You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

📰 Newsroom Update

Billie Eilish is Apple Music’s Artist of the Year for 2024. Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

spencer1181 Author

Level 1

25 points

How to downgrade from iTunes 11 to 10.7 (Until the next iTunes 11.xxx release)

SO... This is a Repost of a Different thread that I started at 12:39pm Seattle, Wa time... (https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4558052?answerId=20450510022#20450510022) Below is My straight to the point responce to the new iTunes 11 Release, It seemed to unstable to me. (Before downgrading please check out this users posts: (https://discussions.apple.com/profile/mjcm_nl?view=overview) Just to make sure that downgrading is the correct choice. Alot of the information there was not available when I started having problems...

=======================================================

ANYWAYS,

=======================================================

How I successfully ended up going back to 10.7 (following is the process I used to do it, as well as the references I used)

WARNING: By attempting to follow the procedures that I used... you acknowledge that if there are any purchases lost during the downgrade you take sole responsibility... I took the risk because I have my music on CD's, I regularly backup my apps to CD... and if I lose anything I will replace it myself (even if I have to repurchase it)

-It took a while, but it worked out...

1. I downloaded the iTunes 10.7 installer (iTunes 64bit: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1577).

[ iTunes 10.7 32bit: (http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1576) ]

2. I uninstalled iTunes 11 and restarted my computer.

3. I installed iTunes 10.7 (when installed I was unable to run because the "iTunes Library.itl" file in my computer was from the iTunes 11 program) I did a file search for "iTunes Library.itl" and opened the file location (my file was located in: C:/Users/Spencer/Music/iTunes)

-[Note: Community thread that gave me the info I needed to resolve the "iTunes Library.itl" error: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4557592?answerId=20447382022#20447382022]

4. I "right clicked" on the folder Named "Previous iTunes Libraries" and opened in new window.

5. I located the most current file (prior to the 11 upgrade) and drag and dropped it into the location of the "current" .itl file renamed it to "iTunes Library.itl" and replaced the one that iTunes 11 created. (if you DO NOT delete/replace the .itl file that 11 created with a 10.7 version, iTunes will not open. IF done RIGHT your iTunes should open and you'll immediately see your playlists where they belong)

-If done right, it should be sucessfully rolled back to before the upgrade.

Resources:

iTunes 10.7 64bit: (http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1577)

iTunes 10.7 32bit: (http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1576)

and a thread on this community about the "iTunes Library.itl" error (https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4557592?answerId=20447382022#20447382022)

iTunes-OTHER, Other OS, Windows 8

Posted on Dec 1, 2012 1:16 AM

Top-ranking reply

spencer1181 Author

Level 1

25 points

Posted on Dec 1, 2012 1:26 AM

In step (5) where I said "IF done RIGHT your iTunes should open" I meant, "If done RIGHT,you can now open iTunes"... and see your playlists where they belong. 🙂 (iTunes will not open on its own 😁 )

View in context

97 replies

mabotle

Level 1

0 points

Mar 14, 2013 5:36 AM in response to spencer1181

I tried all the steps up until number 5, am stuck.

this is what i did in step number five, tell me if i messed up for good:

1. I didnt understand exactly what you were suggesting about the previous file copied by iTunes 11

2. On my "Previous iTunes Libraries" were two files, one created in 2012 and one from when i upgraded early this year, 2013

3. I changed the date on the Itunes Library for 2012, and then copied both files to iTunes Library. That's where I'm stuck

I need a detailed info on how to go about doing this. the above comment says you deleted the the itl file in C:\users, should i have done that first?

I hear you also talking about copying and backing up, how do you do that, which files are you talking about?

Help please !!!

turingtest2

Level 10

274,546 points

Mar 14, 2013 7:05 AM in response to mabotle

Did you see this set of instructions? If downgrading to iTunes 10.7 you'll probably need the December library, the 2013 one is likely to be from one build of iTunes 11 to the next.

tt2

mabotle

Level 1

0 points

Mar 14, 2013 10:07 AM in response to turingtest2

Hey Turingtest2, Thanx for coming back to me.

