HT201610: About iTunes library files

Learn about About iTunes library files
Perfik
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: If I decide to move my library to another location and then consolidate the files, it copies them over, BUT if I then delete the iTunes folder from its original location and start iTunes it comes up as empty... WHY, as it know where I have relocated it

I have a SSD drive for my OS (W7) and as they are not that big, I have decided to re-locate the iTunes library to another SATA drive to release some room on my main C: drive. I did this in iTunes using the preferences section and then advanced. I then told iTunes to consolidate files which it di by copying all the files over to the new location. I then deleted the iTunes folder on the C: drive (SSD), BUT when I then start iTunes it list as completely empty. What am I doing wrong, can anyone please help me with this.

iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G, Windows 7, iPad & Touch using iTunes

Posted on Apr 25, 2012 11:30 AM

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Perfik

Q: If I decide to move my library to another location and then consolidate the files, it copies them over, BUT if I then delete the i ... more

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  • by b noir,Helpful

    b noir b noir Apr 25, 2012 3:58 PM in response to Perfik
    Level 9 (72,129 points)
    Apr 25, 2012 3:58 PM in response to Perfik

    I then told iTunes to consolidate files which it di by copying all the files over to the new location. I then deleted the iTunes folder on the C: drive (SSD),

     

    Although you've shifted your media/content files over to the other drive, you haven't shifted your iTunes library files (containing the database which tells iTunes where all your content is). So when you delete the entire iTunes folder, you're deleting your iTunes database, and iTunes opens empty.

     

    Instead of deleting the entire iTunes folder, try first dragging the iTunes media folder (inside the iTunes folder) out onto you desktop. Now try opening iTunes. Is everything still there and playing correctly and so forth? If so, it should then be safe to delete the iTunes Media folder on the desktop.

  • by Perfik,

    Perfik Perfik Apr 26, 2012 5:16 AM in response to b noir
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 26, 2012 5:16 AM in response to b noir

    Thanks, yep I now realise what I did and it is another valauble lesson I have learned.