iTunes Library location

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Level 1

24 points

iTunes Library location

Hi all, I have iTunes installed on my PC and stream wirelessly throughout the house using Home Sharing.

On installation, iTunes automatically allocates a default folder for song storage (iTunes Media) which I have changed to another location of my choice (changed within 'Edit - Preferences). But, every-so-often, I find that iTunes has changed it back to the default location. Although the default location has songs within it, it is nowhere near as up-to-date as my own selected folder.

Does anyone know why it changes back and how to prevent it doing so?

Thank you for reading.

Posted on Nov 12, 2022 3:12 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

turingtest2

Level 10

274,430 points

Nov 12, 2022 11:16 AM in response to Steviebobs

If your media folder is on an external drive or network share that isn't ready when iTunes starts then it automatically resets the location to iTunes Media in the folder holding the .itl file. There is also a bug in recent builds of iTunes that, at least for some users, seems to stop the media folder preference from being saved properly such that the media folder resets on every launch. See Make a split library portable - Apple Community and put your library in a shape that isn't affected by the issue, and is easier to backup and move around in future.

tt2

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Answer 2

Steviebobs Author

Level 1

24 points

Nov 13, 2022 12:56 PM in response to turingtest2

Hi, and thanks tt2. I had not heard of the issue you mention so have been doing some testing today. I have tried a few restarts after changing the default media location to my own, and it does revert to the default each time so need to give your guide a read to correct that. Incidentally I have 1760 folders in my location and 1679 folders at the default, so do I need to delete the default media folder (or it's contents?). I understand now why some CD additions have added to the default location and some to my changed one. Also, although I don't think it contributes to the situation, I am actually using an iMac using Bootcamp to run Win10 and iTunes etc.

I will read your guide thoroughly and apply the corrective action !!

Thanks again.

Sb.

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Answer 3

turingtest2

Level 10

274,430 points

Nov 13, 2022 1:15 PM in response to Steviebobs

It doesn't matter what hardware you are running Windows on as far as this issue is concerned. When the correct media folder is selected and active you can use File > Library > Organize Library to copy in any files that are outside of your active media folder. You can then delete the wrong media folder to clean up those unwanted copies, but iTunes will still recreate it and try to use it on the next launch until your move the library into the standard layout where the iTunes Library.itl file lives in the same folder as the iTunes Media folder.

tt2

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Answer 4

Steviebobs Author

Level 1

24 points

Nov 14, 2022 2:35 AM in response to turingtest2

Hi tt2 and thanks for that. The reason I chose a different location for my media folder was that it is in a group of folders that I back-up each night so I will have to rethink that one.

Thanks again.

Sb.

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Answer 5

turingtest2

Level 10

274,430 points

Nov 14, 2022 3:05 AM in response to Steviebobs

If you move the database into this group of folders, and massage the library into the standard ..\iTunes\iTunes Media\<All content> layout then you'll fix this issue with the media folder resetting, and ensure that you're always backing up the whole library.

tt2

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