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what happened to my playlists? I just loaded version 11.0.4.4 and all my playlists and songs uploaded from CDs to iTunes disapeared!!!!

what happened to my playlists? I just loaded version 11.0.4.4 and all my playlists and songs uploaded from CDs to iTunes disapeared!!!!

Dell Latitude E6500, Windows 7

Posted on Jun 18, 2013 11:03 AM

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Posted on Jun 18, 2013 11:20 AM

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 as iTunes Library (Corrupt) 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.


User uploaded file


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 renamed as iTunes Library.itl to restore the library to a recent state.


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.


tt2

112 replies

Jan 1, 2014 12:54 AM in response to jockowhite

The same problem as you had. Details of the experience I had may help. After installing the latest iTunes, two months ago, I found that all the songs showed, as did the albums. On approaching a song in any playlist, the screen showed an exlamation point(mark in UK) to the Left of the song name, and asked me if I would like to look for it. I'm sure this can be done, but with 11,000+ songs I will have no time to eat. I am going to approach this very carefully. A year or two ago, after a similar road-block, I re-assembled 500+ songs into their Playlists over many hours, but on this occasion would very much prefer a quicker, ultra-secure solution...glad, though, that you have fought your way through successsfully. The Repair Disk suggestion from mallory623 is tempting.

BPOFan

Feb 16, 2014 3:53 PM in response to turingtest2

I've tried to copy and paste my last saved library to the itunes folder, but it comes back with that itunes library.itl error. Why is this happening and why did this start out of the blue? I removed all itunes software in the order stated to correct the Windows Error 1114 and reinstalled itunes and now I can't get it to open because of the itunes library.itl error. I'm so sick of itunes right now I could SPIT! What the heck is going on with this?

Feb 25, 2014 1:14 AM in response to turingtest2

Hi, I am not sure if this problem fits here, but it seems like a helpful thread for others.


I updated my Ipod software today and in the process it lookslike I corrupted my Library file. I know the process of grabbing a revious version and replacing the current one in the My Music folder, but whe I try to rename/delete/move the current library file to replce it, I get an error message "File is write protected, disk is full or file is in use by another program". None of these are true, I have even uninstalled itunes and tried to delete it, and I get the same message.


Any hel would be appreciated.


-D!

Feb 25, 2014 2:32 AM in response to Dezreavey

It should go without saying that iTunes needs to be closed when manipulating the library files. The utility Unlocker may be able to reveal which processes are preventing you from deleting the file and either close the locking handle or force delete the file. See also Empty/corrupt iTunes library after upgrade/crash for my most recent advice on pulling back an older library file.


tt2

what happened to my playlists? I just loaded version 11.0.4.4 and all my playlists and songs uploaded from CDs to iTunes disapeared!!!!

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