Accidently deleted both my itunes library files

I accidently deleted both my itunes library files and because I restored them back from my recycle bin I seem to have managed to overwrite them with empty files, I still have all my music files that i can import back in to my itunes but how do i get my playlists back? The only place they are stored is on my ipod. I have never been able to do a backup becuse you have to do one to disk and don't seem to have the option to back up to a hard drive and since havn't found any disks that store 160gb i haven't ever been able to backup itunes. I have a portable hard drive and have all my music backed up to it but not a backup that contains the playlists, does anyone know how to get them back

Each time you restart iTunes it assumes that all the tracks are where it thinks they are. The exclamation marks only show up if iTunes attempts to do something with the files and cannot find them.
Possible causes are that you or some third party tool like WIndows Media Player have moved, renamed or deleted the files, or that the drive they live on has changed drive letters. It is also possible that iTunes has changed from expecting the files to be in the pre-iTunes 9 layout to post-iTunes 9 layout,or vice-versa, and so is looking in slightly the wrong place.
Select a track with an exclamation mark, use Ctrl-I to get info, then cancel when asked to try to locate the track. Look on the summary tab for the location that iTunes thinks the file should be. Now take a look around your hard drive(s). Hopefully you can locate the track in question. If a section of your library has simply been moved, or a drive letter has changed, it should be possible to reverse the actions.
Alternatively, as long as you can find a location holding the missing files, then you might be able to reconnect iTunes to them using my FindTracks script. To start with test it out on a handful of tracks that show up as missing in action. If it can find & repair the links to those throw larger selections at it until everything is connected.
tt2

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How to delete multiple old ITUNES LIBRARY files safely ?

I'd like to clean up my Itunes LIBRARY files, but don't know what's safe to do and not to do. (I have Itunes 8.1 / OSX10.4.11)
MY QUESTION IS TWOFOLD :
(1) how do I create a new Itunes library file now with today's date; and
(2) how do I delete multiple (old) Itunes library files, without risking the loss of what I've got ?
This all stems from exploring Itunes as a result of a problem I had today... when trying to import mp3's from my terrabyte drive, after about 150 successful mp3 track imports, Itunes froze and everything else on my MAC froze as well (constant spinning colored wheel). After many failed attempts to force quit Itunes, I turned off my MBPro. On restarting, Itunes tooks ages to "import" files. Eventually Itunes opened but with only half of my original tunes (1500+ songs 8.11GB) and had nothing from today's import.
I found a post suggesting to hold down OPTION while starting Itunes. Then I selected a file from my hard drive > me > music > Itunes > "Itune library" with the most recent date and shezam, Itunes once again has all my songs, as before. Nothing I imported from the terrabyte drive today appears however, but no matter.
In my "Itunes" file there appear MULTIPLE Itunes libraries ! such as Itunes library, Itunes Library (damaged), and as well a folder called "Previous Itunes Libraries" which itself contains multiple Itunes Library files and multiple "previous Itunes Library files" with dates back to 2007. These I want to clean up and delete .... should I ? ... Can I ?
I really could use some words of wisdom from the wise ! Thanks in advance

Whenever you install a new version of iTunes and run it teh first time, iTunes will create a backup of the current iTunes library file and copy it into \Music\iTunes\Previous iTunes libraries, then update the iTunes library file in \Music\iTunes\ for the current version of iTunes.

I accidently deleted my whole itunes library. help?

it's all still in the trash but there is no restore option and I can't drag the files.
what do I do?

Why can't you drag the files out of the Trash? What happens when you try?

Multiple (old) iTunes Library files found on my external, what to do?

My external drive (which I once used as the location for my iTunes library to save space on my old iMac but with my new computer hard drive space is not an issue and I have my iTunes folder on my native, internal drive) has *my old* iTunes folder with:
+(a folder)+ Previous iTunes Libraries
iTunes 4 Music Library
iTunes 4 Music Library (Old)
iTunes Library
iTunes Library 2006-09-14
iTunes Library 2007-09-08
iTunes Library Extras.itdb
iTunes Library Genius.itdb
iTunes Library.xml
iTunes Music Library.xml
The folder "Previous iTunes Libraries" contains these files:
iTunes Library 2006-09-14
iTunes Library 2007-09-08
iTunes Library 2008-01-16
iTunes Library 2008-09-30
iTunes Library 2008-12-26
iTunes Library 2009-06-16
With me so far?! What's alarming to me is that I have so many files with the "iTunes Library" name...moreover, it seems as if my CURRENT and ACTIVE iTunes Library database on my hard drive in my music folder that was last updated "today" is only 5.8 MB in size, while the older iTunes Library databases on my external drive that are listed above are sized 5.2, 10.5, 11.8, 14.3, 15.7, and 15.8 MB!
This implies to me that I've lost some important files or data in transferring my iTunes back from my external to my new local, internal drive.
What should I do with these multiple (and currently unused) iTunes Libraries found on my peripheral drive? I try to open them and nothing seems to happen. I just don't want to lose any tracks as my library is large and varied.
Any thoughts?

