How to re-create iTunes Library.itl?

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Level 1

25 points

How to re-create iTunes Library.itl?

Is there a way to re-create the library file iTunes Library.itl without loosing any information (playlists, songs played, etc.)? I had a backup issue and now some of the songs do not show up in the library and some songs in the library are actually not on the disk.

AMD 64bit, Windows XP Pro

Posted on Mar 3, 2006 10:43 AM

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Answer 1

Buegie

Level 6

13,331 points

Mar 3, 2006 1:16 PM in response to Hinten

The 'iTunes Library.itl' file is a binary file and cannot be 'recreated' directly.

If you do not have a recent backup of this file, then you need to use a valid 'iTunes Music Library.xml' file to rebuild your Library. Import the XML file into iTunes and it should recreate your Playlists and music metadata.

If you don't have either, then you need to rebuild the data from the start. Sorry.

Going forwards, here is a post on developing a thorough backup strategy:
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=1822938#1822938

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Answer 2

Hinten Author

Level 1

25 points

Mar 3, 2006 4:59 PM in response to Hinten

I appreciate the backup info and I have taken care of that issue going forward.
I am still looking for a function that rebuilds/corrects your current library file. A function that actively goes throuch each physical file and makes sure it's referenced correctly in the library file. Kind of like a 'chkdsk' command. With more than 20,000 items in my catalog a lot of things can go wrong.

What if I do File>Add Folder to the itunes directory?

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Answer 3

Buegie

Level 6

13,331 points

Mar 3, 2006 5:50 PM in response to Hinten

"What if I do File>Add Folder to the itunes directory?"

'Add' the 'iTunes Music' folder. It should scan the folder and all sub-folders and 'Add' those songs it finds in those folders that are not in the Library.

If you find that it adds all songs (you get duplicates), then you can delete all song references within iTunes and then do an 'Add Folder'. Note: if you do this, you will reset all Ratings, Play Counts, Last Played and Date Added attributes. Also and Static Playlists will be emptied and any Smart Playlists that depend on the aforementioned attributes will be affected.

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