edwardfrombookham

Q: Update to iTunes 12.3.3, now missing library

I updated this morning to 12.3.3

 

When I open iTunes, my entire library has gone. All the physical files still exist, but they're not listed in iTunes.

 

I tried opt - click iTunes and made sure I was selecting the correct Library.itl

 

I tried restoring yesterdays iTunes directory with it's contents and that didn't work.

 

Any suggestions?

 

Thanks

iMac (27-inch Mid 2011), OS X El Capitan (10.11.4), iTunes 12.3.3

Posted on Mar 21, 2016 8:03 PM

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Q: Update to iTunes 12.3.3, now missing library

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Limnos,Apple recommended

    Limnos Limnos Mar 21, 2016 8:32 PM in response to edwardfrombookham
    Level 9 (53,665 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 21, 2016 8:32 PM in response to edwardfrombookham

    ASC user turingtest2 help document: Empty/corrupt iTunes library after upgrade/crash - https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6561

     

    If you don't see your content after updating iTunes  - https://support.apple.com/kb/HT203225

  • by edwardfrombookham,Apple recommended

    edwardfrombookham edwardfrombookham Mar 21, 2016 8:33 PM in response to edwardfrombookham
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 21, 2016 8:33 PM in response to edwardfrombookham

    I fixed this myself.

     

    Here's my solution which is the result of restoring time machine into ~/Music/iTunes

     

    Close iTunes

     

    backup ~/Music/iTunes but not the subfolder iTunes Media - NB My iTunes library is external, and I'm only interested in the meta data not the physical files.

     

    In my ~/Music/iTunes folder were three files renamed as conflict copies e.g. Copy of iTunes Library Extras (conflict from 03-21-2016 at 14h15).itdb.

     

    Move the three new files  iTunes Library Extras.itdb, iTunes Library.itl, iTunes Music Library.xml to desktop.


    Renamed the copies to their original name.  i.e. Copy of iTunes Library Extras (conflict from 03-21-2016 at 14h15).itdb. -> iTunes Library Extras.itdb


    Restarted iTunes and all was well.


    Hope this helps if anyone runs into a similar issue.

  • by Brent W.,

    Brent W. Brent W. Mar 22, 2016 10:09 AM in response to edwardfrombookham
    Level 1 (104 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 22, 2016 10:09 AM in response to edwardfrombookham

    Had same issue today.  Did this quick 8 steps to get back to normal:

     

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203225

  • by jaboo,

    jaboo jaboo Mar 26, 2016 6:22 AM in response to edwardfrombookham
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Mar 26, 2016 6:22 AM in response to edwardfrombookham

    I had the same problem.  I actually found a nice how to do from the Apple support page.  Bottom line the file that iTunes uses to see your music library has been corrupted.  Easy steps to restore:

     

    1. Quit iTunes.
    2. Go to the iTunes folder that contains the iTunes library files:
      Mac: From the menu bar at the top of your computer screen, choose Go > Home. Open the Music folder, then open the iTunes folder.
      Windows: Navigate to \Users\username\Music\iTunes\.
    3. Drag the iTunes Library.itl file to your Desktop.
    4. In the iTunes folder, open the Previous iTunes Libraries folder.
    5. Find the file named iTunes Library YYYY-MM-DD where YYYY-MM-DD is the date you updated iTunes (Year-Month-Day).
    6. Copy this file to the iTunes folder (the enclosing folder).
    7. Rename the copied file iTunes Library.
    8. Open iTunes.
  • by apple_love_hate,

    apple_love_hate apple_love_hate Apr 9, 2016 5:38 AM in response to jaboo
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apr 9, 2016 5:38 AM in response to jaboo

    I found my way to this support page (link below) as well - and it worked - but, seriously, what the **** Apple???  Is this what a user-friendly system is supposed to look like?  A software upgrade that doesn't move an entire library worth of music with it?  And with no notice of what might happen when you click to accept the upgrade?  How many other millions of people around the world woke up to discover the same problem?  And how many of them lack the necessary familiarity with Macs or online software groups to find a solution?  What sort of panic and anxiety are they dealing with right now?  VERY POOR CUSTOMER-FOCUSSED PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & DELIVERY.  If this kind of upgrade foolishness continues, the frustration that many ordinary computer users (and Mac fence-sitters) like myself feel will lead us to go back to products and systems we know and feel are more reliable.  C'mon Apple - get it right or at least get it better.

     

    Link:

    If you don't see your content after you update iTunes - Apple Support