Mr Blond Qc
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Multiple temp file.tmp in iTunes folder

Hi guys,

 

I have a problem here. I just find that itunes was creating temp file.tmp for I don't know how long. As a result I find over 2000 files for 110GB total of temp files. I deleted them but iTunes still continues to recreate them.

I would be very gratefull.

 

Thanks guys

MacBook Pro (17-inch Early 2011), Mac OS X (10.7.3), Intel core i7, 8GB Ram, 1.5 TB

Posted on Jul 16, 2012 6:44 PM

Close
Mr Blond Qc

Q: Multiple temp file.tmp in iTunes folder

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by whatheck,

    whatheck whatheck Jul 17, 2012 1:23 PM in response to Mr Blond Qc
    Level 5 (4,092 points)
    Jul 17, 2012 1:23 PM in response to Mr Blond Qc

    Try re-creating your iTunes library, you can use this as a guide -> iTunes: How to re-create your iTunes library and playlists

     

    Does iTunes keep creating the temp files after re-creating the library?

  • by Mr Blond Qc,

    Mr Blond Qc Mr Blond Qc Jul 17, 2012 5:10 PM in response to whatheck
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 17, 2012 5:10 PM in response to whatheck

    mmm.

     

    Ok I will try your suggestion. So tell me if I'm right with this, but doing this task

    I create a new library and import playlist after.

    But what will happen with the mobile apps with my iPhone and iPad.

    I'm assuming that the first time I plug it, it will take more time to transfert the content in to iTunes.

     

    Can you confirm me that I'm right?

     

    THanks!

  • by Niall Mallyon,

    Niall Mallyon Niall Mallyon Sep 29, 2012 1:33 AM in response to Mr Blond Qc
    Level 1 (71 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Sep 29, 2012 1:33 AM in response to Mr Blond Qc

    The temp files keep getting created because the original iTunes Music Library.xml file has a pemissions issue.  This seems to arise because both iTunes and another process try and access this file at the same time.  The iTunes Music Library.xml file is used by iTunes to let other apps know what is in the library.  I keep getting this issue on and off and have yet to find a complete fix, only a work around.

     

    For what its worth this article may be of interest :-

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1451?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

     

    The XML file can simply be deleted and it gets recreated from the itl file automagically.

     

    That said the XML is effectively locked because of permissions issues so deleting ALL the .tmp files is OK and then using terminal to remove the iTunes Music Library.xml file is probably still required.

     

    The XML is then recreated by iTunes at next launch and then hopefully keeps the permissions properly(?)

     

    Basically then, with iTunes closed, you can delete ALL the temp files but you'll need to issue a terminal command to remove the iTunes Music Library.xml file that has corrupt permissions.

     

    rm music/itunes/'iTunes Music Library.xml'

     

    This assumes you are connected to terminal using the accoun that manages iTunes AND that your iTunes Library is in the default location under your Music folder.  Alter the command accordingly if not.

     

    Good luck and be sure to take a backup before proceeding if you are concerned about using terminal.

     

    The above assumes the file is called iTunes Music Library.xml obviously.  Some implementations use iTunes Library.xml so just substitute that instead.

     

    P.S if you are happy using AppleScript you can create an application that you can run to do it all for you.  Here is what I used in the AppleScript editor and then exported as an application.

     

    tell application "Terminal"

      activate

              do script "rm music/itunes/'iTunes Music Library.xml'"

      quit

    end tell

  • by Mr Blond Qc,

    Mr Blond Qc Mr Blond Qc Sep 30, 2012 10:55 AM in response to Niall Mallyon
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 30, 2012 10:55 AM in response to Niall Mallyon

    Refering an article that on the same topic might be helpful.

     

    https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3954138?start=0&tstart=0