"New versions of iTunes sometimes include enhancements to the iTunes library. When you open the new version of iTunes, iTunes upgrades your existing library to the new format and places a copy of the old library in the Previous Libraries folder. If everything goes fine during your upgrade to the latest version of iTunes, you can delete the older iTunes Library files." Read more: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1660
If you think you are missing some songs from your current library, this application will list the file paths of the files in your designated "iTunes Media" folder which are not in iTunes' library. Additionally, you can select a different parent folder and its contents will be compared to the iTunes library. Options to Add a selection of found files to iTunes or move them to the Trash. http://dougscripts.com/itunes/scripts/ss.php?sp=musicfolderfilesnotadded2

How do I delete movies from iTunes library? I have moved them to the iCloud and now only seem to have the option to hide the icon in iCloud. I am sure I chose poorly at the 'keep file' window. Please help. My Brain hurts- 18 movies need to go-.

How do I delete movies from iTunes library? I have moved them to the iCloud and now only seem to have the option to hide the icon in iCloud. I am sure I chose poorly at the 'keep file' window. Please help. My Brain hurts… 18 plus movies need to go…. Thank you.

Instead of removing the music from the cloud or the iTunes library why not shuffle your music using a Smart Playlist which excludes the holiday music, or tracks that are not checked. For example, use this very simple Smart Playlist:

XCode update deleted iTunes Library files

I just updated XCode, and this meant updating the part about mobile applications, and my itunes library file was deleted in the process. Is there any way to retrieve my playlists/ratings? Last backup was a while ago, guess I've lost about 1000 ratings.
Anyone else had this happen?
I'm a DJ, so this is a bit devastating, not convinced the backup will restore things but will attempt it if there's no other way to retrieve the original XML/ITL files...
cheers

Thankyou! I just tried however it won't let me create a new one on the external? Perhaps I have utterly stuffed up when removing the old ones. Is there a way around this? Thanks

When I update itunes it deletes the library file, and when I restore that file from the previous libraries or my backup, itunes will run but tell me "the iTunes library file cannot be saved. A folder was specified instead of a file" How do I fix this?

When I update itunes it deletes the library file, and when I restore that file from the previous libraries or my backup, itunes will run but tell me "the iTunes library file cannot be saved. A folder was specified instead of a file" How do I fix this?

Hi there Br0x,
You may want to try rebuilding the iTunes library as an initial troubleshooting step. Take a look at the article below for more information.
iTunes: How to re-create your iTunes library and playlists
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1451
-Griff W.

Windows C drive check deleted my iTunes library file!

My laptop (HP HDX 16 running Vista) was having trouble resuming from sleep mode and I had to do a forced shut down. Upon booting up, it started to check my C drive for errors, and for some reason, deleted my iTunes Library file (it literally said it was doing that). Now my iTunes is completely empty, and the last backed up library file is from months ago. Is there any way to get my iTunes back to the way it was earlier today?!

Hi rpvee,
Thanks for visiting Apple Support Communities.
Depending on which library file was deleted from your computer, you may be able to rebuild the iTunes library.
See the "Re-creating the iTunes Library file" section of this article for the instructions:
iTunes: How to re-create your iTunes library and playlists
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1451
Regards,
Jeremy

I've unknowingly deleted my iTunes Library file, and now I'm stuck!

I was in the process of moving my songs and videos to an extrenal hard drive, and it had worked successfully--the files were on the new hard drive and iTunes recognized them after the move. And I even knew that I wasn't supposed to deleted the ITL file, but somehow managed to do so anyway. I am very stupid and deserve some (mild) derision.
I realize that by deleting my ITL file I will not get back my play counts, ratings, and play lists, and tho angered, I can live with that. My problem now is that I can't get iTunes to recognize the library on the external drive AT ALL. I get the blank library screen, even tho iTunes knows where it is (based on the "Advanced" menu in iTunes Preferences).
1) How do I get iTunes to display the contents of the relocated library on the external drive?
2) Is there an outside chance that all of the play counts, ratings and playlists could be resurrected by synching with my iPod?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

