question for you. I've got my audio tracks showing in a list and Date Added and Date Modified are headings in the list. But of the 11047 songs in the list, there is not 1 date shown in those columns. iTunes stores this in a binary file called iTunes Library. It also writes out a duplicate of this information into iTunes Library.xml. Are the modify dates of these 2 files what you would expect? Do you see the missing dates in iTunes Library.xml? The Library files show modified today, since iTunes is open and I was checking things and updating an iPod. In iTunes Library.xml dates and times are there. Are your file permissions okay? I have read and write permissions. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
On Jul 26, 2009, at 12:56 PM, Jordan wrote: In iTunes Library.xml dates and times are there. I presume you mean the Date Added and Date Modified are in the xml file. You can force the iTunes Library file to be rebuilt from the iTunes Library.xml file. Maybe that will give you what you need. Note that I have never had to do this myself. This is supposed to be the procedure... First quit iTunes. Then backup copy the iTunes Library and iTunes Library.xml files. Then create an empty text file, name it iTunes Library and put it where iTunes Library was. Start iTunes and let it rebuild your corrupt iTunes Library file. YMMV * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
Perhaps I'll trash iTunes and it's support files and start over. There are 3 iPods I serve with this iTunes, but they are totally stocked. Then I can add to library or import as needed. I keep my audio files well organized. Everything except the last year is also on my iMac running iTunes 7 and Tiger. t.piwowar wrote: On Jul 26, 2009, at 9:37 AM, Jordan wrote: OK iTunes fans, I've got a question for you. I've got my audio tracks showing in a list and Date Added and Date Modified are headings in the list. But of the 11047 songs in the list, there is not 1 date shown in those columns. iTunes stores this in a binary file called iTunes Library. It also writes out a duplicate of this information into iTunes Library.xml. Are the modify dates of these 2 files what you would expect? Do you see the missing dates in iTunes Library.xml? Are your file permissions okay? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
Something else happened a couple months ago and maybe they are related. A .DS_Store file started appearing. I've read about what it does, but I don't know why it started appearing. I just did a verify disk and everything seem to be OK. I'll try the iTunes rebuild. Thanks t.piwowar wrote: On Jul 26, 2009, at 12:56 PM, Jordan wrote: In iTunes Library.xml dates and times are there. I presume you mean the Date Added and Date Modified are in the xml file. You can force the iTunes Library file to be rebuilt from the iTunes Library.xml file. Maybe that will give you what you need. Note that I have never had to do this myself. This is supposed to be the procedure... First quit iTunes. Then backup copy the iTunes Library and iTunes Library.xml files. Then create an empty text file, name it iTunes Library and put it where iTunes Library was. Start iTunes and let it rebuild your corrupt iTunes Library file. YMMV * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
The iTunes support instructions suggest pretty much what you said. But when I tried it, instead of rebuilding the library from the xml file it changed the xml file to match the empty library file. (no empty text file needed. It creates a new itunes file, and did nothing to a text file named iTunes Library) I tried it a couple times and it would not rebuild the library from the xml. Then I tried the reverse, just to see if it would work, and it did. It rebuilt the xml file from the iTunes Library file. EK! But still no dates in iTunes. My mileage varied t.piwowar wrote: On Jul 26, 2009, at 12:56 PM, Jordan wrote: In iTunes Library.xml dates and times are there. I presume you mean the Date Added and Date Modified are in the xml file. You can force the iTunes Library file to be rebuilt from the iTunes Library.xml file. Maybe that will give you what you need. Note that I have never had to do this myself. This is supposed to be the procedure... First quit iTunes. Then backup copy the iTunes Library and iTunes Library.xml files. Then create an empty text file, name it iTunes Library and put it where iTunes Library was. Start iTunes and let it rebuild your corrupt iTunes Library file. YMMV * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
On Jul 26, 2009, at 2:53 PM, Jordan wrote: But when I tried it, instead of rebuilding the library from the xml file it changed the xml file to match the empty library file. (no empty text file needed. It creates a new itunes file, and did nothing to a text file named iTunes Library) I think the reason an empty file is supplied is to trick iTunes into thinking it is corrupt so a rebuild is triggered. Some reports even have you emptying and using the original file. What you did possibly triggers a different process. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
Why do these programs have to be so mysterious and self governing? Makes us users into sleuths in order to do anything other than day to day operation... bah humbug! db t.piwowar wrote: On Jul 26, 2009, at 2:53 PM, Jordan wrote: But when I tried it, instead of rebuilding the library from the xml file it changed the xml file to match the empty library file. (no empty text file needed. It creates a new itunes file, and did nothing to a text file named iTunes Library) I think the reason an empty file is supplied is to trick iTunes into thinking it is corrupt so a rebuild is triggered. Some reports even have you emptying and using the original file. What you did possibly triggers a different process. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
