Itunes library GONE.

It may well be that other factors are involved. The majority of users with this problem who I've asked do seem to be running AVG, but that might still be coincidental. However any additional file scanning or background backup mechanism could be involved, e.g. the shadow copy system. Or the problem could be inherent to iTunes rather than being triggered by an outside agent. Without being able to trace the file activity when the library file disappears it is pretty hard to tell.

tt2

But then why is it happening to so few people... I reckon the problem is currently more common than usual, but still it must be rare or these boards would be in meltdown. Have we excluded Sony VIAOs media manager at this point? That is another identified troublemaker.

tt2

I'm sure I'd be equally frustrated if it were my library disappearing. 😐

Short of itemizing every process that runs on your PC and eliminating them by trial and error however I really can't think of any way to narrow down on a cause.

tt2

Making AVG ignore the iTunes folder should be enough if it is really the culprit. I used to recommend AVG though I've taken to installing Microsoft Security Essentails as a free AV solution. Any other tune up tools? Multiple AV or other anti-mailware software could also be a problem.

Is there anything else about the sequence of events before the libray goes missing that might be a factor? Do you hibernate the computer or leave it on all the time?

tt2

It just did it to me again too. Last time it deleted everything. This time it only left behind cloud purchases. (music, movies etc.) Both times it dumped the "iTunes Library Genius" and "iTunes Library Extras" files into the recycle bin. I reloaded all the music, and had to reload album covers, etc, only to have it gone again. My playlists are also gone and I have no idea how to (or if there is even a way to) get them back. So frustrated.

Same thing happened to me, twice in the last month!

I have over 80 GB's of music, most of what I ripped from CD's . I lost all of my play lists, artwork, and playcounts. Luckily I have it backed up, but the playlists are all gone, which took me a long time, and the genre is all messed up after re-adding the music for the second time.

This only happend on my Windows Computer, as it did not happen on my main Mac. It only appears to happen after a windows update. Anyone else?

Why is this happening?

I do have AVG, its never been a problem before. I would not care, but being in Afghanistan, its my entertainment out here. Like I said, back home no problem, on the windows huge problem!

Do you have a .tmp file in the main iTunes folder dated from when your library first went missing. If so a copy of this renamed as iTunes Library.itl might serve to restore your library.

tt2

this has happened to me since monday.. i looked under system restore to see what has been downloaded recently, AVG seems to be the culprit. i don't know what to do to stop this, but i have a feeling that AVG is to blame. all i know it's really frustrating and need to quit.