Q: iTunes Match gets to step 3 and then restarts before it even uploads a single song - stuck in a nonstop loop

Hi,

Try deleting the tracks with "iCloud status" shown as waiting. It may be that one of the files is preventing match from complete.

If match process now completes, try readding those tracks, a few a times. Select mainstream tracks in preference to larger obscure tracks.

Let us know how you get on.

Jim

Hi,

Were you able to get the match process to complete without the "waiting" tracks?

Jim

Hi,

What is the format, bit rate and size of the tracks? Do you have the original CD?

Jim

Hi,

You could use Itunes to convert the files to 256 Kpbs AAC as this will be the format of the matches or upload.

Once converted to AAC delete ALAC from library and try again.

By the way how long have you had the problem? There was a problem with ALAC files a few months ago but has since been resolved.

I use an alternative library to view my itunes matches & uploads in the cloud.  By the way, do you have the cloud symbol along with the waiting status in your main library? Sometimes I find "ghost" entries when I have had problems with uploads and matches. If i delete them from the Alternative library, I usually find that I can get the "waiting" tracks to match.

Jim

Hi,

Are you having the same problem with your second computer?

Whilst you do not wish to replace the ALAC files permanently, why not try and see what happens with AAC tracks.

A thought, is it possible to use AAC for match purposes and once tracks are matched or uploaded, you could overwrite the AAC files with the ALAC files?

Jim

It is one or more Songs from this album that are the issue.  For ALAC Songs:

"

• Songs encoded in ALAC, WAV, or AIFF will be transcoded to a separate temporary AAC 256 Kbps file locally, prior to uploading to iCloud. The original files will remain untouched. (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4914)

"

This issue is probably a failure on the transcoding attempt.  You need to delete this album and import again.

Note: To minimise effort, you can 'add to iCloud' for each Song limiting the fresh import to the one or more Songs that are failing.  You can retain ALAC format when you import, though iTunes Match will distribute 256 AAC to other devices.

There is no de-bugging support such as log file, or verbose running, offered with iTunes.  Having considered like error sources would recommend checking out AccurateRip technology (http://www.accuraterip.com/).  Using this has identified a few Songs in lossless format that have clear errors on rip, this match impact matching performance - now trialling this will advise but you can access the technology first hand to check your files.

Certainly the majority of my Song files match or upload first time, the same is true for Michael, see  https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5206486?tstart=0.

Yes, try PerfectTUNES (http://www.dbpoweramp.com/perfecttunes.htm).