HT201610: About iTunes library files

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dpicker1
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Q: when deleting music files from iTunes and you select Keep File, where is that file stored and how it is retireved?

when deleting music files from iTunes and you select Keep File, where is that file stored and how it is retrieved?

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Jun 23, 2012 10:59 AM

by turingtest2,Solvedanswer
turingtest2 turingtest2
Level 10 (88,247 points)
Apple TV
A:

The file is just left where it was when it was connected to the library. Typically:

 

     <User>/Music/iTunes/iTunes Media/Music/<Artist>/<Album>/## <Name>.<Ext>

 

If you want to add it back just drag it into iTunes. If you want to cull the files you kept previously add the entire iTunes Media folder back into iTunes (or use one of Doug's scripts that has the same effect), then delete (and don't keep) the recent additions.

 

Note that warning/prompt is only issued when the files you are removing are located inside the designated iTunes Media folder.

 

tt2

Posted on Jun 23, 2012 11:24 AM

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dpicker1

Q: when deleting music files from iTunes and you select Keep File, where is that file stored and how it is retireved?

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  • by turingtest2,Solvedanswer

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Jun 23, 2012 11:24 AM in response to dpicker1
    Level 10 (88,247 points)
    Apple TV
    Jun 23, 2012 11:24 AM in response to dpicker1

    The file is just left where it was when it was connected to the library. Typically:

     

         <User>/Music/iTunes/iTunes Media/Music/<Artist>/<Album>/## <Name>.<Ext>

     

    If you want to add it back just drag it into iTunes. If you want to cull the files you kept previously add the entire iTunes Media folder back into iTunes (or use one of Doug's scripts that has the same effect), then delete (and don't keep) the recent additions.

     

    Note that warning/prompt is only issued when the files you are removing are located inside the designated iTunes Media folder.

     

    tt2

  • by dpicker1,

    dpicker1 dpicker1 Jun 23, 2012 12:33 PM in response to turingtest2
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 23, 2012 12:33 PM in response to turingtest2

    Thank you.  I do not have an iTunes Media Folder with version 9. But I see where they should be stored.  However after deleting many files, but thinking I saved them on the computer, I cannot find them at all.  So I must have deleted them entirely.  Thank you for your help.

  • by turingtest2,

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Jun 23, 2012 12:51 PM in response to dpicker1
    Level 10 (88,247 points)
    Apple TV
    Jun 23, 2012 12:51 PM in response to dpicker1

    Yep, with a library started with an older build it would be iTunes Music and you might or might not have the extra folder Music below it. Sad it wasn't better news...

     

    tt2