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Adding files to iTunes: iTunes adds them in no particular order

I have some cds that my laptop won't read. So I had to import them on my other pc, and later add them to my laptop's library (they are mp3 files now). No matter which way I add them (1: having windows explorer in a smaller window over maximized itunes window and dragging them to the library or 2: using Add Folder to library) iTunes will add them in disorder.

When I import a cd, it imports the songs in track listing order. I keep my library in "added" order.
When I add them to the library as explained above, iTunes does so in no particular order, and if I try to do it again, it does so in yet another order. Totally arbitrary order. Not alphabetical title, not track number, not size or time, totally no particular order.
I want the files to be added (and so, displayed in track listing order when "added" sort order) in track listing order. Is there a way to do this other than adding the files one by one?
This is a 20-cd box with 440 songs, it would be suicidal.

As I already mentioned, I want this because I keep the library as sort by "added", and anyway unless you keep it ordered by track number, which is stupid as it would sort all songs in the library i assume by track number, they should be imported as track number first.

Thanks

Dell XPS laptop, Windows XP

Posted on May 6, 2010 5:20 PM

Reply
23 replies

May 12, 2010 1:31 PM in response to turingtest2

I've updated SortDateAdded to take account of any non-track files that might have crept into the selection. PDFs are now catered for, preserving all the metadata that is normally lost on reimport so they remain connected to their album. I'll work on extending this to iTunes LP/Extras, .wav files and anything else that doesn't preserve data in a tag. For regular tracks I've also added preservation of skip when shuffling state, start & finish times, bookmarking state, and the position if set.

tt2

May 27, 2010 5:05 PM in response to turingtest2

The latest update to SortDateAdded includes the planned additions as above.

What I haven't yet cracked is Media Kind, so TV shows get added back as Movies, and I've yet to ensure any Podcast related fields get properly preserved. The VideoKind property does not seem to work as described in the SDK and there doesn't seem to be a way to read/change the MediaKind from script. These however are minor limitations and for everyday albums it works just fine.

tt2

Jul 21, 2010 12:11 AM in response to ldickens

ldickens wrote:
This is a great utility. Any chance of eliminating the 500 cut limit?

You can edit the value of 500 to suit your needs, it just protects against accidentally running the script on the whole library. Since the sort isn't very efficent, and neither is iTunes when adding files from script, you'll also need to be prepared for a long run time with no feedback...

It's not really meant for applying to the whole library, but used after each import session it can put your recent imports in an album friendly order when sorting on date added.

tt2

Jul 21, 2010 12:13 AM in response to Slimtim

Slimtim wrote:
Turing this script is amazing I registered on here just to say thank you so much!

You should really try and get the word out about this script as I think there are many people who just give up and remain frustrated (which is what I almost did until I found this thread).

Again, THANKS.

Glad to hear you've found it useful 🙂

tt2

Adding files to iTunes: iTunes adds them in no particular order

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