How do I get iTunes 11 to see my existing music?

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How do I get iTunes 11 to see my existing music?

iTunes 11.1.5.5 was just downloaded to my Windows 8 laptop. No previous version of itunes was on this device. My 35 gigs of music is stored in a dropbox file.

The existing dropbox "itunes" folder does not have the current iTunes 11.1 folder structure (no "iTunes Media" subfolder). Similarly the existing "itunes" folder does not have an "iTunes Music" folder.

I've tried several things.

1st: I "Changed" the itunes Media location the existing Dropbox iTunes folder. ITunes did not see anything.

2nd: I "Reorganized the files" Files\Library\Organize Library. Nothing Happened. Except the reorganize option became grey and unaccessable.

3rd: I restored the original default loacation installed when 11.1 was downloaded and CONSOLDATED also at Files\Library\Organize Library. - Nothing Happened.

HELP....What is my next Option?

Windows 8, Dropbox folder

Posted on Apr 19, 2014 9:21 AM

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Answer 1

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turingtest2

Level 10

272,743 points

Apr 19, 2014 9:33 AM in response to wavedadone

Do you have a working copy of the library anywhere? The key file is called iTunes Library.itl and normally exists inside <User's Music>\iTunes. This is the file that knows what is in your library and each of the playlists, and holds ratings, play counts etc. Changing the media folder path in preferences tells iTunes where you'd like it to store media in future. It doesn't magically connect iTunes to any media that might already be there, or fix links to media that has been moved, or make it pick up a non-existent library file. If the worst comes to it you will need to import the media into the new empty library.

See Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device if you have any of these to recover ratings, play stats and playlists, and to associate your device with the new library.

tt2

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Answer 2

wavedadone Author

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Apr 19, 2014 3:44 PM in response to turingtest2

Thanks tt2,

The iTunes folder that exists in my Dropbox two iTunes Library files. The extension ". itl" is not indicated.

Both are indicated to by a type iTunes Database File.

One file dated 1/25/2008 is indicated to be (Damaged) and is 6,143 kb

One file dated 3/4/2010 is 1,315 kb

There is also an iTunes Music Library File dated 3/3/2010 that is indicated to be and XML Document.

I don't have any devices from the period when I was actively using my iTunes music.

Are any of these files going to help my situation?

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Answer 3

turingtest2

Level 10

272,743 points

Apr 19, 2014 3:57 PM in response to wavedadone

I wouldn't have thought so. You might get some original date added values and some old playlists back but any stats are will be fairly meaningless... Do you still have the computer the library used to be on? If not you will need to import the media into your new empty library and start over.

tt2

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