Wiping but want to re load old itunes info?

Backup the library with this user tip. Deauthorize the computer before you wipe it. Use the same tool to restore the library into the new system, then install iTunes.

If your media folder has been split out from the main iTunes folder you may need to do some preparatory work to make sure moving things doesn't break the library. See make a split library portable for details.

tt2

You're welcome. 🙂

tt2

Typically your library is stored at <User's Music>\iTunes where <User's Music> depends on which version of Windows you are using and your user name. Normally everything that is in your iTunes library is in the folder and as long as you back up the whole thing, then restore it to the new/rebuilt computer, the library will work properly. If you're not sure then you should check the media folder (Edit > Preferences > Advanced) is inside the main iTunes folder then use File > Library > Oranize Library > Consolidate files and tick the Rearrange... box too if not greyed out. If things are more complicated then see make a split library portable.

You can test the backup library on the external drive by pressing and holding down shift as you launch iTunes and then using the option to choose a library. Open X:\iTunes\iTunes Library.itl where X:\ is the external drive letter and check that the media plays. You can check a few sample tracks are pointed to the correct file by using CTRL+I to get info and looking at the location on the summary tab.

tt2

Hmm, backing up shouldn't lose anything. Did you move files instead of copying them? If so the information may still be present in a file that has been moved even though not visible in the library now. The critical file is the .itl not the .xml. If you have the old .itl file, or one of the backups from the Previous iTunes Libraries folder then it should be possible to restore things. Alternatively my script SyncStats should be able to copy over ratings & play counts from an iPod/iOS device if the data is there,

tt2

Jive (the forum software) currently seems to be having an issue displaying the most recent post to a thread. One workaround is to post a dummy reply to a post you can see...

The ExportImport script requires that you have an older database that you can make active from which to export data. Having done so you then revert to the current database before importing the saved data.

Before trying to use the SyncStats script use Edit > Preferences > Devices > Prevent iPods, iPhones, and iPads from syncing automatically to do just that.

See also Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device.

tt2

<This bumping gets old 👿>

Note I'm talking about opening the .itl file either by shift starting iTunes or moving/renaming files. Importing an old XML into an existing library may have odd results, stats may not be imported for files that are already in the library and files that are no longer where they were when the XML was created will be ignored.

Each track in iTunes is represented by a unique ID. Ratings & playcounts are attached to those IDs. Unless you routinely remove and then reimport the media, or have swtiched to a completely fresh database file, those IDs should remain relevant. The ExportImport script was written for a user who found that following an update all his stats and possibly some other metadata had been destroyed, but IIRC he'd also consolidated the library, so simply using the old library wasn't an option. Temporarily restoring an old database allowed the stats to be exported, then once the current library, was restored they could be reimported.

The SyncStats script works instead with a library on an iPod/iOS device. It will attempt to use matching track IDs where they exist, but if they can't be found a second pass with attempt to index the library and find a track with matching properties (Artist, Album, Disc#, Track#, Name) and apply the stats to that if found.

tt2