"Updating iTunes Library" ..... for HOURS ... then Hangs.

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Level 1

10 points

"Updating iTunes Library" ..... for HOURS ... then Hangs.

I have my iTunes media stored on an external HD (drobo - wireless). The last time I opened iTunes it said it was "Updating Library" but took several hours and then froze/hung when it was nearing the end. Wondering what the workaround will be to resolve this issue. I'm unable to use iTunes unless it finishes the update, which it never does. ANy thoughts? Somebody suggested deleting the iTunes Library file (.xml?). But I am unfamiliar with this procedure and wondering what it entails and what are the drawbacks?

17" iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.3), 13" Macbook

Posted on May 19, 2010 10:21 AM

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Answer 1

sjpc33

Level 1

66 points

May 19, 2010 12:15 PM in response to Bramthorne

Is all your software up to date? This is a really common problem, in some situations, it takes itunes as long as overnight to update the library, but after it does this successfully everything runs smoothly. In other situations, it does actually get stuck. Maybe try leaving it overnight to update its library, see if that'll do it. Good luck.

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Answer 2

Bramthorne Author

Level 1

10 points

May 19, 2010 8:00 PM in response to sjpc33

yeah .... I've left it on for almost 24 hours. Like I said, it takes hours and then HANGS and freezes. I have to force quit. unfortunately, because I use an external HD to store my itunes media and it is connected wirelessly to my network, the freezing causes the HD to disconnect and I have to restart the computer. all of the software is up to date. I believe the latest iTunes update caused this issue in the first place. Really trying my patience.

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Answer 3

sjpc33

Level 1

66 points

May 19, 2010 10:09 PM in response to Bramthorne

why not just move the itunes folder onto your internal drive? That might let it run a little smoother. At least give it a try.

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Answer 4

dknightd

Level 3

705 points

May 20, 2010 4:54 AM in response to Bramthorne

Bramthorne wrote:
the freezing causes the HD to disconnect

Maybe the HD disconnecting is causing the freeze?

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Answer 5

Bramthorne Author

Level 1

10 points

May 20, 2010 9:07 AM in response to dknightd

@sjpc .... my internal HD is nowhere near capable of holding my iTunes media which has hundreds of movies and thousands of songs.

@dknightd ..... the HD disconnects AFTER iTunes freezes.

It is a very curious problem. I am wondering if anybody could tell me what EXACTLY happens when you delete the *iTunes Library.xml* file?

I may also attempt to connect it via usb and see if it will be more responsive.

Thanks for the attention guys. This is always the first place I come to with any problems.

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Answer 6

Jolly Giant

Level 7

25,464 points

May 20, 2010 9:14 AM in response to Bramthorne

Bramthorne wrote:
It is a very curious problem. I am wondering if anybody could tell me what EXACTLY happens when you delete the *iTunes Library.xml* file?

nothing much. iTunes will re-create on next launch.

iTunes itself does not use the .xml file. click here for more information.

J GG

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Answer 7

Bramthorne Author

Level 1

10 points

May 25, 2010 9:24 PM in response to Jolly Giant

so the fix was to move the xml file to desktop. then delete the library file. then import the playlist (xml file). everything is working fine now.

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Answer 8

Aug 4, 2010 9:00 PM in response to Bramthorne

Same problem. I have a large library. Waited 30 hours for ITUNES 9.2.1.5 to upgrade and gave up.

Followed your advice exactly, the import of the XML took and hour. Fired up Itunes the beach ball is still spinning an hour later.

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Answer 9

Aug 5, 2010 7:39 AM in response to markbrand

Update ...
Root Cause : Duet Apogee deadlock state.
Solution: I power cycled my duet Apogee. Itunes came right back up.

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