even tho iTunes knows where it is
No, iTunes doesn't know where your library is.
You're not the only one who is confused by that.
By setting the 'iTunes Music' folder location, you set the location where iTunes has to store the next imports.
And you told iTunes where to put the songs after you choose 'Add to Library...' (when you have checked 'Copy files to iTunes Music folder when adding to library').
The location of your songs is stored in the 'iTunes Library' file, which you, unfortunately, trashed.
Just drag and drop the folder with all your music on the Library icon in the Source pane or select 'Add to Library...' and navigate to the folder containing your music.
I can't tell you how much information is restored by syncing your iPod.
I have no experience with it.
If it was set to 'automatically update', it could be wiped.
Several 3rd party applications can transfer songs, including playlists, ratings and play counts to the computer.
Try Senuti or iPodRip (find the latest versions on versiontracker.com).
Hope this helps.
M
17' iMac fp 800 MHz 768 MB RAM Mac OS X (10.3.9) Several ext. HD (backup and data)

I deleted the "itunes Library" file...

(This question pertains to a Mac, not PC, latest version of iTunes)
So I was juggling around "iTunes Library" files, and I accidentally deleted the existing one but kept the new (empty) one. I found a support article about using the xml file in the same folder, and doing an "import playlist" command, so I tried that, but unfortunately it didn't do anything -- my itunes window is still blank (and this is the existing xml file, no changes have been made to it).
My iTunes library lives on an external HD, but even though my preferences still point to that path, iTunes isn't seeing it. I even tried to consolidate that iTunes folder to a new location, but it wouldn't work because iTunes currently isn't seeing the music folder, so there's no "point of origin" for the consolidation.
I know that PC users can do a Shift while they start iTunes, and designate the new file path... is there something similar for Mac that will magically restore my playlists and full library? I'm hoping there's a way to get everything back aside from the "Add to Library" command, because I'm not sure if that will allow me to play things I've purchased from the iTunes store. My iTunes preferences still point to the correct folder where I keep all of my music, but iTunes remains empty.
Lastly, in the "Previous Versions of iTunes" folder, the most recent library file is from 2 months ago, so that doesn't help me much, unless I'm able to do that, then do an "Add to library" command, hoping that iTunes will just add all of the music I've bought in the last 2 months?
I feel like there's an easy answer to this one, but I'm just not getting it... anyone have any ideas?
Many thanks,
Kirby

After you deleted the iTunes lbrary file, then opened iTunes, the .XML file was rewritten y iTunes, erasing the info in it.
in the "Previous Versions of iTunes" folder, the most recent library file is from 2 months ago, so that doesn't help me much, unless I'm able to do that, then do an "Add to library" command, hoping that iTunes will just add all of the music I've bought in the last 2 months?
Yes.
Open iTunes.
File -> Library - Import playlist and select the latest iTunes library file in Previous iTunes libraries.
Then File -> add to library and select the iTunes music folder where your music is located.

Can itunes library file be shared or copied between two macs?

I have two macs that use the same networked hard drive for iTunes file storage. One is acting as a server front-end as it syncs with my AppleTV. The other I use on a daily basis, syncs with my iPhone and roams around the house. Ultimately I'd like to have both computers with iTunes show the same videos, music, ratings, play count, and other material. That way, if I download some music on the Macbook roaming laptop, it will sync with the Server computer and recognize when a file has been changed.
If I use automator to copy the latest itunes library file to both computers, will this doe the trick?
Any suggestions?

Yes - store the files on the same drive as the tune files - nest them in the same order as if they were on your computer.
I usually rename the Library file to reflect the tunes - ie: I have a HD that has a iTunes library file named 'Really Big Music'. I do this so I don't accidentally delete the wrong library file. When opening iTunes -open with the 'option' key held down and the follow the dialog box and select the library that you want to open.
MJ

I have multiple libraries on an external drive. Somehow all the iTunes library files i.e. iTunes Library.itl, xml, itdb, Media folder, etc disappeared! Only the music files remain. Now when I start iTunes w/option it can't find any of the old libraries!

