I recently had my macbook pro reimaged, and successfully imported my itunes library back onto the computer from external backup source. I'm not sure if this is possible, but is there a way to restore playlist organization as well?
MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.3), itunes 12.1.0.50
There are other non-media files and folders which also go to make up a complete iTunes library. A true "iTunes library" is everything in the iTunes folder, not just media. Did your backup include a iTunes Library.itl file? The .itl file contains playlist information.
Yes - it did transfer as well. Would you happen to know what to do with it to make my playlists appear?
It may be as simple as starting iTunes while holding down the option/alt key and selecting that file when iTunes asks for a library. For most users iTunes works together with a bunch of files and folder to give you the presentation you see. It is best to not split apart the iTunes folder and to copy it entirely.
What are the iTunes library files? - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1660
More on iTunes library files and what they do - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITunes#Media_management
What are all those iTunes files? - http://www.macworld.com/article/139974/2009/04/itunes_files.html
Where are my iTunes files located? - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1391
iTunes 9 [and later]: Understanding iTunes Media Organization - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3847 - plus supplemental information about organizing to new structure https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6477809?answerId=26404702022#26404702022
Image of folder structure and explanation of different iTunes versions (turingtest2 post) - https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-7392 and making an iTunes library portable.
I tried the option + itunes and selected the library file but it didn't actually change anything. The entire itunes file was copied and wasnt split up. Hmm. Not sure how to get my actual playlists to come back.
Okay, back to basics.
What exactly did you have backed up (in terms of iTunes) on the external drive?
How did you "import" this back to the internal drive?
Are you positive you opened the imported .itl file as I instructed? If you did then at worst it should have shown you your playlists with broken links. If you did not see your playlists then you either did not copy the correct file back to the internal drive, or you somehow never backed up your original .itl file and your playlists are wherever that file is.
is it possible to restore playlists?
