Frozo
Level 2 (274 points)
iTunes

Q: Desperately need help reconstructing iTunes

I lost my boot disk. However, I still have all my iTunes media files because they were on another internal drive.

 

I use the option to "Keep iTunes Media folder organized", for what it's worth.

 

I have almost 100,000 songs and over the years I have rated the majority of the songs, made several playlists, and painstakingly selected the sorrect album art for each song/album (Im not sure the album art will be as easy to restore).

 

I know this info resides on a file, and I assumed it was the iTunes Music Library.xml. I found this file while searching through the recovered raw data from the formatted hard drive. I replaced the current one on my new drive and I pointed iTunes to the correct iTunes Media fodler location.

 

I thought this would be enough, but I guess I am missing something. Can someone please help me restore my iTunes back to the way it was? I hope it is possible--I dont see why it wouldnt be, but Ive been known to not know everything...

Posted on Nov 15, 2012 10:13 PM

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Frozo

Q: Desperately need help reconstructing iTunes

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  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Nov 15, 2012 10:23 PM in response to Frozo
    Level 9 (54,635 points)
    Mac OS X
    Nov 15, 2012 10:23 PM in response to Frozo

    I know the .xml does not 100% replicate the content of the actual library file (library.itl), but not where the exact differences lie.

     

    Start iTunes with the option key held down.  Create a new library.  Then use File > Import to import the .xml file.  If you're lucky it will restore most of your library.  There are other elements to your library that exist in other files and folders that would have been in the same folder as the lost original library file.  This includes artwork so you may have to replace some of that too.

  • by Frozo,

    Frozo Frozo Nov 15, 2012 10:31 PM in response to Limnos
    Level 2 (274 points)
    iTunes
    Nov 15, 2012 10:31 PM in response to Limnos

    Thanks for your reply, but there is no option File > Import.

     

    I would also like to know what all the other files that would be needed to restore my older iTunes, if anyone else knows what they are. I can do a content search on my raw recovery data from the old hard drive and hope to find them to replace the new ones.

     

    Once I replace the file/files, shouldnt iTunes just open with the music linked? Currently my iTunes is empty. I dont want to reimport all the media unless I have to, and even then I dont want to dupe all the files.

  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Nov 15, 2012 10:41 PM in response to Frozo
    Level 9 (54,635 points)
    Mac OS X
    Nov 15, 2012 10:41 PM in response to Frozo

    Thanks for your reply, but there is no option File > Import.

    Okay, okay.  I use iTunes 7.5.  It's still there in later versions, they have just renamed it slightly.

     

    File > Library > Import Playlist.

     

    iTunes: How to re-create your iTunes library and playlists - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1451


    I would also like to know what all the other files that would be needed to restore my older iTunes, if anyone else knows what they are. I can do a content search on my raw recovery data from the old hard drive and hope to find them to replace the new ones.

     

    What are the iTunes library files? - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1660

     

    More on iTunes library files and what they do - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITunes#Media_management

     

    What are all those iTunes files? - http://www.macworld.com/article/139974/2009/04/itunes_files.html


    iTunes 9 [and later]: Understanding iTunes Media Organization - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3847 - image showing structure of iTunes library and its files and folders.

     

    Once I replace the file/files, shouldnt iTunes just open with the music linked?

    Yes, it should, assuming you haven't changed your other drive's name or organization.  You are basically importing your old library file minus a few details.