Question:

I had previously done that but then itunes still wont open, so do i need to delete any files?

do i need to delete the file that is suggested i change the name of, and what sort of name do i choose, could it be maybe iTunes Library.mabotle or something else?

i appreciate all the help by the way

turingtest2

Level 10

274,546 points

Mar 14, 2013 10:16 AM in response to mabotle

Rename the current iTunes Library.itl file in your main iTunes folder iTunes Library (Corrupt).itl (anything would do, you just want a different name, and not to delete it in case you decide to go back to it).
Copy the old library file that you think you want to use from the Previous iTunes Libraries folder and paste it into the main iTunes folder. (Any subsequent changes will be made to the copy, not the original.)
I tend to highlight a file, click CTRL-C to copy, then select the new folder and paste with CTRL-V. You can use any combination of menus, keyboard shortcuts, or CTRL-Drag-Drop that works for you...
Rename the file you just pasted into the iTunes folder as iTunes Library.itl and start iTunes. iTunes will now contain the content that it did when the backup file was generated. It will need updating with any new media added, removed or moved since that time. Hence the recommendation for iTunes Folder Watch.

tt2

mabotle

Level 1

0 points

Mar 14, 2013 10:16 AM in response to turingtest2

Hey there turingtest2

forget the questions i asked, OMG, it works hahahahahahaha

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOUUUUUUUUUUUUU!

I have been struggling with iTunes 11 now i can go back to my beloved iTunes 10.7, YES!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you soooooooo muuuuch. Never again. I'm sticking to this version.

Again, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

turingtest2

Level 10

274,546 points

Mar 14, 2013 10:17 AM in response to mabotle

You're welcome. 🙂

tt2

spencer1181 Author

Level 1

25 points

Apr 22, 2013 9:18 AM in response to spencer1181

spencer1181 wrote:

SO... This is a Repost of a Different thread that I started at 12:39pm Seattle, Wa time... (https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4558052?answerId=20450510022#20450510022) Below is My straight to the point responce to the new iTunes 11 Release, It seemed to unstable to me. (Before downgrading please check out this users posts: (https://discussions.apple.com/profile/mjcm_nl?view=overview) Just to make sure that downgrading is the correct choice. Alot of the information there was not available when I started having problems...

=======================================================

ANYWAYS,

=======================================================

How I successfully ended up going back to 10.7 (following is the process I used to do it, as well as the references I used)

WARNING: By attempting to follow the procedures that I used... you acknowledge that if there are any purchases lost during the downgrade you take sole responsibility... I took the risk because I have my music on CD's, I regularly backup my apps to CD... and if I lose anything I will replace it myself (even if I have to repurchase it)

-It took a while, but it worked out...

1. I downloaded the iTunes 10.7 installer (iTunes 64bit: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1577).

[ iTunes 10.7 32bit: (http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1576) ]

2. I uninstalled iTunes 11 and restarted my computer.

3. I installed iTunes 10.7 (when installed I was unable to run because the "iTunes Library.itl" file in my computer was from the iTunes 11 program) I did a file search for "iTunes Library.itl" and opened the file location (my file was located in: C:/Users/Spencer/Music/iTunes)

-[Note: Community thread that gave me the info I needed to resolve the "iTunes Library.itl" error: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4557592?answerId=20447382022#20447382022]

4. I "right clicked" on the folder Named "Previous iTunes Libraries" and opened in new window.

5. I located the most current file (prior to the 11 upgrade) and drag and dropped it into the location of the "current" .itl file renamed it to "iTunes Library.itl" and replaced the one that iTunes 11 created. (if you DO NOT delete/replace the .itl file that 11 created with a 10.7 version, iTunes will not open. IF done RIGHT your iTunes should open and you'll immediately see your playlists where they belong)

-If done right, it should be sucessfully rolled back to before the upgrade.

Resources:

iTunes 10.7 64bit: (http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1577)

iTunes 10.7 32bit: (http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1576)

and a thread on this community about the "iTunes Library.itl" error (https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4557592?answerId=20447382022#20447382022)

UPDATE!

...I wanted to Add, My Nephew's iTunes upgraded and he had used his iTunes 11 for a while, purchased music and apps and like a lot of people looking at this thread he did not like the new iTunes.

