damaged itunes library Windows

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damaged itunes library Windows

Every time I open iTunes on Windows, my iTunes library is deemed corrupted by iTunes. I do have a backup, and after closing iTunes, swapping in the backup, and then starting iTunes, it opens fine. Then, if I close, and then reopen, it's corrupted again. I can repeat this infinitely.

I have of course done research on this and I am aware that anti-virus programs can interfere with iTunes. The only anti-virus software I have is the stock Defender built into Windows, and I have excluded the entire iTunes folder from it. (I generally do not like dealing with 3rd party anti-virus software so there is definitely none on my PC.)

On past threads discussing this topic, it seems like the tone of the replies is frequently "it's your fault, your hard drive's fault, your anti-virus program's fault." Is it possible it is iTunes' fault? I don't have any issues with any other software. Just iTunes. Since I don't have deep knowledge of how iTunes works on Windows, I can't really defend my opinion, but it seems like this is an iTunes problem. When my backed-up file opens fine, but then becomes "damaged" after I close and reopen iTunes, what could the issue be? Maybe a permissions setting? (I've never changed any permissions, but maybe they got toggled?)

One idea I had was to save off my library and uninstall everything, then reinstall and see if that helps, but it's a lot of work if it ends up not solving the issue.

If anyone else had this issue and discovered the culprit, I'd love to learn what it was. Thank you.

Windows, Windows 10

Posted on Dec 21, 2023 10:53 AM

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Answer 1

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turingtest2

Level 10

278,297 points

Dec 22, 2023 1:14 AM in response to ldavisfl

Each time you perform any significant action in iTunes, such as playing a song or editing any metadata, the library will need to be updated. iTunes writes out a new temporary file, deletes the current library, and renames the temp file to replace it. Anything that can disrupt that process can cause the library to become corrupt. AV and dying drives are both possibilities. If there were a general issue with the iTunes code one would expect the issue to be more prevalent. That said Apple could do a better job and keep the old database around until the new one has been verified, then gracefully fall back if required.

I don't think it will be a permissions issue, but see Repair security permissions for iTunes for Windows - Apple Community anyway.

A thorough removal and reinstallation of the software is worth trying.

tt2

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