Can I delete damaged library files?

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Level 1

4 points

Can I delete damaged library files?

So recently FCPX gave me warning that the library I was running was damaged and to open from a back up otherwise my work wont save.

No issue, done this before and I start from the back up and rename it's default name to generally "GK_04 USE THIS ONE!" (For example) so I don't accidentally use the older damaged one.

I have the damaged ones sitting in my folder on my external drive, these are quite data heavy and was going to delete them but unsure if that's OK or not?

Logic says it's fine but wanted to ask the question to the community first.

It would free up some considerable room!

Thanks in advance!

Gavin

iMac 27" 5K, macOS 10.13

Posted on Jun 8, 2019 7:04 AM

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Answer 1

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,780 points

Jun 8, 2019 7:50 AM in response to Gav K

Set the new library to the correct storage location and use the consolidate function to ensure that all the material you need is correctly stored. Then trash the corrupt library.

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Answer 2

Jun 8, 2019 8:14 AM in response to Gav K

If you use “leave in place” then it does not matter what location is set, your files will stay where they are.

I am sure that all that big size is not your original media but optimized and proxy media, and render files - these are stored in the designated location - in this case, inside the library.

In most cases this takes a lot more space than the original media themselves and is often unnecessary. They can safely be deleted, and can be regenerated later.

It is in my opinion a bad idea that the default is to generate this on import. Many beginner users fill up their drives and are unaware of this. You should go to the preferences->import function and uncheck the creation of optimized and proxy.

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Answer 3

Jun 8, 2019 7:32 AM in response to Gav K

Where is the media stored?

You should make sure that media is stored somewhere outside the library before you delete it completely.

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Answer 4

Gav K Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 8, 2019 7:35 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

I store all media on an external HD outside of the library. When I import I always "Leave files in place" rather than "Copy to library". Some of the damaged libraries are huge though so I'm unsure why they would be so large if they were imported the way I mentioned.

Thanks for your reply!

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Answer 5

Gav K Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 8, 2019 7:58 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

Hey Tom, thanks for you reply.

If I do this am I right in thinking the library file that I'm using will substantially increase in data size? As all my original media is stored externally on my HD?

Thanks!

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Answer 6

Gav K Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 8, 2019 8:06 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

Me neither tbh, it's always confused me as I have always selected "Keep files in place".

But... I have checked the Storage location settings in the library and it says in there (pic attached) that media is stored in the library? Why would this be the case if I set it at import to "Leave in place"?

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Answer 7

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,780 points

Jun 8, 2019 8:11 AM in response to Gav K

Media storage is set to In Library. Some media can’t be left in place. Also your caches are in library, renders, consolidated etc.

Change the storage location for the new library to the correct location.

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Answer 8

Gav K Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 8, 2019 8:14 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

So if I change it in that menu pictured above do I just create a folder on my external for it?

Will this copy those files I import to this new folder or is it just a link to them?

Quite confusing that some media can't be left in place, apologies for the lack of knowledge here!

But thanks again for helping me get this more efficiently sorted.

Gavin

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Answer 9

bangga

Level 1

4 points

Jun 8, 2019 8:15 AM in response to Gav K

Move everything not dated today into the *Previous iTunes Libraries* folder. Then edit the file names of the remaining files to remove the text " (Damaged)@2010-04-22T20;29;00". Start iTunes. I'm pretty sure it will automatically connect to the correct file, otherwise just browse to it when prompted. Assuming it all works OK, close iTunes again, delete everything inside the Previous iTunes Libraries folder as you won't be needing it again. I'd also recommend you copy the current set of library files into the Previous... folder as a minimal backup, but ideally you should clone your entire iTunes folder to another drive or network share for proper security.

thanks

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Answer 10

Gav K Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 8, 2019 8:19 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Hey Luis, I only ever create optimised media on import myself.

I shall untick that and see how it runs on original files, thanks!

Regarding the old damaged libraries, what would your process be? Tom above says to consolidate the current working library then trash the remaining?

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Answer 11

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,780 points

Jun 8, 2019 8:01 AM in response to Gav K

Not necessarily. It depends on what options you select in consolidate to copy over. Not clear on why your original library was so large if all the content was external.

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Can I delete damaged library files?

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