Unexplained duplicate WAV files

I have 2 problems which have become clear while trying to clean up/organise the folders in the iTunes library.

I have a really surprising number of subfolders called "unknown album" which, in some cases contain 2-3 WAV ⚠ versions of songs which I downloaded as MP3s. Does iTunes do this conversion? I wasn't aware it does, and if so, how did I enable it and how can I stop it duplicating? (As it's changing MP3->WAV it is creating a new file not just a new library entry, so it's gobbling up storage.)

Just been trying to retrieve files with '!' against them. "Organise library" doesn't do a thing (the Edit/Preferences/Advanced setting is pointing to the right folder). What can I do? Thanks for any light you can shed.

Compaq SR5601, Windows Vista

Posted on Oct 13, 2010 12:50 PM

17 replies

Katrina S.

Level 7

24,152 points

Oct 20, 2010 2:48 PM in response to paKman300

You're welcome. Happy listening!

paKman300 Author

Level 1

5 points

Oct 21, 2010 1:38 PM in response to Katrina S.

One last message which is just for information and amusement/bemusement only.

I am now painstakingly going through the Library folders and deleting duplicates in Amazon MP3 as I go. Thanks to iTunes a load of the stuff I ripped from vinyl is hidden in the Library so I am restoring it as I go. Yes it's pedantic but it's my penance for bad file management.

One final piece of information about the bizarre duplication. I got to a folder in the Library which contained a "main" MP3 file of 4 tracks and 3 copies of each. All MP3s, not WAVs. But here's the weird thing. The 'Genre' column showed the first copy was "World" and the next two as "International". Copies I might be able to understand but that one is a complete mystery. I wonder if Mr Gates Media Player points at another album database and - as you've suggested previously - there's some mischief going on between MP and iTunes.

Anyway I am following the advice in your last few posts so hopefully I will stop this happening. Thanks again for the umpteenth time (and no further response needed).

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Unexplained duplicate WAV files