Empty iTunes library and locked iTunes Library.itl file

Question

Level 1

0 points

Empty iTunes library and locked iTunes Library.itl file

Hi everyone,

A few days ago, when I plugged my iPod nano into my PC, it wouldn't sync and my computer automatically ejected the iPod. I didn't think much of it at first, because that had happened before, without any future problems. And, besides that, I could still listen to all of my music through iTunes.

The next day, however, I opened iTunes and my whole library was empty. I tried going over the basics (opening iTunes with shift key held down, trying a few different .itl files; reinstalling iTunes)

I then looked for answers online, but no luck so far. One approach that helped many people (unticking the read-only box for the iTunes folder) did give me some more answers, but did not solve the problem. I found out that the iTunes folder had the read-only box ticked, so I tried unticking it. It went fine for a few seconds, but in the process of making every file and folder non-read-only, I got a message saying iTunes Library.itl was a locked file and that I could not access it.

When I examined the .itl file more closely, I found out that the read-only box was not ticked for that particular file, even though I could not move/delete/cut/copy+past it. The archiving option, however, was ticked (I was told that option should not be on). I cannot untick it, for the file is locked.

When I double-click the file iTunes launches normally, but my library is still empty.

Other things I've tried to retrieve my library:

- I downloaded 'unlocker', but that did not solve anything.

- I uninstalled my last.fm scrobbler.

- I tried making a new library, then imported the .xml file from my old library, but the library stayed empty.

- I used AVG to scan my computer for malware.

I hope someone can help me fix this, because having to import all of my music all over again is going to be quite a drag!

Thanks in advance.

iTunes-OTHER, Windows XP

Posted on Apr 16, 2012 9:26 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Erichuu Author

Level 1

0 points

Apr 16, 2012 1:41 PM in response to Erichuu

Someone told me that I should boot windows in safe mode in order to give me access to the .itl file. Would that work? I don't really see how it would, actually.

Reply

Answer 2

turingtest2

Level 10

272,887 points

Apr 16, 2012 1:42 PM in response to Erichuu

Empty/corrupt library after upgrade/crash

Hopefully it's not been too long since you last upgraded iTunes, in fact if you get an empty/incomplete library immediately after upgrading then with the following steps you shouldn't lose a thing or need to do any further housekeeping. In the Previous iTunes Libraries folder should be a number of dated iTunes Library files. Take the most recent of these and copy it into the iTunes folder. Rename iTunes Library.itl as iTunes Library (Corrupt).itl and then rename the restored file as iTunes Library.itl. Start iTunes. Should all be good, bar any recent additions to or deletions from your library.

See iTunes Folder Watch for a tool to catch up with any changes since the backup file was created.

If you're still having problems accessing files right-click on your main iTunes folder and click Properties, then go to the Security tab and click Advanced. If necessary grant your account and SYSTEM full control of this folder, subfolders and files, then tick the option to replace permissions on child objects which will repair permissions throughout the library. This is the XP dialog but Windows Vista/7 shouldn't be too different.

If it won't let you change the permissions use the Owner tab to take ownneship from an account with administror privileges.

When you get it all working make a backup!

tt2

Reply

Answer 3

Erichuu Author

Level 1

0 points

Apr 18, 2012 4:00 AM in response to turingtest2

Thanks for your input, I highly appreciate it! Unfortunately my iTunes library still comes up completely empty, even after completing the first approach (I did have to use unlocker in order to rename the corrupt .itl file, though).

I also do not have a security tab. But I read that can be accessed through safe mode, so I'll try that today to see if that'll grant me access to the .itl file.

However, at this point I highly doubt getting my iTunes library back the way it was, since every time I try another .itl file, or whenever I import an .xml file, my library is still empty.

Reply

Answer 4

turingtest2

Level 10

272,887 points

Apr 18, 2012 5:05 AM in response to Erichuu

I wonder if the "locked" problem is caused by AV software. If it tries to scan the itl file on access and won't release it to iTunes wuickly enough that would cause problems.