t.piwowar wrote: On Jul 26, 2009, at 2:53 PM, Jordan wrote: But when I tried it, instead of rebuilding the library from the xml file it changed the xml file to match the empty library file. (no empty text file needed. It creates a new itunes file, and did nothing to a text file named iTunes Library) I think the reason an empty file is supplied is to trick iTunes into thinking it is corrupt so a rebuild is triggered. Some reports even have you emptying and using the original file. What you did possibly triggers a different process. I tried it with your empty text file as well. It was ignored. If you look at the iTunes Library file, it has it's own itunes icon. It's not a text file. The Apple instructions don't say anything about creating a dummy file. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1451 In any case, in all this tinkering, no dates ever appeared in iTunes. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
Just wondering, why do you want to know added and mod dates? I've never shown either of these columns in itunes, but today I did. Date added of course is the date added to itunes..but date mod is the date my system modified the file, not itunes. Seems odd. On Sun, Jul 26, 2009 at 6:37 AM, Jordan jor17...@gmail.com wrote: OK iTunes fans, I've got a question for you. I've got my audio tracks showing in a list and Date Added and Date Modified are headings in the list. But of the 11047 songs in the list, there is not 1 date shown in those columns. Some have been in iTunes for years, and some were added in recent months. The files in Finder show dates, so it's not like the info is not there. I found this question asked in the Apple discussions forum from Dec. 2008 and there are no answers. OS X 10.5.7, iTunes 8.0.2 Any suggestions? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
On Jul 26, 2009, at 4:30 PM, db wrote: Why do these programs have to be so mysterious and self governing? Welcome to the future. Over the decades I've watched both hardware and software get smarter and smarter. Ways I used to use to trick them no longer work. What you are seeing in the latest advance. The software wants to manage your files for you and be bulletproof. If you treat these new programs like you did the old stuff you are more likely to run into problems and maybe even break things. Best not to struggle too much and let them be helpful. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
I have loaded books on CDs into iTunes. Many of them have dozens or even a hundred tracks on each CD, and a book might be 10 or 15 CDs long. These audio files typically have a name like Track 1, Track 2, and so on, there are no differentiating titles, up to 25 or 99. So when I first loaded up a book I'd have 15 tracks called track 1, and 15 called track 2 and so on, and I quickly discovered that iTunes could get confused about the order of these apparently identical files. It becomes a long and convoluted story, but you get the picture that if iTunes can't order these files by time added, you'd have little chance of understanding the book. And I'm not even going to get into what iTunes does to the organizing of these file if you look for them in Finder. In case anyone finds this interesting, I've since learned that you can load a CD into iTunes and then make a single bookmarkable file of the whole disk, or disc. When you are loading the disc, select Advanced/Join CD Tracks. I hope this makes sense. mike wrote: Just wondering, why do you want to know added and mod dates? I've never shown either of these columns in itunes, but today I did. Date added of course is the date added to itunes..but date mod is the date my system modified the file, not itunes. Seems odd. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
There are mass mp3 tagging tools out there that makes all of this easier. I'm surprised itunes didn't tag as you were ripping. Sent from my iPod On Jul 26, 2009, at 5:18 PM, Jordan jor17...@gmail.com wrote: I have loaded books on CDs into iTunes. Many of them have dozens or even a hundred tracks on each CD, and a book might be 10 or 15 CDs long. These audio files typically have a name like Track 1, Track 2, and so on, there are no differentiating titles, up to 25 or 99. So when I first loaded up a book I'd have 15 tracks called track 1, and 15 called track 2 and so on, and I quickly discovered that iTunes could get confused about the order of these apparently identical files. It becomes a long and convoluted story, but you get the picture that if iTunes can't order these files by time added, you'd have little chance of understanding the book. And I'm not even going to get into what iTunes does to the organizing of these file if you look for them in Finder. In case anyone finds this interesting, I've since learned that you can load a CD into iTunes and then make a single bookmarkable file of the whole disk, or disc. When you are loading the disc, select Advanced/Join CD Tracks. I hope this makes sense. mike wrote: Just wondering, why do you want to know added and mod dates? I've never shown either of these columns in itunes, but today I did. Date added of course is the date added to itunes..but date mod is the date my system modified the file, not itunes. Seems odd. *** ** ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http:// www.cguys.org/ ** *** ** * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
