No library in Itunes

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No library in Itunes

Hi

About 2 weeks ago I updated to the latest version of itunes. Around the same time I also updated to the latest version of Windows and deleted the old version afterwards to save on disk space.

Ever since, each time I load Itunes - I have no music in my library. My music folder is in the same location as always. I tried adding back all of my music via "add folder to library" but this just added the music without any data (ratings, play counts etc).

I've also noticed that my itunes folder on my hard drive is now full of IT temp files - these only go back as far as the update so something must have occurred with either the windows or itunes update to wreak havoc.

It might also be worth mentioning that when attempting to sync my iPod, I get a message along the lines of "iPod is synched with another itunes library" - I haven't switched laptops and don't share my music with anyone, so not sure why I'm getting this?

Any help would be much appreciated. I listen to music very often and really need my ratings, play counts etc for various play lists (my iPod is fine and still has all of this data).

I have looked at multiple threads and nothing suggested in any of them has solved the issue :/

Thanks!

Posted on Jun 12, 2018 2:12 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

turingtest2

Level 10

278,091 points

Jun 15, 2018 7:12 AM in response to Winter118118

The general process is given in Empty/corrupt iTunes library after upgrade/crash. You rename the active library as something like iTunes Library (OLD) and then take a copy of the file you want to use (keeps the original safe in case of another incident) and rename that as iTunes Library. Depending on your options or the source file you're starting with you may also see and/or need to adjust the .itl extension. Once the right copy of the file is in the right location with the right name you simply start iTunes and it will open that file. Or you can shift-start-iTunes to select a specific .itl file if required. The .itl file contains all those lost details you mention which are not stored in the tags of tracks and are therefore lost if you simply import the contents of the media folder into an otherwise empty library.

tt2

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Answer 2

turingtest2

Level 10

278,091 points

Jun 15, 2018 9:44 AM in response to Winter118118

If you have to start with an older library then do so. Add the media folder to the library so that it correctly lists everything that is in the media folder. Once everything is in the library you may find these two scripts useful:

ImportDevicePlaylists - Imports regular playlists from an iPod or iOS device into the iTunes library. Can import from a selected playlist, or playlist folder, or all playlists on the device.
SyncStats - Copies highest play count, skip count, rating and most recent played & skipped date of selected tracks or playlist between iTunes and an iPod or iOS device.

See also Backup your iTunes for Windows library with SyncToy.

tt2

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Answer 3

Winter118118 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 13, 2018 12:40 PM in response to Limnos

Hi

Unfortunately it's still not working. I'm able to import a previous library by holding down shift, bit this is quite old. I'm wary of syncing my iPod with this as it'll erase months of play counts, New song ratings etc

I have a very recent IT file but if I try to add that I get the message "The file cannot be imported because it does not appear to be a valid imported file" - is there any way around this?

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Answer 4

Winter118118 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 15, 2018 1:54 AM in response to turingtest2

Hi, thanks for replying.

I've renamed the temp file, but how do I add it to itunes? Is it add new file?

I have managed to add my old library back but it's missing all data such as play counts and ratings etc - is there anywhere that this data is stored so that I can manually restore is?

Thanks

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Answer 5

Winter118118 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 15, 2018 9:37 AM in response to turingtest2

Hi

Unfortunately nothing seems to be working. The best I can do is load an old library for a few months ago but I don't see that as an option. I've found a few apps that can transfer metadata (none are free though) so that may be my best bet I guess.

Is there no way to sync my iPod data to itunes? Before all of these issues started, whenever I'd connect my iPod to iTunes it would copy all of my play counts and ratings to itunes. Is there no option to do this, or would syncing erase all of my metadata?

Thanks

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Answer 6

Limnos

Level 10

427,061 points

Jun 12, 2018 2:15 PM in response to Winter118118

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 entire library after you update iTunes on your Mac or PC - https://support.apple.com/kb/HT203225

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Answer 7

turingtest2

Level 10

278,091 points

Jun 13, 2018 1:34 PM in response to Winter118118

You cannot import the .tmp files, but if they are suitable they can be used by renaming as iTunes Library.itl. You can compare the size with the files in your Previous iTunes Libraries folder. Any given .tmp file might be one of the other library files as well as the .itl, and it is possible that it is incomplete, although usually the problem occurs when iTunes has finished making it and wants to rename it, so the most recent .tmp file that is similar in size to those in the Previous iTunes Libraries folder is your best shot. If you cannot make that work use the advice in the user tip on bringing the library up to date with the content of the media folder. For reasons covered in Make a split library portable it is better to arrange to have the active library in the main iTunes folder than to use a library files stored in the Previous iTunes Libraries folder.

tt2

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No library in Itunes

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