All my itunes music keeps dissappearing

Empty/corrupt library after upgrade/crash

Hopefully it's not been too long since you last upgraded iTunes, in fact if you get an empty/incomplete library immediately after upgrading then with the following steps you shouldn't lose a thing or need to do any further housekeeping. Note that in iTunes 11 an "empty" library may show your past purchases with links to stream or download them.

In the Previous iTunes Libraries folder should be a number of dated iTunes Library files. Take the most recent of these and copy it into the iTunes folder. Rename iTunes Library.itl as iTunes Library (Corrupt).itl and then rename the restored file as iTunes Library.itl. Start iTunes. Should all be good, bar any recent additions to or deletions from your library.

Alternatively, depending on exactly when and why the library went missing, there may be a more recent .tmp file in the main iTunes folder that can be copied & renamed as iTunes Library.itl to restore the library to an earlier state. Look for a recent .tmp file that is similar in size to the .itl files in the Previous iTunes Libraries folder. If it has happened repeatedly you may want the earliest such file generated since the last iTunes upgrade.

If applicable, see iTunes Folder Watch for a tool to catch up with any changes since the backup file was created.

When you get it all working make a backup!

Should you be in the unfortunate position where you are no longer able to access your original library, or a backup of it, then see Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device.

I've noticed more of these missing library posts of late and a common factor to most since I started asking is AVG Anti-Virus. It seems in some cases it might be at least part of the reason why the library file disappears. Try excluding the iTunes folder from any AV scanning process.

tt2

Just uninstall AVG, get yourself another antivirus like Avast or Microsoft security essentials. Both are free and really good.

@tt - seems like it makes sence at least temporary shorten your post, does not look like anyone reads to the end about AVG.

As above, it would seem that uninstalling AVG and replacing it with MSE or Avast is a good starting place. If restoring a previous library file hasn't worked then you need reread the method and try again. Renaming the .tmp files is more of gamble as the file you pick may not be a the temporary version of the .itl file, or it may be incomplete. If you can find one that will work however you will be closer to the lost library than one that is perhaps 3 or 4 months old. Backup is the best advice I can give.

@fromsouth - you're probably right. On the other hand I don't always have time to get back to supplementary questions so I'm trying to get out as much information in the initial post for those that can take advantage of it.

tt2

You are the boss, to me it does not make sence to rebuild the library, if reason for problem is still there. BTW I do not have any problem with my AVG/itunes.

Changing the iT.tmp file to iTunes Library.itl worked for me. This very issue happened a couple weeks ago and again tonight, and I actually re-added all my music and videos. Fixing the Library file was a lot quicker! Thanks!

Sorry, meant that as a reply to Pinky with an aside to you... Been a long day. 😊

tt2

I am not apple to rename the iTunes Library.itl to iTunes Library (damaged).itl. When i attempt to I receive an error message that says "The operation can't be completed. An unexpected error occured (error code - 36)."

Any suggestions. I tried the method you outlined above a couple days ago and it fixed my problem. A day later I opened itunes and it said. "Itunes file is damaged and renaming the file" ANy help would be greatly appreciated.

Reboot the computer. Try again. Keep the originals of the files you use to try restore the library, make a copy, then rename the copy and see if it works. If not try another .tmp file or .itl file. Backup! If you use AVG then it needs to be updated, but I've seen one report that the problem may still remain. Consider switching to Microsoft Security Essentials.

tt2

Everything in my iTunes has disappeared while I'm downloading music. My playlists and everything are gone. Would trying this work for me? Btw, I've had AVG on two different computers now with iTunes and never had an issue.

It would seem to be a recent issue caused by a change in AVG's scanning engine (which they claim to have updated again). I can't say for certain that AVG is the cause in your particular instance, but the repair technique I've outlined should work regardless.

tt2

Hi turingtest2

I've looked at your previous posts and its still not working for me!

I've found a .tmp file thats been updated recently and it's the largest file among the rest of them. I'm just not sure how i'd go about using the file to get back my library. Would i just rename the file itunes library,itl if it's a .tmp? and would I just click on the file afterwards to get my libaray back? I'm not sure how this procedure works

Please help meeee 😟 !

1. Rename the current iTunes Library.itl file in your iTunes folder as iTunes Library (Corrupt).itl
2. Select the .tmp file you think might be right and press CTRL+C then CTRL+V to create a duplicate copy
3. Highlight the copy and F2 and rename as iTunes Library.itl
4. Start iTunes normally. If you've chose the correct file your library should be restored. Otherwise read on...
   
5. If that file didn't work close iTunes, delete the current iTunes Library.itl, choose another file to restore and try again. Repeat until successful or you've had enough. If you can't find a working .tmp file then you'll need to use your most recent file from the Previous iTunes Libraries folder or simply reimport all your media.

tt2

to change the file extension from .tmp to .itl go to (in Windows 7 Windows Explorer) Organize/Folder and search options. Under Folder options click on the View tab. Uncheck Hide extenstions for known file types. your files will now show the file extensions. The file I renamed to iTunes Library.itl was the iT.tmp file. I did everything as turingtest2 said to do and it worked fine for me. Don't forget to hide your file extensions again. when you change the name of the file it will ask you if you're sure you want to do it, changing the name might corrupt the file.

I also copied the new iTunes Library.itl file to the previous iTunes Library folder and dated it so I would know that was a good copy of the file. I also uninstalled AVG and haven't had a problem with losing my library again.

This is from AVG's message boards:

http://forums.avg.com/us-en/avg-forums?sec=thread&act=show&id=227017&type=0