The reason I ask is that I use a Creative Zen Vision M and WMA files through Media Monkey, but have now also got an ipod for car use (socket in the car!), and have a second music folder with MP3 files in for that player. However I haven't yet installed itunes as I don't want it to take over my files/folders etc. I realise I could use mediamonkey for the ipod too, but I do wish to use i-tunes because of some of the features it allows you to set up on the ipod. What do I need to set up to ensure itunes just 'looks' at my music folders rather than taking them over and making changes etc that may affect my ZVM/Media Monkey set up (which is also used by a wi-fi radio!)

Cheers

What do you mean "take over"

Sorry, meant does it make changes to file types, or turn it into an 'i-tunes' folder, or make i-tunes the default player etc?

I've seen lots of stuff on the web about itunes getting well entangled into your system but I'd like it just to 'look' at my music folders and only make changes to my set-up if I ask it to, but I wonder if a lot of changes are made by default on installation?

If you untick the 'keep iTunes Music folders organized' box in Preferences it will not rename music files or put them into artist & album folders.

Thanks for that. So it won't start doing that kind of stuff on installation then? I can install and then change preferences etc?

When you install you get an option to let iTunes Organise (which means it copys to a directory called iTunes Music and renames) or a DIY option (it just makes a note of locations)

It will import WMA files again copying to a seperate folder before converting.

In any case it will leave your original files and folders intact