While I was out there I followed my process for the downgrade, then this process ( http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1451) to import his iTunes 11 Library to his iTunes 10.7 *.itl file.

(I added the link that was shared by: polydorus Thank you)

The link ( http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1451) describes how to create/recreate a replacement "iTunes Library.itl" file from your "iTunes Library.xml" file via the "import playlist" in iTunes... It is a little tricky so I reccomend reading through that post before attempting! (I advise backing up your iTunes Library files *ALL of the files...I failed to successfully retain his iTunes 11 info at least 3 times) so PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND MY WARNING!!!

Thank you

Sorry, but I cannot answer any questions. I don't know how the above process works, but it did. If anyone has a link for a clear process, please post it below.

Again, Thank You

Apr 26, 2013 12:26 AM in response to spencer1181

I'm pretty dumb computer literate. Before I do anything I want to make sure I understand the proper steps to get rid of the iTunes 11 & go back to iTunes 10.7.

Here is what I've done so far:

1) Downloaded iTunes 107 64 bit since I have Windows 7

2) Copied all my music files & put the copies on my external hard drive.

Now here I'm a bit confused. I have the following dates of previous versions of the .ltl file.One from 10/20/2012 & the other is 12/09/2012

This is what it looks like

iTunes Library 2012-12-09

iTunes Library 2012-10-20

I don't know how to change the file name. When I click on properties, it looks like: iTunes Library 2012-12-09

my files do not have .itl at the end. HELP

So I would like if someone can give me step by step instructions to properly go from iTunes 11 to 10.7.

Thank youl

Apr 28, 2013 3:50 PM in response to spencer1181

I haven't upgraded to V11 and am hesitant to do so based on various threads I have read. I am still on V10.5 so wondered if I could simply install v10.7 without having to go through the various uninstall/renaming library etc listed above? If so, how do I now if I need the 32 or 64 bit version?

Thanks.

turingtest2

Level 10

274,546 points

Apr 28, 2013 4:41 PM in response to Amanda Curzon

Yes you can install 10.7 without needing to do any of the other stuff. Look inside C:\ - If you have a folder called Program Files (x86) then you need the 64-bit version.

tt2

Apr 28, 2013 6:02 PM in response to tracisingh

I installed 10.7 once & it didn't work so I tried it again. Now it works great. Not sure why it didn't the 1st time because I did the exact same steps the 2nd time & it worked. THanks all for your help.

May 25, 2013 7:38 AM in response to tracisingh

Hi, mine is in Win8 and I successfully to downgraded from 11 to 10.7 as below simple steps -

1. uninstall itunes 11

2. installed itunes 10.7

3. search the file of itunes library.itl out and delet it

4. click icon of itunes and the 10.7 would work very fine

No extra apps, No time machine!!

2-Strong

Level 1

0 points

Jun 30, 2013 9:31 AM in response to spencer1181

Thank you bro you been a big a help i should of done this before rather then staying yup till 6 o-clock in the morning lol

gchapin

Level 1

0 points

Jul 1, 2013 2:24 PM in response to spencer1181

Is there anyway to export a .xml from 11.0.4 into a version that can be used by a machine running 10.6.3? After recently updating Itunes to 11.0.4 on one of my two machines that share a library on the same external HD, I can no longer open itunes on hte machine running 10.6.3. I get this message

The file “iTunes Library.xml” cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes. Would you like to download iTunes now?

I need a .xml file that isn't tainted by this new version of Itunes..

turingtest2

Level 10

274,546 points

Jul 1, 2013 3:23 PM in response to gchapin

It is the .itl file that matters. Your pre-upgrade .itl file will have been backed up to the Previous iTunes Libraries folder during the upgrade. See the method above. Either copy your prefered file to the machine running 10.6.3 and use it there alone or downgrade the one running 11.0.4 as otherwise you will be back where you started.

Or.... upgrade the other machine to 11.0.4. As long as both machines run the same build you can share the library between them. A lot of familiar features have been hidden in iTunes 11 and can be restored from the menus. The main differences are the loss of cover flow and the ability to open multiple playlist windows. If you don't need those you may be better off going with the latest build.

tt2

How to downgrade from iTunes 11 to 10.7 (Until the next iTunes 11.xxx release)