Q: My "itunes library" folder is empty.  My libray music (prior to upgrading itunes) is now in an .xml file in my itunes location under my music.  How do I extract/convert this .xml file to a Itunes database and restore my Itunes music library??? Thanks, Tom

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.

When you get it all working make a backup!

tt2

Are you sure? Did you do as instructed or double-click each file to see what it contained? iTunes always opens the last file opened, not the file you double-clicked.

My post assumes that you've not somehow got iTunes connected to a non-standard library file already. If there is any reason for doubt then, after placing one of the older library files in the main iTunes folder, hold down shift as you start iTunes so that you get options to "Choose or create a library", then choose the library file in question.

FYI the xml file is provided for thrid party support and contains some but not all of the information held in the main iTunes Library.itl database. iTunes doesn't really make any use of the xml file, though it can sometimes be used automatically for a partial reconstruction of the database when the itl file is damaged. Restoring an older backup copy of the itl file and then making it reflect the content of the media folder using the tools suggested will preserve date added information which would otherwise be lost.

tt2

You're welcome.

tt2