I have old fashioned filing habits on the computer. I do not use and know nothing of tags. But I do know where stuff is. Now that I know to join the tracks I'm pretty happy. Except, I have messed with everything in all the iTunes files I can find this afternoon and still no dates. Sent from my MacBook Pro Mike wrote: There are mass mp3 tagging tools out there that makes all of this easier. I'm surprised itunes didn't tag as you were ripping. Sent from my iPod * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
Back up your iTunes library: File--Library--Back up to Disk, and Export Playlist Move and rename the original iTunes library file [database]. Then reimport your music. The easiest way to do this is to drag and drop the iTunes music folder into the Music library in the program. Don't do all of the 11000+ files at a time. Try a few hundred at a time, then work up to 1000 or more. Or you can do it in the File--Add to Library dialog box. You shouldn't see the .DS_Store file. It's supposed to be invisible. It stores metadata about contents of a folder. Are you using any of the utilities that make invisible files visible? [OnyX, TinkerTool, etc.; playing with the Terminal] If you are, those utilities can also create mischief in the Finder if you don't know exactly what they're supposed to be doing [RTFM]. Did you restore your HD recently? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
Might want to learn about tagging, it would solve many of your issues with your library. Sent from my iPod On Jul 26, 2009, at 6:16 PM, Jordan jor17...@gmail.com wrote: I have old fashioned filing habits on the computer. I do not use and know nothing of tags. But I do know where stuff is. Now that I know to join the tracks I'm pretty happy. Except, I have messed with everything in all the iTunes files I can find this afternoon and still no dates. Sent from my MacBook Pro Mike wrote: There are mass mp3 tagging tools out there that makes all of this easier. I'm surprised itunes didn't tag as you were ripping. Sent from my iPod *** ** ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http:// www.cguys.org/ ** *** ** * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem
I use my iPods almost exclusively for audiobooks. My method for ensuring proper sequencing is: In iTunes preferences, for the When insert CD option, I chose Show CD (instead of start importing). Then if the CDDB database doesn't have the tracks and/or disks differentiated, I select all and, with Get Info, name the album, Book Name nn, author as the artist, and, Books and Spoken as Genre. Then hit the Import CD button. Each track can now have the track nn name, but be grouped in CD order. When you make your playlist, the albums will be in CD order under the author (block select, drag and drop to playlist). Also, if more than 9 CDs, be sure to number, 01, 02, etc, so that you don't have 10, 11, etc, between 1 and 2. Jordan wrote: I have loaded books on CDs into iTunes. Many of them have dozens or even a hundred tracks on each CD, and a book might be 10 or 15 CDs long. These audio files typically have a name like Track 1, Track 2, and so on, there are no differentiating titles, up to 25 or 99. So when I first loaded up a book I'd have 15 tracks called track 1, and 15 called track 2 and so on, and I quickly discovered that iTunes could get confused about the order of these apparently identical files. It becomes a long and convoluted story, but you get the picture that if iTunes can't order these files by time added, you'd have little chance of understanding the book. And I'm not even going to get into what iTunes does to the organizing of these file if you look for them in Finder. In case anyone finds this interesting, I've since learned that you can load a CD into iTunes and then make a single bookmarkable file of the whole disk, or disc. When you are loading the disc, select Advanced/Join CD Tracks. I hope this makes sense. mike wrote: Just wondering, why do you want to know added and mod dates? I've never shown either of these columns in itunes, but today I did. Date added of course is the date added to itunes..but date mod is the date my system modified the file, not itunes. Seems odd. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem?
Is this the best I can do when importing mp3s, or am I missing something? If you already have an MP3 file it is not going to do any conversion when you import. You will then need to convert the file, which is what you are doing. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iTunes problem?
On Nov 14, 2008, at 9:43 PM, COMPUTERGUYS-L automatic digest system wrote: Subject: Re: iTunes problem? Is this the best I can do when importing mp3s, or am I missing something? If you already have an MP3 file it is not going to do any conversion when you import. You will then need to convert the file, which is what you are doing. iTunes 8 allows flipping a file back and forth between music and audiobook format. Get information Options tab and there's a pull down menu. I'm still using the shareware Audiobook Builder to make audiobooks. I don't know why as this is obviously better. David Newhall Falls Church, VA * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
