Can't link iTunes library on external hard drive

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Can't link iTunes library on external hard drive

I had to reinstall snow leopard due to a major issue. My iTunes library is on an external hard drive. I figured my library was ok since it was on a external hard drive. Now I cant link new iTunes with my library. I tried the preferences and relinking but no music comes in. Why does it not work like Iphoto. I can move that library anywhere and just re link it. All I can find to do is to copy everything back to my iMac...then do the export back to my external hard drive...and that is a giant pain in the *** since it is like 50 gigs of music.

Imac, Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Aug 17, 2010 5:14 PM

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Answer 1

Alec

Level 1

105 points

Aug 17, 2010 8:11 PM in response to imacdaddymac

Sounds like your iTunes Library file got wiped when you reinstalled the OS.
The Library file is basically the index file that tells iTunes where all your music/movie data files are.

Easiest way is to let iTunes recreate the Library file.

Be sure to set your "iTunes Media folder location" pointing to your external drive.

Then do pull-down File > Add to Library
Navigate to your external hard drive folder that contains your music/movies data files, click "Open"

iTunes will then scan your data files and recreate a new "iTunes Library" file. This is the index file of your music collection. This file will be created and will reside on your internal bootup drive. It's usual location is Macintosh HD > Users > Your Account > Music > iTunes

Once iTunes recreates this file, I recommend you make a backup of this file on a regular basis and save it somewhere safe so you can copy it back should you ever need to reinstall the OS.

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