the.arm3nator

Q: How to recover iTunes from a broken computer I don't have anymore with no backup?

Hi,

Is there a way to recover my old iTunes library from a computer I had a few years ago? It broke, and I had to bring it back to the store, which ended up with getting the money back, but losing the files. My iTunes didn't have a backup at the time, and I lost some music that I have no hard copies of.

Can anyone say if I can recover it? I'm also pretty sure I know the PC name, and it was under the same Microsoft account on Windows 8.

Thanks to anyone who has an answer.

Posted on Aug 30, 2016 9:16 PM

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Q: How to recover iTunes from a broken computer I don't have anymore with no backup?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Carolyn Samit,

    Carolyn Samit Carolyn Samit Aug 30, 2016 9:20 PM in response to the.arm3nator
    Level 10 (120,562 points)
    Apple Watch
    Aug 30, 2016 9:20 PM in response to the.arm3nator

    You would need the Apple ID that was associated with the old iTunes library in order to re download past purchases and there's no guarantee it will work given it's been a few years ago since you used that computer.

  • by gail from maine,

    gail from maine gail from maine Aug 30, 2016 9:21 PM in response to the.arm3nator
    Level 7 (25,719 points)
    iCloud
    Aug 30, 2016 9:21 PM in response to the.arm3nator

    You cannot recover a library from a machine that you no longer have. If you did not have the files backed up somewhere, then they cannot be recovered. Is the music you are wanting to recover all purchased music from iTunes? If it is, then you can install iTunes on your new computer, sign in with your Apple ID, then open the Music Store. On the right-hand side you will see Quick Links, and under that, you will see Purchases. Click on the Purchases option, then on Music, then on Not on this Computer, and you will see a list of all your purchased iTunes music with a little cloud next to it. Click on the cloud to download the music to your iTunes Library on your new computer.

     

    If you do not see some of your purchases, check to see if they are Hidden: Hide and unhide purchases in iTunes or iBooks on your Mac or PC - Apple Support

     

    Best of luck,

     

    GB

  • by Niel,

    Niel Niel Aug 30, 2016 9:21 PM in response to the.arm3nator
    Level 10 (311,946 points)
    Aug 30, 2016 9:21 PM in response to the.arm3nator

    If you originally got it from the iTunes Store, click here and follow the instructions.

    If you originally got it from a different online store, check the store's help pages or contact the people who run it.

    If you originally got it on physical media, not without buying it again.

     

    (144337)

  • by the.arm3nator,

    the.arm3nator the.arm3nator Aug 30, 2016 9:23 PM in response to Carolyn Samit
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iTunes
    Aug 30, 2016 9:23 PM in response to Carolyn Samit

    The music I had wasn't purchased, sorry I didn't clarify. And I didn't use an Apple ID for it, since it was stored through importing folders. I didn't make any purchases.

  • by the.arm3nator,

    the.arm3nator the.arm3nator Aug 30, 2016 9:25 PM in response to Niel
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iTunes
    Aug 30, 2016 9:25 PM in response to Niel

    I got it from a few CDs, but they weren't bought, it was an album that an acquaintance made, and I lost my copy, along with the acquaintance not knowing if he has the files.

  • by gail from maine,Solvedanswer

    gail from maine gail from maine Aug 30, 2016 9:26 PM in response to the.arm3nator
    Level 7 (25,719 points)
    iCloud
    Aug 30, 2016 9:26 PM in response to the.arm3nator

    Well, then unfortunately, there is nothing we can do to help. iTunes is just an app. And the machine you are referring to is a Windows machine, the music was not purchased via Apple, so not sure how we could be of help here. Maybe we are misunderstanding your question?

     

    If you are looking for files that were on a piece of hardware that you no longer have, and you did not make copies of those files somewhere, not sure what it is you are asking for help with?

     

    Cheers,

     

    GB