How to create two libraries in iTunes?

[bollweevil]

I have a question. I have an iPod and an iPhone, and I use Windows XP. How can I create two completely different libraries in iTunes? What is the best way? I am thinking of creating a new User on my computer (a new login), installing iTunes for that user, and using that separate user as the second iTunes library. Ideally the playcounts and stars that a particular file received in one library would also appear in the other. Will this work? Is there a better way to do it? How and where does iTunes store playcount data and star ratings? They aren't in the ID3 tag of the file, are they?

You may answer now, or read on for more info on my setup and my reasons for asking:

I currently sync my iPod and iPhone manually because I have so much music. There are two main problems with my current setup:

1. On-The-Go playlists don't sync, they just vanish if I plug in the iPod. I have to manually transcribe them into iTunes. Automatic syncing is not an option - I have way too much music. I hate unchecking the check boxes, too.

2. I accidentally put redundant copies of songs on my iPhone. This is especially wasteful considering how little storage the iPhone has. I cannot remove the redundant copies because I actually want them on my home computer, I don't want to uncheck them or anything.

 

[Iamtherealwoody]

To create another itunes library, press and hold option when you click on the itunes icon. Hold it until you get this prompt;

For you though, it seems like it might be best to create 2 playlists, and drag the music into them, then tell the iphone/ipod to sync to one or the other. That way the ratings and such will sync. Not sure about the On The Go playlists though.

 

[glasserp]

To make an additional library just hold down the option key while clicking on the iTunes icon and choose "create new library". No need to make a second user account. As for the playcount / star ratings, I believe those are in the iTunesMusicLibrary.XML file or the iTunes Library Database file...

 

[bollweevil]

To create another itunes library, press and hold option when you click on the itunes icon. Hold it until you get this prompt;

For you though, it seems like it might be best to create 2 playlists, and drag the music into them, then tell the iphone/ipod to sync to one or the other. That way the ratings and such will sync. Not sure about the On The Go playlists though.

Alas, I have no Option key! I am living in the dark ages with Windows. I do have a shift key, and that did the trick nicely. I don't think the playcounts and stars are going to work. If I wanted to do some serious programming, I might be able to make them work. I haven't actually looked at the XML file, so I don't know how impossible that would be.

To Iamtherealwoody, the playlist strategy is what I have been using. If you sync playlists only, and not everything, On-The-Go playlists will not sync. It is a lacking feature which has been discussed at length on this very forum.