Help! I 'm using an old G4 powerbook, Mac OSX 10.5.8, iTunes ver 10. I have multiple iTunes libraries on an external drive. Everything was fine for a while, then all of the iTunes library files, i.e. iTunes Library.itl, xml, itdb, artwork folder, Media folder, etc mysteriously disappeared! Only the music files remain (thank god) So now when I start iTunes w/option key to choose a library, I can't choose any of them because iTunes won't recognize them. Because all the library stuff is missing. So can I re-create the library files? (I don't care if I lose my ratings)
Or should I create a new empty library on the external drive, then manually move all the music files to the Media folder in the new library?
I tried some stupid ideas like creating a new library just to start iTunes, then going into prefs and advanced, then under iTunes Media folder location, selecting the location of the old library on the external, to see if iTunes would then find all the music which is still there, but no workee.
I'm out of ideas, and I searched the archives.
Help! anyone?
Scott

I don't know if this is me adding files to iTunes when the external wasn't connected
it is.
is it OK to just keep deleting that library on the Air?
i wouldn't - at least not until i
mount the external
point iTunes media folder location back to the external via preferences > advanced
consolidate my library via file > library > organize library
The ntfs hasn't seem to be causing any problems, but I've always wanted to know.
in order for your Mac to write to NTFS drives, it needs some help by installing e.g. the NTFS 3G driver. apparently that or something similar is installed on your Mac already. preferably, it would be formatted for Mac but then windows machines would need to have e.g. MacDrive installed to recognize the drive.

Trying to back up iPad to external hard drive, "iTunes library file cannot be saved. The disk you are attempting to use is full."

This issue is somewhat complex so I will try to explain it as clearly as I can. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
It all began when I kept getting popups from my iPad saying that I had not backed up since May. I realized that was pretty dangerous so I decided to finally try syncing it to iTunes, though I had avoided doing so for so long because I knew that when I tried there was no room on the computer. I then remembered that I have an external hard drive with plenty of storage space, so I got that out and set it up with a folder to move iTunes and the backup into.
On iTunes I went to the Advanced Preferences and changed iTunes Media Folder Location to the G: folder, with the keep organized box checked. I also copied the previous backups from the original C: drive to G: so that I could delete the ones on C:.
I used Junction Link Magic to link my now empty MobileSync backup on C: to a new (JLM would not work unless it was empty) backup folder on external hard drive G:.
I plugged in my iPad to iTunes to sync it, and while it was backing up I checked the new folder on G: to make sure that the backup was being put there. It was.
However, about halfway through I got the message "iTunes library file cannot be saved. The disk you are attempting to use is full."
My question is Why? If it is being made in a 1.5 terabyte hard drive now, and not the computer, why is there no disk space? My guess is that it must still somehow be saving to the computer. But how? And how can I get it to save solely on the G: drive where there is enough room?
I am running Windows XP and the latest version of iTunes.
An additional but not as crucial issue:
Much of my music has been lost, with the being displayed next to the songs in the iTunes library, and only 50 (purchased) songs remain on my iPad. This was because those missing songs were stored on a different external hard drive ( I:). However, I copied many of the music folders on I: over to G: so that everything could be together. I am wondering if it is possible for me to get these songs back onto my iPad. But this is not my most important issue right now, because I believe that once I get the first issue solved I can simply plug in I: and G: at the same time while syncing the iPad, and get the songs back.
Note: I have come to realize the iTunes program itself is still under Program Files in the C: drive. Does this have to do with anything?

Short term, free up some disk space. Long term, move the library to a bigger drive.
tt2

How can I locate my iTunes library files. When I click on my itunes icon the message appears, "The file iTunes Library.itl." cannot be found because it was created by a newer version of iTunes."

How can I locate my iTunes library files? When I click on my iTunes icon rather than my iTunes files I receive, " The file iTunes Library.itl." cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes." I have already tried to update my iTunes program.

Had same problem and solved it without having to reinstore any music or movies:
1. Delete old Library file
2. Go to the 'Previous iTunes Libraries' folder and copy one of the earlier files - note, they have a date extension, e.g. 'iTunes Library 2011-11-01'.
3. Paste this file in your iTuners folder and rename file by removing the date extension - 'iTunes Library'
You should have all your music and paylists in tact, unless it was a really old previous file.

I have a new PC and I am getting the message "The iTunes Library File cannot be saved. You do not have enough access privileges for this operation." I am the only one using this PC and I have Windows 7 Pro and have an administrator account. Help

Can anyone help me with this problem. ITunes message," The iTunes library file cannot be saved. You do not have enough access privileges for this operation." I have administrator account and transferred files from old PC. I downloaded new iTunes program on new PC. I synced my iPhone to new PC, no problem. I deleted old account after indicating shared files to new admin account. Can anyone help?

A belated reply, as the problems itunes has have discouraged me from using it much. If you uncheck the "read only" box, it doesn't stay that way! Next time you use it, the box comes up checked.
I'm still having that problem, even when I open iTunes as administrator.
I've yet to see the answer to this problem. I use itunes mostly to download audiobooks, and I'm ready to download more, and want to save them!

Accidently deleted both my itunes library files

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