How do I open previous iTunes Library files?

Question

Level 1

10 points

How do I open previous iTunes Library files?

Hello,

In my effort to track down my missing mp3, mp4 and all other music files that have been deleted from my hard drive I would like to be able to open my "Previous iTunes Library files" to see when these files were deleted.

How do I view the content of these files? Is that possible?

iTunes Library 2007-11-08.itl
iTunes Library 2008-06-19.itl

Thank you!

PC, Windows XP Pro, Toshiba Satellite Pro

Posted on Jul 30, 2008 10:05 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Katrina S.

Level 7

24,152 points

Jul 30, 2008 10:17 AM in response to LMaurer

Start itunes and immediately press the Shift key. Then browse out to choose one of those files when prompted.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=iTunesWin/7.6/en/15502.html

Reply

Answer 2

LMaurer Author

Level 1

10 points

Jul 30, 2008 10:44 AM in response to Katrina S.

OMG! This highlights all the songs that no longer have their source files available. Or in iTunes words, "The song '---' could not be used because the original file could not be found. ..." I am devastated. I have lost OVER half of my music library.

Thank you for the information. While this was helpful I was hoping that I could read the files to compare what used to be located on my hard drive and maybe where? I am trying to track down the last known location of my music library and then I will track down when it was deleted.

Thank you!

Message was edited by: LMaurer

Reply

Answer 3

Katrina S.

Level 7

24,152 points

Jul 30, 2008 10:44 AM in response to LMaurer

You're welcome!

Reply

Answer 4

ASharkey

Level 1

4 points

Aug 20, 2008 11:48 AM in response to LMaurer

Hello - I too am having the same problem. First, I can't believe there is no way to consolidate now 4 previous itunes libraries, that if I want to play songs I have to open itunes with Shift every time. Second - I can import the library, but I get a message from Itunes that the original files are missing. how is this possible when the library is 10 GB?? Where did they go? Does anyone have some insight?

Reply