Fix for "file://localhost/" corruption of library

For some reason iTunes added "file://localhost/" to the path of every item in my rather large library file, thus rendering the entire thing useless. Although my last backup was recent, I didn't want to lose everything since then, so tried to find a workaround. I let iTunes organise my files, and if you do similarly, the following steps can restore the original file paths:

1) Backup corrupt library file just in case

2) Go to "Edit>Preferences>Advanced"

3) Change the default iTunes Folder to something else (irrevelant what you select here: it won't be for long)

4) Let iTunes complete "Updating the Library"

5) Once completed, iTunes will ask you if you want to move the whole library to the new location (if you let iTunes organise your folder). Select "No".

6) Go to "Edit>Preferences>Advanced" again

7) Change the default iTunes Folder back to the correct location

8) Let iTunes complete "Updating the Library"

9) Once completed, iTunes will ask you if you want to move the whole library to the new location. Select "No".

I found that this automatically removed the "file://localhost/" from every path and gave me back my fully working library.

This probably will not work if your files are not managed by iTunes.