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User profile for user: trainmaster
trainmaster Author
User level: Level 1
11 points

Damaged iTunes Music Library after new disk install and restore from Time Machine

Upgraded from 256GB on mid-2014 MacBook Pro 15" Retina to a 1TB NVMe drive. The system was running Big Sur at the time of the backup and the only good restore copy on Time Machine was Catalina. After completing the restore from a May 18, 2024 backup. Upgraded to the latest level of Big Sur available. (I know I need to upgrade to a new system, but limited retired budget. But I digress.)


After the upgrade to Big Sur and logging in the first time. I received the message "Music Library) Damaged. So started chasing the issue. It looks like the correct path should be user>Music>iTunes>iTunes Media>Music to get to the folders and the music in iTunes which all appears to be there. But I have a path that runs user>Music>iTunes>Music. (Graphic attached)



As best I can tell all my music is in the path that is correct. Time Machine backups all show the same information.


Thanks in advance,


-- Steve


Earlier Mac models

Posted on May 22, 2024 7:43 AM

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

May 22, 2024 1:45 PM in response to trainmaster

A possibility is that the preference file that records which .itl file to open has been reset or corrupted. This may cause iTunes to open or create a library at the standard path of <User's Music>\iTunes. In this event, press and hold down shift/option as you launch iTunes to reconnect to the correct library file.


In a similar vein 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


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Damaged iTunes Music Library after new disk install and restore from Time Machine

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