Backing up library AND metadata

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Level 1

8 points

Backing up library AND metadata

Hi,

I've had major problems backing up my data with my iTunes and iPhone but I think I might know what the problem is.

My songs and movies are stored in one location and it seems my metadata is stored in another. the .itl file seems to be in the default folder, however my music was changed when I re-installed iTunes last time round.

How do I back this up? do I just copy both files/folders into one location?

Would consolidate put them in the same file? and if so, can it be one other than the default one?

Regards

Lee

Windows Vista

Posted on Jan 17, 2013 10:28 AM

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Answer 1

leemonk Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 18, 2013 1:12 AM in response to leemonk

Anyone able to assist?

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Answer 2

leemonk Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 19, 2013 1:59 AM in response to leemonk

Anyone?

I trying to upgrade my PC and am waiting until I know how to backup iTunes before doing so..... please can someone assist me.

Regards

Lee

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Answer 3

Jan 19, 2013 2:04 AM in response to leemonk

This article should help

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1751

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Answer 4

leemonk Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 19, 2013 10:52 AM in response to Steve Taylor1

Thanks but I read those last night and the last time too. I dont think they deal with my issues. Ive done what they said and the metadata never loads back so I think, like I said above, it's a problem with having the metadata and music in two differing files.

I'm surprised this has not been an issue for anyone else?

Perhaps someone can confirm if 'normally' the metadata and music files are normally in the same folder?

The upgrade on the PC is not urgent but it's just I have had the parts for nearly a week now and I really want to upgrade it all, but I dont want to spend weeks putting the metadata back into iTunes......

Lee

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Answer 5

turingtest2

Level 10

278,351 points

Jan 19, 2013 11:07 AM in response to leemonk

See this user tip. If you have a split library backup both the library and the media folders. Deauthorize the computer before the upgrade. When restoring restore the media folder to exactly the same path. Alternateively see this post on making a split library portable.

tt2

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Answer 6

leemonk Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 19, 2013 12:55 PM in response to turingtest2

Thanks,

Started reading through those, but will have to do so a few times as I don't understand half of it 😟

One thing I want to check though, when you/the articles refer to 'media' files, do you mean movies etc or the metadata?

I only ask becuase all my music, filmes, apps etc are in one location, its only the .itl and accompanying files that are in the User folder (the default) path.

Will copying the folder with all my content in it transfer the metadata or will i need the files from the User folder (detault)?

Lee

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Answer 7

turingtest2

Level 10

278,351 points

Jan 19, 2013 2:11 PM in response to leemonk

Here are typical layouts for the iTunes folders:

Everything inside the red outline represent the media folder. All media that iTunes "manages" is inside this folder, though you may have opted to add media to the library from other locations without copying into the media folder. The stuff outside the red outline is the "library", the database and supporting files that tell iTunes what media you have in your library. All the stuff that doesn't go into file tags such as ratings, play counts, playlist membership, device paring information etc. is stored in the .itl file. At push the other library files and Album Artwork folders can be regenerated from the itl.

tt2

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