iTunes music data

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iTunes music data

I just reinstalled iTunes. All of my music is still there (as far as I can tell), but I'm wondering about the data (e.g. playlists, ratings, etc.) that is not appearing yet. When I sync my device, will that data repopulate iTunes from the device, or will it be erased from the device because it's not on iTunes?

I mean, I rate songs and make playlists from the device that are then transferred to iTunes when I sync, but it would be a lot to recreate from memory if I'm wrong, so I wanted to double-check.

Posted on Mar 10, 2023 5:20 PM

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Answer 1

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narnianchick Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 18, 2023 12:59 PM in response to JessS19

For anyone else who could use this information: I think when I reinstalled iTunes, I had selected the whole iTunes folder when "choosing my iTunes library", when I needed to specifically select the itl file. I found that file, along with seventeen(!) backups, and used JessS19's instructions to select that as the iTunes library. Everything's as it should be now, and I'm off to delete sixteen iTunes library backups...

P.S. The whole reason I was reinstalling iTunes is that I'm somehow running out of room on my computer, despite saving almost everything to an external hard drive (including, now, the iTunes app). Maybe large, hidden files like these are why I have this problem...

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Answer 2

JessS19

Community Specialist

Mar 12, 2023 11:43 AM in response to narnianchick

Greetings narnianchick,

To restore your library, you'll need to follow these steps:

"Restore your library from a backup

You can restore your iTunes library from your external drive to your computer. If you're restoring an iTunes Library from a different computer, make sure that your new computer has the latest version of iTunes.

Quit iTunes.
Go to "This PC," then click your external drive.
Select your iTunes folder, then right-click and choose Copy.
Go to the location on your computer where you want your iTunes library, then right-click and choose Paste.
Hold down the Shift key while opening iTunes.
When you see a message that asks you to Choose iTunes Library, click Choose Library.
Choose the location where you copied your iTunes folder.
Choose the iTunes Library.itl file inside.
Click Open." Back up and restore your iTunes library on your PC

We hope this helps so you can access your playlists.

Sincerely.

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Answer 3

bailier

Community Specialist

Mar 18, 2023 4:12 PM in response to narnianchick

Hello narnianchick,

Thanks for sharing that information. We're happy to hear you were able to get that resolved. If you need assistance in the future, don't hesitate to visit Apple Support Communities again.

Take care.

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iTunes music data

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