Can't find Library.itl file when moving Itunes

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Level 1

8 points

Can't find Library.itl file when moving Itunes

I am transferring (or trying to) my ITunes library from Wins7 computer to my Wins10 computer. I followed the Apple instructions for this, copying to external drive, then to the new computer. (both have latest ITunes version as of 1/16/18). ISSUE: all the files are visible, including library.itl, in file Explorer window, but when I hold down Shift key and open ITunes, and window opens for "select new library", ONLY the "yellow files" show up, none of the light blue or white files. No "Library.itl" file... I've tried several times, reloaded the files, nothing changes. Have searched the web and see nothing about this error. Thanks!

Posted on Jan 16, 2018 6:46 PM

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Answer 1

turingtest2

Level 10

275,178 points

Jan 19, 2018 6:38 AM in response to bsrosell

OK, when I launch iTunes while holding down shift I get this dialog:

If I click Choose Library it opens with the folder that my current active library is in and the relevant file shows up as iTunes Library or iTunes Library.itl if extensions are shown. Like this:

I can use the folder tree on the left of the dialog to browse to a different folder and select the .itl file inside it. I'm not sure why you should be seeing anything different. 😕

tt2

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Answer 2

javaliga

Level 10

119,907 points

Jan 17, 2018 7:56 AM in response to bsrosell

Perhaps turingtest2's guide at:

Move your iTunes library to a new computer

will help where it says:

If you think that you've moved your library correctly but cannot see your expected content when you open the library see Empty/corrupt iTunes library after upgrade/crash. If you have difficulty updating content see Repair security permissions for iTunes for Windows.

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Answer 3

turingtest2

Level 10

275,178 points

Jan 19, 2018 5:34 PM in response to bsrosell

Hmm. Did you have a look at Repair security permissions for iTunes for Windows? It is possible that iTunes is using a security account for that dialog that doesn't have the same privileges as your user account.

tt2

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Answer 4

turingtest2

Level 10

275,178 points

Jan 20, 2018 12:29 PM in response to bsrosell

OK. In Windows Explorer select the iTunes Library.itl file, press Ctrl+C to copy it, then right-click on a blank area in the folder and use Paste Shortcut. Try the shift-start-iTunes method again and see if the shortcut file is visible. If so you may be able to open the correct library that way. I use shortcuts to switch between my main library, once for iTunes Match/Apple Music, and various test libraries.

Failing that see Troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Windows updates and run through the full tear down and rebuild steps in the second box.

tt2

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Answer 5

bsrosell Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 17, 2018 7:08 PM in response to javaliga

Thanks for the reply. I tried these "tricks"; copied and renamed an older library as directed; no dice; no library.itl shows up, only the same five (or six?) yellow folders. Followed the other links (and links within them), none appear to apply to me, I'm a simply, low-usage (lots of empty space on hard drive, never done any splitting; nothing but ADDING either CDs, purchases or "CD books" and creating a few playlists. Infuriating the simple task of moving a music app and associated music files has to be this difficult (judging by the HUNDREDS of posts regarding problems, DIFFERENT than mine, NOT a very robust problem. Maybe Apple should spend more time improving the software they already have instead of creating $1000 phones. I'm about ready to listen to my EE IT sons and move to Android devices after all these years of Ipods and Iphones. Will be easier to do if I can't move my darned library over and have to start from scratch anyway, because of a stupid library.itl file that won't show up (but IS THERE in Explorer view!). Argh!!! Oh, I did check and I DO have "show hidden files" selected for my computer . Though as I said, the library.itl file DOES show up except when trying to "select new library" after "SHIFT"/Open ITunes....

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Answer 6

turingtest2

Level 10

275,178 points

Jan 18, 2018 3:32 AM in response to bsrosell

By "yellow files" do you mean folders? When using the shift-start-iTunes method the browser shows folders so that you can navigate from one location to another, and within the folders it should only show any other folders or .itl files. If you browse to a folder that contains a .itl file it should show up so it can be selected and opened.

In the majority of cases all you need to do to move the library from one computer to another is to copy the entire iTunes folder from the user's Music folder on the old machine into the user's Music folder on the new one, usually by way of an intermediate copy on an external drive that you move from one computer to the other. It really only gets complicated if media is scattered around multiple locations or the iTunes Media folder isn't inside the main iTunes folder.

tt2

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Answer 7

turingtest2

Level 10

275,178 points

Jan 18, 2018 4:05 AM in response to turingtest2

I meant to add that the shift-start method of opening iTunes is only required if you want to store the library in a non-standard location on the new computer, but again it should just be a matter of copying the entire iTunes folder to the new location where you want it, unless you actually need to prepare a split library before you copy it.

tt2

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Answer 8

bsrosell Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 18, 2018 7:56 PM in response to turingtest2

Thanks. Dah; yes I meant "Folders". :-) No matter what I do, this isn't working. Strangely, deleting my entire ITunes folder on my hard-drive, ITunes still opened to the "one CD" that has been in there.. I found the files in the Desktop, and deleted them. Tried again (opening ITunes), and those same files were BACK on the desktop. Emptied Trash, searched entire computer for any files named "iTunes", deleted them, and deleted ITunes too. Reloaded "fresh" copy of ITunes and with 'empty' Music folder, re-transferred all my ITunes files from the external hard-drive. So, now one would think, new ITunes, new ITunes FILE, it has to go there to look for files, right? WRONG. Opening with "SHIFT" key, still no library.itl... and opening 'normally', YES, it opened the old "single CD" library, deleted earlier. Now how is a FRESH load of ITunes pointing to that (besides the fact I deleted it from my desktop??). Regardless, re-doing everything, leaves me in the same place; trying to load my ITunes folder via SHIFT key method, show NO .itl files. Not even in the Library Folder.... it is just 'empty'. I'm clueless.

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Answer 9

bsrosell Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 19, 2018 4:19 PM in response to turingtest2

EXACTLY! I see both of those windows, exact same content EXCEPT for the second one, I ONLY have the Folders, there is NOT an "iTunes Library.itl. file. (and as I said, if I open the "Previous Libraries" folder, it appears "empty' from this window.). Once again, if I open these same files (iTunes folder or Previous ....Libraries Folder via Explorer, all the .itl. files ARE THERE. You are absolutely echoing my question; "why am I seeing something different"? :-) Considering I've NEVER manipulated a THING in iTunes since I started using it.. I loaded it (year ago, always updating when prompted), and have a few CDs and use mainly for CD Books, for transfer to Iphone for traveling. One thought, my Win 7 HP is a 32bit; the Win10 Lenovo a 64bit. (did load the proper 64bit on the Lenovo). Could that be the problem, they don't "play nice" together?

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Answer 10

bsrosell Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 20, 2018 11:32 AM in response to turingtest2

Good idea (I had NOT looked at that one). So, went back and checked, set, whatever... all the permissions. Tried again (transfer to external drive, transfer to Wins10 computer..). Open with SHIFT key down to select my new Library, AND... nothing, again. :-(

Still the same "Folders only", and no .itl. (or any other) files.

I'm baffled, and find nothing about this beyond the suggestions you've had (thanks for trying!)

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