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User profile for user: TTTWLAM
TTTWLAM Author
User level: Level 1
7 points

"iTunes Library.itl Cannot Be Read..." Error Even After Fresh Install

iTunes updated on my PC (Win 10, x64 bit) over the weekend, but machine stopped recognizing my iPhone. Did the usual--swapped cables, restarts, etc. The phone can be seen through the Windows file system, but not iTunes proper.


iTunes also began behaving erratically (wouldn't shut down via the upper-right X, wouldn't delete songs) so just uninstalled the whole thing. Rebooted after.


So, went to Microsoft store to get current version. Reinstalled, and still got the ".itl" error. Rebooted, uninstalled, tried again with same installer program... and same.


Then went the Apple route. Exact same problem.


Researched via Google, and all the (rather outdated) info says it's a compatibility issue between old iTunes files and new. But how is that even possible in my situation when I'm using the newest installer for the newest version?


Please help.

Windows, Windows 10

Posted on Oct 30, 2023 10:52 AM

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User profile for user: Mikey_Michael
Mikey_Michael
User level: Level 1
12 points

Posted on May 26, 2024 5:38 PM

Note : I'm using windows 11


open the "apple software update" > update



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6 replies
User profile for user: javaliga
javaliga
User level: Level 10
119,869 points

Oct 30, 2023 11:33 AM in response to TTTWLAM

It is possible that a corrupt preference file may cause iTunes to fail at launch with one of these errors:

  • The file iTunes Library.itl cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes.
  • The folder “iTunes” is on a locked disk or you do not have write permissions for this folder.
  • The iTunes Library.itl cannot be found or created. The default location for this file is in the 'iTunes' folder in the 'Music' folder.

It may be worth trying the shift-start-iTunes method (option on a Mac) to actively select the .itl file that should contain your library. If you still get the error message try Repair security permissions for iTunes for Windows and/or check for interference from anti-virus software.


For more info, see:

Empty/corrupt iTunes library after upgrad… - Apple Community


The general troubleshooting advice when iTunes fails to install properly (and reinstalling or repairing it does not work) is to remove not only iTunes but all related components, reboot, remove the target installation folders and reinstall. For more info, see the Removing and reinstalling iTunes and other software components section in:

Troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Wi… - Apple Community


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User profile for user: turingtest2
turingtest2
User level: Level 10
274,594 points

Mar 15, 2024 10:16 AM in response to CGIMana

CGIMana wrote:

I just deleted the folder. I didn't have a libary. I just use it to update iPads.
Why was the version I just downloaded not the newest version that would support the libary files I already had?


What was the source of your download? If you've installed the most recent build and still get that error on launch then as noted elsewhere this issue may be that the iTunes preference file is corrupt and you need to actively select a valid library database, or create a new one.


tt2

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"iTunes Library.itl Cannot Be Read..." Error Even After Fresh Install

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