ironteeth

Q: Itunes XML missing!! Nothing has worked to make a new one

I am currently running iTunes 12.3.2.35 on OS X 10.11.3. After installing iTunes 12 my .xml file disappeared. I have since been unable to recreate the file. So far I have checked the option "share iTunes Library XML file with other applications" and have tried to export the library as XML file. Neither has produced an XML file. I am looking in the correct location and have searched for the file on my computer and there is none to be found. The only other thing to note is that I have a very large library and it is therefore stored on an external hard drive. But it has been this way for a long time and I had no issues with an XML file being created or updated previously. Also to note, this was a new install on a fresh computer so there are no old versions of the XML file. Also iTunes is otherwise operating very well, no other issues of note... it hangs sometimes but that seems to be the norm for a large library on an external drive. I am going crazy trying to figure this out. I wouldn't mind because everything is otherwise working but I know I have massive amounts of duplicates and I am wanting to run some kind of duplicate management program but they all operate from the xml file. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Oh I have also tried removing the ITL file to the desktop and rebuilding the entire library.... twice! Which took me forever! That didn't work either.

Posted on Feb 13, 2016 11:19 AM

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Q: Itunes XML missing!! Nothing has worked to make a new one

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  • by ironteeth,

    ironteeth ironteeth Feb 14, 2016 10:17 PM in response to turingtest2
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iTunes
    Feb 14, 2016 10:17 PM in response to turingtest2

    I tried what you suggested and created a new small library and it was indeed successful at creating a library xml file. So I guess that means its something in my library creating the issue? Now what? Simply re-importing my files doesn't work... I've already tried that... and doing just pieces at a time isn't really a viable option due to size/time restrictions.

  • by turingtest2,

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Feb 15, 2016 12:41 PM in response to ironteeth
    Level 10 (85,813 points)
    iPod
    Feb 15, 2016 12:41 PM in response to ironteeth

    That's a very large library. iTunes doesn't have any advertised limit to the number tracks it can hold, but the XML for that size library might be quite unwieldy. My XML is about five times the size of my ITL

     

    tt2

  • by ironteeth,

    ironteeth ironteeth Feb 16, 2016 3:52 PM in response to turingtest2
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iTunes
    Feb 16, 2016 3:52 PM in response to turingtest2

    Yes I know its swelled to an unwieldy size. Any suggestions for how to get an xml made? third party programs? or any ideas on how to troubleshoot the problem in the library? or an alternative way to deal with duplicates without an xml file and not through iTunes own process (not customizable enough and too cumbersome) Whats weird is that I had an XML file previously so I know it can be done but it was also created over time not in one go... although it had to write it out each time so i would think it would still be possible. Is there any way to check a log file somewhere to see where its hanging up? it stops really quickly.

  • by turingtest2,

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Feb 16, 2016 4:05 PM in response to ironteeth
    Level 10 (85,813 points)
    iPod
    Feb 16, 2016 4:05 PM in response to ironteeth

    If you can export the Music playlist as a XML file that might be enough for you to use it for deduping. I guess it depends how you pIan to go about it. I have experience with that topic, but it's over in Windows.

     

    tt2

  • by Chris CA,

    Chris CA Chris CA Feb 16, 2016 7:41 PM in response to ironteeth
    Level 9 (79,533 points)
    iPhone
    Feb 16, 2016 7:41 PM in response to ironteeth

    Try this...

    Look in iTunes prefs > Advanced and make sure Share iTunes library XML with other applications is checked.

    If it is checked, uncheck it and wait a minute then check it again.

     

    see this -> About iTunes library files - Apple Support

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