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Can't add folder to library, but can add the same files to library individually.

Hey everyone,

I'm trying to add a large folder with lots of subfolders that have music in them, but when I use File > Add Folder to Library... and select the top folder, not all of the music is imported. On inspection, it looks like some of the subfolders in the directory simply aren't being read. Individually selecting an offending subfolder and using Add Folder to Library still doesn't work. I can use File > Add File to Library... then browse to the subdirectory and select the actual files, and they are successfully added to my library.

Normally this would be fine, but I am adding a large directory with a subfolder for each artist, and roughly a third are exhibiting this problem. To figure out exactly which are missing and individually browse to each artist folder to add the files would be a huge waste of time. I haven't seen a pattern or clue to why those subfolders are failing, but I've tried importing the whole thing multiple times and it seems to be the same subfolders each time.


Anyone have an idea why iTunes wouldn't recognize that a folder contains music files when using Add Folder to Library, even when I know it can accept those files by adding individualy?

iTunes 11-OTHER, Windows 8

Posted on Aug 12, 2013 4:18 PM

Reply
3 replies

Aug 14, 2013 1:43 PM in response to ThePlasticPlane

Repair Permissions

Right-click on your main iTunes folder and click Properties, then go to the Security tab and click Advanced. Use the Change Permissions... button grant to your account (or the Users group) and SYSTEM full control of this folder, subfolders and files, then tick the option to Replace permissions entries... which will repair permissions throughout the library. When complete switch to the General tab, click in the Read-only check box to clear it, then click Apply.


User uploaded file


If you don't have the option to change the permissions then use the Owner tab and Edit... button to take ownership from an account with administrator privileges. Tick the option to Replace owner on subcontainers and objects.


Repeat with the media folder if it isn't stored inside the main iTunes folder.


tt2

Can't add folder to library, but can add the same files to library individually.

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