VPC: Use USB device (iPhone)

[StarsFan4Life]

Ok.....I have a strange request and need some help here. Over the last 3 weeks, I have lost my iTunes library do to reformats (forgetting about iTunes), crashing of iTunes and such. I have probably lost about $50 worth of downloads because of it.

I am also sick of fighting iTunes "5 PC maximum" limit BS. So I have come to the conclusion that if I run a VPC (WinXP) strictly for iTunes, I can essentially open this VPC from any machine I own and sync iTunes from there (download, arrange library, etc).

I got VPC setup lastnight...but I am running into one problem...I can't seem to connect my iPhone to my iTunes in the VPC. Is there a way to virtualize this hardware so I can use it in VPC?
Edit/Delete Message

 

[MrChad]

I don't believe you can connect USB devices to VPC. Try VMWare. You should be able to convert your image to the VMWare format and use VMWare Server or Player to run it.

EDIT: An you should be able to redownload purchased songs (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2519)

 

[StarsFan4Life]

Can I download VMWare for free?

 

[MrChad]

http://www.vmware.com/products/player/

 

[StarsFan4Life]

I see that with VMWare player you cannot actually "create" the virtual machines. Can I use VPC to create the vm's and then use VMWare player to open them...essentially using the iPhone on it?

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: StarsFan4Life
I see that with VMWare player you cannot actually "create" the virtual machines. Can I use VPC to create the vm's and then use VMWare player to open them...essentially using the iPhone on it?

Try this

 

[StarsFan4Life]

Thanks MrChad! You always have the answer.

 

[lopri]

Or you can create VMs using VPC and let VMware player convert it for you.

 

[akugami]

Originally posted by: StarsFan4Life
Ok.....I have a strange request and need some help here. Over the last 3 weeks, I have lost my iTunes library do to reformats (forgetting about iTunes), crashing of iTunes and such. I have probably lost about $50 worth of downloads because of it.

I am also sick of fighting iTunes "5 PC maximum" limit BS. So I have come to the conclusion that if I run a VPC (WinXP) strictly for iTunes, I can essentially open this VPC from any machine I own and sync iTunes from there (download, arrange library, etc).

You really should back up your iTunes music library as well as apps. That's kinda not Apple's fault. Although Apple should make an easy backup wizard to export the iTunes library and apps into a folder that can be archived and burned and later imported.

For those who have met with disaster. All is not lost. Check out this article which will hopefully help you get back your music and apps. This time, remember to make backups!

And as far as the "5 PC maximum" goes, how many computers are you loading iTunes on? You know you can de-authorize computers not in use to keep from hitting the max? And this only applies to PC's and not devices (iPods, iPhones). You can also use stream iTunes music using 3rd party apps for free which will keep you from hitting the 5 PC limit.