iTunes 12.4.3.1 how to get "Keep File" option when removing music

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Level 1

4 points

iTunes 12.4.3.1 how to get "Keep File" option when removing music

I was wondering how to remove music from my iTunes library without moving the files to the trash with the new update because I can't seem to do it.

For context, I recently got my Macbook back from AppleCare and they took my old hard drive, so I tried to restore everything from a year old backup but my iTunes is showing the year old library, but I have all of my media saved on an external hard drive and am trying to bring back all my media. My current solution idea was to clear my entire library while keeping the files and then to import it all over again, since I can't seem to find an easier way to import only the newer music as much of it got filed into older folders (as iTunes stores them in folders by Artist Name).

MacBook Pro (17-inch Early 2011), OS X El Capitan (10.11.6)

Posted on Aug 27, 2016 6:27 PM

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Answer 1

Cunnla

Level 6

8,263 points

Aug 27, 2016 7:32 PM in response to vma2

but I have all of my media saved on an external hard drive

If you have your iTunes folder and your media in different locations things get complicated with your iTunes library.

If you have to keep your media on and external disk for some reason, try moving your entire iTunes folder to the external hard drive and move the media folder into the iTunes folder. In iTunes Preferences/Advanced, set the iTunes Media Folder location to iTunes on the external HD and check the boxes for Keep iTunes Media folder organized and Copy Files to iTunes media folder.

You may have to create a new library which is done by opening iTunes with the Option key held down.

The ideal place for your media folder is in iTunes on your Home folder if you have the space on your computer.

If your media is on an external HD, you should have extra backup, just in case of a hard disk failure.

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Answer 2

tgold21

Level 1

8 points

Nov 25, 2016 10:33 PM in response to vma2

I was having this same problem as well. Fair warning though: I am using a PC, not Mac, so don't know if this will be the same for both. But, I realized that the "keep files" option disappeared if I was using iTunes synced to my iCloud Library. When I turned the iCloud sync off, so that only my music on my computer was showing, when I deleted a track, the option to keep the file but remove the track from the library popped up. Hope that helps.

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