After an overnight software update, the Music db is broken

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After an overnight software update, the Music db is broken

I have a Macbook running the latest version of Mac OS. Apparently there was an update overnight. Got a ton of prompts asking to permit various apps to access my desktop files. After clicking through those, I got to the really concerning one. For the Music app, I got this message:

"The file "Application.music.db" cannot be read. An unknown error occurred (-54)."

Then when I try to play something, I get:

"The Music Library file cannot be saved. An unknown error occurred (-54)."

What happened and how do I fix this? I do have a cloned backup about a week old on an external hard drive.

Posted on Apr 15, 2024 5:04 AM

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Answer 1

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conejo61 Author

Level 1

32 points

Apr 17, 2024 5:24 AM in response to conejo61

Ok, I figured it out. I found a thread on another site discussing this same issue. One of the things I stated in my OP was I got a series of permission requests after the update. Turns out that I needed to add the Music app back to both Full Disk Access and to the media library section of security preferences. After that, it's working fine.

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Answer 2

Apr 16, 2024 5:07 AM in response to conejo61

Hi,

When music app is updated, a copy of the music.library is moved to previous library folder. Try deleting latest music.library file, rename previous library file (remove date reference) and move to appropriate folder.

Hold down the Option key while you reopen Music. In the window that appears, Click Choose old Library.

If this doesn’t work try restoring music.library file from your backup.

Jim

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Answer 3

Apr 16, 2024 6:33 AM in response to Jimzgoldfinch

Hi,

Yes you should replace the Music Library.musiclibrary file which is in the music folder.

"Music Library [2023-12-19 16.15.59].musiclibrary" is in the previous library folder.

The iTunes folder files should be obsolete, replaced when music app was installed. Music files should be retained and consolidated into the music/media folder if necessary.

Jim

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Answer 4

javaliga

Level 10

120,289 points

Apr 15, 2024 5:00 PM in response to conejo61

Perhaps this link will help:

If you see error -54 when you sync with your computer - Apple Support

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Answer 5

conejo61 Author

Level 1

32 points

Apr 16, 2024 5:28 AM in response to Jimzgoldfinch

For further clarification, I'm looking at my Music file structure. Disclaimer: I've always found how this stuff is stored to be kind of a black box mystery.

under my username I have a folder called "Music". Under that, I seem to have two relevant folders: Music, and ITunes. Under the ITunes folder, it's just a bunch of folders, primarily with the names of an artist.

Under the Music folder, I have a file called Music Library, and then a folder called Previous Libraries. If I select Music Library and show package contents, I see Application.musicdb, and Library.musicdb.

So to be clear, you're saying I should leave the Application.musicdb file alone, delete the current Library.musicdb file, then move a renamed Library.musicdb file (removing the date reference) into the Music Library file?

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