All the content from my iTunes library has disappeared

iTunes should open the same library file each time unless you switch by holding down shift. I've not seen it, but I suppose if the preference file that the selection is stored in is corrupt in some fashion the change might not hold over to the next startup.

tt2

So, do you think I can delete the many versions and just save one on the computer as well as other external drives?

It's been very strange, the way the library seems to change. I feel I have so many with different names and such, that maybe that is contributing to the problem?

R

I thought the name of the file was important to how iTunes found it on my computer.

The initial instructions I give are to rename the currently active but corrupt iTunes Library.itl file in order to allow an older backup to be given exactly the same filename. This means that iTunes will open the replacement file without needing to use the shift-start-iTunes process. This is ideal because opening the library file from an alternate path makes troubleshooting any subsequent problems all the more confusing.

tt2

Can you give me any advice now? Can I delete a bunch of libraries?

When I first did as you instructed, somehow the corrupted file turned out to be the good one, and the iTunes library was not. I mean, it was ok at first, but then the next time I went in, it was turned around. Now all the libraries are good, so I want to minimize the confusin on my computer by getting rid of some of them. but I am afraid they might be connected somehow. Or that I will inadvertantly delete a key one.

There is only ever one active library file. Keep some backups of it. Anything you're not sure about, rename it, test the library, then delete. I sometimes create a temporary folder called "Death Row" for things I'm planning to delete and move things there, before deleting fully later after making sure I've not caused any problems. Your active library files will have the most recent accessed/modified dates.

tt2

Hi tt2 - been a while since I was on this site. Just a word to say thanks. I went back and tried installing my ITunes library from an older library following your instructions to the tee. It work - yeah!! What I did notice was that (1) it seems that my old library was not complete for it seems likes some, rather, quite a few music files were missing and (2) it took quite a while for the menu asking me to choose a library, either create or older library to come up. Some might get discouraged, but tell them to wait and it will appear.

Next, after browsing and choosing an older library, ITunes wanted me to update to the latest version which was 11.????. I did not download the new version for fear that it would again make my library disappear. Do I really need to update my ITunes? If so, then okay. I just hope that my library doesn't disappear again! I have started to import some more music files that I noticed were not in my older library. Wierd hugh?

One more question. At the urging of my honey, I turned on ICloud in ITunes. If I don't want to use ICloud, can I turn it off through my IPod and then what happens to the music I purchaed from the ITunes Stores? Where does it go if ICloud is turned off?? Thanks again tt2. I truly appreciate all your help.

Just one more q? What is contained in a library with the extention html or media? I'm not at home so I will have to wait until I get there to make sure that I named these extensions correctly. Thanks again. Annie102

I lost my music on my I tunes. It still remains on my external HD in windows explorer. But many of the albums cloned themselves so when I reimport from that folder I get 2 and sometimes 3 copys of everything. Any one else see such a thing? I use windows 8. I have well over 100GB of music I hope I can streamline this or I will be here till christmas.

I get a message that says iTunes cannot be saved you do not have enough access privliges

Just a commnt. I also have lost all my library, however I do not have antiviruss. I will try Recovering your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device.

I have a similar issue. I was downloading a purchase from amazon into cloud, I opened itunes to also move the download into it so I could put it on my ipod. My itunes has wiped all my music expect itunes purchases. I don't know it it's somehow releated to what I was doing on amazon cloud or something else. I have no idea where all my music has all gone, why, and how to get it back. Thankfully my music is backed up onto a portable drive, which I run the music in itunes from - however, it's going to take ages to restore all the music, reselect all the tracks I want on my ipod, and I've lost all the playlists I have created. Can anyone help me get around this and recover what's been lost without having to do a lot of work! Thanks

See Empty/corrupt library after upgrade/crash.

If you "run the music" from the portable drive, and you don't have a clone on a second one, then it isn't really a backup.

tt2

Thanks for the reply - Can you suggest the best way I run itunes/back it up? I don't have it on my laptop as it will take up too much of the hard drive. Thank you

See mymake a split library portable post and this backup tip.

tt2