It would also be worth making sure that you are opening the iTunes Library.itl file that you think you are. iTunes always opens the last file it had open unless you hold down shift as you click the icon to launch it and keep holiding until propmted to Choose or Create a library. Use this technique to check/correct which file is accessed.

tt2

Reply

Answer 5

Erichuu Author

Level 1

0 points

Apr 18, 2012 7:36 AM in response to turingtest2

I booted my PC in safe mode in order to see the security tab. But even in safe mode I could not access the iTunes Library.itl file properly. I could change the permissions on all the other files in my iTunes folder, just not that one.

My AV wasn't on in safe mode, but I still could not access the file properly in explorer. So it can't be due to the AV that the file is locked, right?

I did hold down the shift key to pick the correct file, but it didn't work.

Reply

Answer 6

turingtest2

Level 10

272,887 points

Apr 18, 2012 8:12 AM in response to Erichuu

Perhaps the sectors the file occupies are corrupt. With iTunes closed can you copy and then paste it to make Copy of iTunes Library.itl?

Shift-start didn't fix the problem, or you didn't get to try to pick a library file? How to open an alternate iTunes Library file or create a new one

Can you use the shift-start method to open any of the libraries in the Previous iTunes Libraries folder?

Might be worth doing a full scan of your hard drive in case there are problems reading the folder where the main library file lives.

Open your Computer or Windows Explorer from the Start Menu
Right-click on the drive in question
Select the "Tools" tab
In the Error-checking area, click Check Now.

tt2

Reply

Answer 7

Erichuu Author

Level 1

0 points

Apr 18, 2012 1:32 PM in response to turingtest2

I cannot copy the file without using unlocker. But if I use unlocker I can.

I can open other libraries in the Previous iTunes Libraries folder but, like I said before, they're empty too. I've tried various other files, but I can't retrieve my library with them.

The scan might be worth doing, indeed. However, I cannot seem to find exactly what you mean. Are you sure I'm able to do that with XP?

Reply

Answer 8

turingtest2

Level 10

272,887 points

Apr 18, 2012 1:38 PM in response to Erichuu

Yep, I'm still on XP.

Oops:

Might be worth doing a full scan of your hard drive in case there are problems reading the folder where the main library file lives.

Open your Computer or Windows Explorer from the Start Menu
Right-click on the drive in question and click Properties
Select the "Tools" tab
In the Error-checking area, click Check Now.

tt2

Reply

Answer 9

Erichuu Author

Level 1

0 points

Apr 20, 2012 7:09 AM in response to turingtest2

I already thought you meant that. I suppose I was a bit confused because I don't use the English version of XP and the translation wasn't very direct ('tools' became 'extras').

Anyway, I did the scan, but it didn't fix the problem.

I think there's nothing left to do but to make an entirely new iTunes library, adding every song again.

I'm still rather curious as to what made the .itl file disfuntional, but I think nothing is really going to fix it from this point on. Anyway, thanks for your time! I appreciate it.

Reply

Answer 10

jackzero

Level 1

9 points

Jul 8, 2012 12:00 AM in response to turingtest2

Thanks for the screen shot of permissions. Although i am using macbook pro (new) i have been having a

devil of a time with all my itunes downloads, movies, itunes unversity, etc...etc... going into the

incorrect folder.

The screen shot of permissions clicked in my brain so i clicked on my...

1. itunes music folder>

2. get info>

3. changed permissions (don't forget to Apply to all ecnclosed items)>

BOOM !!! worked perfectly.. thank god.

I have spent countless hours trying to figure out what was wrong.

I am a Macbook pro noob, switched over from being an old PC veteran since the DOS 3 days 🙂

still learning...

thanks turningtest2

Reply

Answer 11

turingtest2

Level 10

272,887 points

Jul 8, 2012 2:24 AM in response to jackzero

You're welcome. 🙂

tt2

Reply