HT203225: If you don't see your entire library after you update iTunes on your Mac or PC

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jonfromtemple city
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Q: What is (the enclosing folder) I am so confused and frustrated!  This seems so easy but if I don't know the "lingo" I am lost!

What is (the enclosing folder) I am so confused and frustrated!  This seems so easy but if I don't know the "lingo" I am lost!

iPhone 4S, Windows Vista

Posted on Apr 7, 2013 1:18 PM

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jonfromtemple city

Q: What is (the enclosing folder) I am so confused and frustrated!  This seems so easy but if I don't know the "lingo" I am lost ... more

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  • by turingtest2,

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Apr 7, 2013 1:57 PM in response to jonfromtemple city
    Level 10 (85,368 points)
    iPod
    Apr 7, 2013 1:57 PM in response to jonfromtemple city

    The "enclosing folder" is normally refered to as the parent folder...

     

    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.

     

    RestorePrevious.png

     

    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 and renamed asiTunes 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