Hello,
I mainly use a desktop pc (windows 7), where I'm more comfortable to work and edit things faster. I also have a notebook (windows 7 also) that I use for my dj gigs or when traveling.
What I need to know is this: Is there a way that allows me to keep the laptop in sync (I'm referring to the rekordbox database and settings) with the desktop? This would be great, so everytime I travel and want to load new songs into the usb flash drives on the road, I can do this directly from the laptop, using an up to date database and settings I'm used to. I've already read these topics:
http://forums.pioneerdj.com/entries/20658308-Migrating-Your-Rekordbox-Database
http://rekordbox.com/en/support/faq_archive.php?c=184 (second topic called: I bought a new computer. Can I move the rekordbox database and preferences to the new computer?)
http://forums.pioneerdj.com/entries/20118196
http://forums.pioneerdj.com/entries/79142735
But I'm little confused, especially after release of version 3.2 that seems to allow a sort of sync between different machines, but only if you store database on external drive. I don't like to store my music files and database on external drives so I have copied all my music files also to the laptop (keeping the same exact Drive Letter and exact music folder location on the different machines. The only thing that it's different between the two machines is the user name on the two machines: One is called "Desktop" and the other is called "Laptop".).
What I need to know is: with this method ( http://forums.pioneerdj.com/entries/79142735 ) after exporting, can I then import the database directly (and permanently)on the laptop, or is it possible just to read the database while the external hard drive is connected to the laptop? And what about the original music files? I need to move all of them again to the laptop, everytime I export the database..... or since the music files are already stored in the laptop I don't need to do this long process again?
And what about songs already in the usb keys? I need to make again long transfers also on the usb keys...like the first time I've loaded songs into?
Alternatively, I know this folder (in win 7 C:\Users\yourusername\AppData\Roaming\Pioneer\rekordbox ) contains all the important rekordbox files, so....can't I just copy this folder to the new laptop (except for the license file) and I'm done? Both desktop and laptop still need to have the same exact username? In Traktor I just need to copy the root folder (the equivalent of the rekordbox folder) from the desktop to the laptop and I'm done...without the need of having same username inboth machines (this would mean reinstalling windows 7 on the laptop again).
I don't know if I've been clear enough...thanks for the help and explanations!
Post is closed for comments.
All you need is here: http://forums.pioneerdj.com/entries/79142735 Ignore the other threads and follow ONLY that thread.
My recommendation is that you have your music and database externally, then each computer will show the same database! No need to worry about usernames, etc.
Export devices can then sync to either computer.
Hi Pulse,
thanks for your fast reply and suggestion! I've just tried, but still have some doubts:
1) what the program actually let you do, is to move the database, and not copy it. The result is that, after moving the database to the external drive, and after removing the external hard drive....if you try to launch Rekordbox again (from the desktop), a warning message appears and says that the database is not here anymore. What I'd like to do instead is to copy the database to the external hard drive, while keeping the old one in its place. In this way, I don't risk to lose the database if I lose the external drive or if it get stolen, or if it simply die. And at the same time, having it duplicated on the external hard drive, I can then import it into the new computer. This would be perfec and it's what I was looking to do! Moving it completely without lefting any copy in the original desktop seems pretty risky and I'd prefer avoid it! Any suggestion in order to preserve the database in the desktop system and avoid any risk?
2) When importing the database in the new computer (when moving from the external hard drive into the laptop internal hard drive), there is this message: "Master Database already exists in the selected drive. Are you sure you want to replace it with the one you are moving?" What I need to do now? Is it ok to say ok, or is it safer to firstly remove the old master database manually? In this case...which is the exact file/files to delete and where is it located on windows 7?
3) moving the database don't copy all the other settings I've changed in Rekordbox in the desktop system (cdj preferences, language, etc etc...). Any way to move also these preferences?
4) What exactly contains the Database that I'm moving? Playlists will be moved along with database?
Thanks again for your help!
@jasno >
1) When you tell rekordbox you want to move the database to another drive, yes, it does just that -- move it. Yes, there is a risk with having your rekordbox database in only one single location, much the same as with your music collection, which is why I always suggest users keep AT LEAST one other copy of their data either on another local hard drive or in cloud storage. (I use Backblaze online storage and LOVE the fact it's automatic and cloud-based. If you want a ref. link for that, please let me know.)
2) You don't want to replace the existing database with the 2nd computer's database. Whichever has the MOST data you want to keep, select that one as your primary and start there. The other one, you can ignore. The cool part is if you ever start-up rekordbox without that "primary" database connected / available, it will default to the internal one in the usual installation directory. For Windows, that location is: C:\Users\yourusername\AppData\Roaming\Pioneer\rekordbox
3) I don't recall if the preferences move, but I think they do... if not, I'm wrong and that is something I'll recommend to the engineers!
4) The database contains everything BUT the music. It's got the playlists, waveform overviews, album artwork, etc.
Hi Pulse,
1) You are right. I already keep backup of my most important files, and this is why I specifically asked if there is a way to also keep a copy of the database somewhere, when I move it to the external hard drive. If I simply copy manually the whole "PIONEER" folder that Rekordbox creates to the external hard drive when I move the database into it......may I still use this in case I lose/damage the originally exported database? In simple words...just doing a manual copy of the exported folder "PIONEER" from the external drive into a third drive, will allow me to use this copy again if I ever need to? This could be a simple but still effective solution.
2) Thanks for the suggestion, but which file exactly represents the database into the C:\Users\yourusername\AppData\Roaming\Pioneer\rekordbox location? The whole rekordbox folder? or some specific file / files? I also don't know if I can really keep the old database, once I open Rekordbox with the external drive (that contains the moved database) connected...since the program, as soon as it starts, asks me the question: "Master Database already exists in the selected drive. Are you sure you want to replace it with the one you are moving?" Should I just answer NO?
3) I can confirm that languages, cdj preferences and some other pfreferences don't move with the moved database. Would be great if the engineers can also improve this.
4) Clear, thanks!
5) what is the "Auto Export" function that I can see above the "move database" option in the advanced preferences? I've read the tooltip but I cannot understand really well what id does. Does it copy the original music files (so, gigabytes of music)?
Thanks again!
1) Yes, you could simply copy the entire C:\Users\yourusername\AppData\Roaming\Pioneer\rekordbox folder.
2) The database itself is the datafile.edb, but if you want to ensure that you don't overwrite it, make a copy and change the name to datafile.edb.local, and make a second copy of the database on the external drive (call it datafile.edb.external) and then answer yes to that question.
3) I'll pass that along, thanks.
5) Auto Export simply ensures that your export device automatically contains the files from your collection, so when the collection is updated, the export device is as well.
As a follow-up for you, I got an answer re: #3:
Preferences may not be moved because many of them are dependent on each computer settings such as audio settings and location of iTunes library.