iTunes Ignoring Local Files

Question

iTunes Ignoring Local Files

Hi,

I have an iTunes Library that is misbehaving. I have Apple Music (and iTunes Match) and I have iCloud Music Library switched on. Everything is working with the exception of iTunes on my Mac recognising the availability of local files. Despite the iTunes Media folder location being correct, iTunes insist on offering me the 'download'/stream option for songs which are available locally. This is a pain because when I want to access a music file via 'Show in Finder' it doesn't even offer the option.

For a long long time my iTunes library file has lived in it's usual place (User>Music>iTunes). My media has been on a separate HDD and this has worked in a trouble free manner for years.

In trying to fix this, I have duplicated the iTunes folder (including the library file) and consolidated everything together, both the library and the media on a separate disc. No joy.

This is becoming highly frustrating and if anyone can lend some advice, I'd be grateful. The library is otherwise operating just fine, the only issue is that it doesn't seem to recognise the availability of local files.

Thanks in advance!

iMac Pro, macOS 10.14

Posted on May 23, 2019 5:01 AM

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Answer 1

turingtest2

Level 10

278,055 points

May 23, 2019 5:42 AM in response to tonyhartphoto

See Empty/corrupt iTunes library after upgrade/crash - Apple Community for a possible solution. Typically if the content goes cloudy it is because a new replacement library has been created. iTunes doesn't sense what is already in the media folder in such cases. Failing that approach you can reimport your local content. Downloaded Apple Music items won't import, but your original media files should, and iTunes should hopefully reconcile all the duplicates.

tt2

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Answer 2

turingtest2

Level 10

278,055 points

May 23, 2019 8:12 AM in response to tonyhartphoto

Did you check for hidden .tmp files? Try importing a single track or album and see what the impact is on playlist membership and play counts. I might potentially have a way for you to transfer details from a cloud duplicate to a local file if needed.

tt2

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Answer 3

May 23, 2019 6:54 AM in response to turingtest2

Thanks for your input. From what I can make out though, this is pertinent in situations where music is greyed out. When I disconnect from WiFi my music simply disappears, aside from a few tracks, that randomly seem to be recognised as downloaded/locally available. I also do not have a folder called 'Previous iTunes Libraries'.

I could reimport the local content, but I am concerned what affect this may have on playlists and play counts?

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iTunes Ignoring Local Files

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