Fookes
Level 1 (24 points)
Mac OS X

Q: iTunes Library - Help Required ASAP!

Hi

 

I'm in a right pickle with my iTunes and think it's about time to sort it out.

 

Here's the problem:

 

Following various changes to Macs and EHDD (external Hard Disk Drives) over the years my files are now stored on an external 2TB hard drive.  The problem is that somewhere along the way an 'iTunes Music' folder has been created inside another 'iTunes Music' folder.  These are not duplicates though and appear to be separate albums/tracks. 

 

The file within a file seems to house all of my movie collection (in a file called 'Movies' (amazingly!)) but also includes more than one 'iTunes Library.xml' file.  You'll notice the library within a library on the attached screen shot.

Screen Shot 2012-03-02 at 15.42.43.png

 

To complicate matters even more I appear to have another iTunes Library (albeit basic with a dozen albums on) on my iMac HD.  That too has an 'iTunes Library.xml' file in it!

 

I've not got an iTunes Media folder anywhere and I've done some reading which shows how this changed from iTunes Music to iTunes Media from version 8 to 9.  Not sure why mine hasn't?

 

Put simply, I'm now trying to get this tidied up once and for all. 

 

1) How basically can I get all my albums under a correctly set up new 'iTunes Media' folder?

2) What do I do about the duplicated 'iTunes Library.xml / iTunes Music Library.xml' files spread as shown and on my iMac HD?

3) How do I set up a new 'iTunes Media' Folder?

4) What should I do with my Movie files (including iTunes Extras files)?

 

For the record, my music is backed up on a separate external HD (in its current mess) and also on iCloud using iTunes Match.  My library size is around 25,000 songs.

 

Thanks in advance.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Mar 2, 2012 7:57 AM

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Fookes

Q: iTunes Library - Help Required ASAP!

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Limnos,Helpful

    Limnos Limnos Mar 2, 2012 8:42 AM in response to Fookes
    Level 9 (54,642 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 2, 2012 8:42 AM in response to Fookes

    This might work.  I assume you are running iTunes 10.  Go into preferences and uncheck organize music.  Close preferences. Open preferences again and check organize music.  When you close preferences it will probably ask you if you want iTunes to organize your media for you.  It should arrange things according to the new (since iTunes 9) pattern.   I am not sure if it will just copy the files or move them so check afterward.  In addition have a look at those wayward files.  You may have to add them to iTunes.

     

    Here's  links on how things should look:

     

    What are the iTunes library files? - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1660

     

    More on iTunes library files and what they do - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITunes#Media_management

     

    iTunes 9: Understanding iTunes Media Organization - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3847

     

    Image of iTunes folder structure Dec. 2011 - https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3547807

    see also:

    Image of folder structure and explanation of different iTunes versions (turingtest2 post) - https://discussions.apple.com/message/13025536

     

    Caveat: I have not done this -- I still run iTunes 7.5, but I've recently read about others doing it here.

  • by Fookes,

    Fookes Fookes Mar 2, 2012 9:52 AM in response to Limnos
    Level 1 (24 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 2, 2012 9:52 AM in response to Limnos

    Thanks Limnos

     

    I tried as you said in the knowledge that I've got a backed up version (or 2 if you count iCloud).

     

    Sadly nothing happened.  When I re-checked the 'organise iTunes' tick box it seemed to be doing something as a 'Processing' box came up which showed songs speeding by.  This took no longer than 8 mins.

     

    On checking the folders on my Ext HD they retain the same format as previous - namely:

     

    iTunes Music (which houses all album sub folders)

     

    I presume this has therefore not worked. 

     

    I've read some of the links you note above.  The one regarding iTunes Library Files only explains what they are.  I need specific assistance in moving/deleting the multiple ones I have (each seems to have a date created - not sure if this means I can delete the older ones and leave the latest or whether some info on all means they are all relevant)

     

    Can I just manually create an iTunes Media folder and note its individual sub folders (like movies etc) and will, having done that, the files populate the correct sub folders I've created (i.e. music files in to music folder / movies in to movie folder) or will I have to manually put them in?

  • by Fookes,

    Fookes Fookes Mar 2, 2012 9:54 AM in response to Fookes
    Level 1 (24 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 2, 2012 9:54 AM in response to Fookes

    The other thing I considered was deleting all of my music files (not movies or apps) and allow iCloud icons to show against all songs in my library.  Then re-download every song.  This would takes aaaaaaaages though so not preferable!