Cannot change media kind in iTunes 11

I had this same problem, and discovered that I was unable to change media kind because some of my files were "locked".

To resolve this issue

1) the original file (not from within iTunes),

2)right click (or go to file from the top finder menu)

3)select "get info"

4) de-select the locked box

I am not cat in this will resolve everyone's problem with this issue, but it worked for me.

I had this same problem, and discovered that I was unable to change media kind because some of my files were "locked".

To resolve this issue

1) the original file (not from within iTunes),

2)right click (or go to file from the top finder menu)

3)select "get info"

4) de-select the locked box

I am not cat in this will resolve everyone's problem with this issue, but it worked for me.

Not sure if this will work for everyone but I have been trying to fix this problem since upgrading to iTunes 11

My confg

I have a Mac mini running latest OS and iTunes

Connected to a 4TB NAS over gig Ethernet

My iTunes library database is in one place on the NAS and my iTunes content is on another on the NAS (long story but not relevant here) the key points are

1) When I start iTunes first time after a reboot it can't find the database in the default location ( I deleted it ) so it then asks me to create or select an alternate so I select the location of the iTunes library database. This runs constantly as a headless media server for the house so this is no great problem

2) I've changed the default location where media is stored in the advanced preferences in iTunes. and this is not 'under' the location for the database.

Problem Statement

Since version 11 iTunes I have had a big problem with most of my media locked to updates on get info. when I do a 'get info' the data is grayed out and I cant update it.

Whilst trying to fix this I 'discovered' a solution.

If I change the default location for the media in preferences - advanced so that it is under the directory for the iTunes databse then I can update the 'get info' data on those media files that are in that location.

As technically the config I describe above is not supported I suspect ths is a bug rather then a deliberate bit of coding by Apple; as it is not a supported config they probably didn't test this scenario.

Solution

I decided to start from scratch and rebuild my whole iTunes Database and do a spring clean whilst I was at it

I copied the old database directory to a backup and then deleted it (not the location with the media on it) on my NAS server

I am now in the process of transferring all my media so it sits under the NAS location that contains the iTunes library usingthe file - add to library

Use full tip : Move all the files outside of iTunes to the new location you have specified and then use the file - add to library option. You can get iTunes to do it all but this will take hundreds of times longer.

Usefull tip : If its a small library you could probably jsut reset the the default location in preferences - advanced then then just click on the files and select consolidate. However this used to move the files but now it copies them so make sure you have enough storage and remeber to go a delete the old files when you are done

Sidebar : as some have mentioend Version 11 seems to have introduced a 'feature' that imported video media is set a Home Video in the 'get info' 'options' window , I guess this makes sense but once you have done the fix above you can go in and change this. If anyone has discovered how to reset this default position please do post the answer.

I've seen quite a few discussions on this across the forum so if it works for you please feel free to cross link.

good luck

What worked for me -- for an Audiobook:

(I use iTunes Match.)

1. Locate the original files, because you'll need to reimport them.

2. With iTunes Match ON, Delete the files whose "Media Kind" attribute is grayed out, opting to:

(a) Delete the files from iCloud and

(b) Move the files to the track.

(NOTE: If you make changes without first deleting the files from iTunes, iTunes Match will likely revert any changes you make.)

3. Now, turn OFF iTunes Match.

4. Reimport the audio files.

5. Since iTunes Match is off, you should be able to select the files and change their media kind.

6. Optional: Modify any other tags you wish to modify.

7. Now, Turn iTunes Match back ON.

Voila.

So it was the file being read-only that was keeping you from changing some ID-tag on the file. But WHAT ID-tag? Where do you find it? How do you change it?

Thanks.

too_late_to_get_a_decent_alias wrote:

So it was the file being read-only that was keeping you from changing some ID-tag on the file. But WHAT ID-tag? Where do you find it? How do you change it?

Thanks.

too_late, since there are 5 pages of comments, It's unclear to which post you're replying. 🙂

It's generally better to click the Reply button that's at the lower right of the specific comment, as well as the "quote" button. That way, the original comment will appear above yours, making it clear that your questions are intended for that user. 🙂

Found a very easy solution to changing 'Home Video' to 'Film':

I found that the file 'Read Only' box within properties in Windows Explorer was checked.

Simply unchecked it and re-imported the file.

Actually, with iTunes 11.1.5 (5) and iTunes Match on, I can no longer change the media type from Music to Audiobook. And having audiobooks misstyped as music apparently causes iTunes Match to get stuck at Step 3.

1. Right click the particular file in iTunes

2. Then select show in finder

3. Right click that file in finder and select get info

4. Uncheck the lock file box.

5. Solves the problem on Mac.

On Windows instead of the lock file uncheck the read only box.

This suggestion worked for me. (OS Yosemite)

Must be an iTunes Match snag...

Thanks for the post!

What worked for me -- for an Audiobook:

(I use iTunes Match.)

1. Locate the original files, because you'll need to reimport them.

2. With iTunes Match ON, Delete the files whose "Media Kind" attribute is grayed out, opting to:

(a) Delete the files from iCloud and

(b) Move the files to the track.

(NOTE: If you make changes without first deleting the files from iTunes, iTunes Match will likely revert any changes you make.)

3. Now, turn OFF iTunes Match.

4. Reimport the audio files.

5. Since iTunes Match is off, you should be able to select the files and change their media kind.

6. Optional: Modify any other tags you wish to modify.

7. Now, Turn iTunes Match back ON.

Voila.