Artist search is broken for MP3 files in iTunes 11?

I am having a first world problem.
I am using iTunes 11.01 on 2 Macs - an old 2006 iMac running 10.7.5, and a new MacBook Pro running 10.8.2. Both exhibit the same odd behavior.
If I add new MP3 files to iTunes (such as tracks from Amazon), artist name search may fail even though it is 100% certain that the artist is present in my library
If I add new AAC files, buy tracks from the iTunes Store or rip a CD to AAC, everything works fine
If I search for the album name(s), those always work correctly.
I can "fix" this by unchecking the search parameter "Search entire library", but that is not terribly satisfying. I cannot determine what is causing only certain file types to have this problem.
This is complicated by the fact that I use iTunes Match to coordinate about 20,000 tracks among my 4 devices (iMac, MacBook, iPhone, iPad).
Recipe:
Buy MP3 tracks from Amazon from an artist not presently in the library
Add them to iTunes (the Amazon downloader does this automatically)
Verify that the tracks play fine (they do)
Search for the artist name
Expected result:
Artist name is found, album is displayed
Actual result:
Nothing is found
Bizarro exception:
Go to another device connected to iTunes Match for this account
Search for the same artist as above
It works
Visual example:
In this example, I downloaded the new Bill Fay album from Amazon (hey, it was on sale!). As you can see, the search field is looking for "Bill Fay", and reporting that there are "No Results". But the album is plainly visible (and playing) in the album browser.
My hunch is that something about the new MP3 files causes the iTunes database to fail in some manner. The reason that other machines connected to iTunes Match work correctly is that the MP3 files are not present; only the "Matched" AAC files from the iTunes store and in iCloud.
Thoughts, y'all?

For no reason I can fathom, search for the very same album that was causing grief yesterday now works normally, with "Search Entire Library" turned ON.
What happened in the interim? Not much. I took the MacBook from my office to my home, and thus changed networks, and I restarted the MacBook for unrelated reasons (I restart every few weeks just because I'm old and superstitious...). I did NOTHING to iTunes during that time.
Spooky.

Similar Messages

  • When i search for mp3 files spotlight shows id3 tags instead of filenames as it used to do !!! I DONT want that .. how can i disable it !!!!!???????

    when i search for mp3 files spotlight shows id3 tags instead of filenames as it used to do !!! I DONT want that .. how can i disable it !!!!!???????

    Sorry, my handful of mp3's had the file name as the id3 tag name.
    So, I am seeing the same thing as you.
    Oddly, a while back I was trying to help someone out in Mountain Lion that wanted to see the id3 tags in the Finder.
    It's all a bit silly. They should have added columns instead or changing it to tag song name.
    They are transitioning to having everything reflect the content and not the file system, so this may not be reversible.
    The best I think you can do is provide feedback: http://www.apple.com/feedback/macosx.html

  • How do I update/refresh track information for mp3 files already on my the comput

    I recently started using MediaSource after buying a Zen Touch and noticed that one (possibly more, I haven't screened all the?files I've burned) of the CD directories doesn't show the track information in MediaSource. I don't know why, when I go to the file directly on my computer all the information is there. I thought correcting the problem would be a simple matter of identifying the tracks without information and getting Gracenote to tag them, but I can't find any way to do this, and I've spent a lot of time looking.
    In searching this forum I've found other users with similar problems but no solution. To keep this simple, I will ask the question in the most direct manner I can:?How do I get track information for mp3 files already on my computer?Please note that I'm not asking how to get track information for CD's I'm burning, these are files that have been on my computers for years. Can somebody please help? I'm quite frustrated that what I thought would be an easy to apply feature of MediaSource is proving so difficult.

    Go to Settings>Store>Apple ID. Make sure that your current ID is set in there.
    You can also try logging out of FaceTime - Settings>FaceTime>Apple ID. Tap that ID and sign out. Sign in with the correct ID.

  • Help Please with searching Hard Drive for MP3's etc

    Right I installed ITunes and in the install it said do you want ITunes to search your harddrives for MP3s to add to the library. Which I said Yes. I have all mu music on a 200gb External Hard Drive.
    WHen it finished the search I had 5 files in my library that were on my desktop.
    How do I ask ITunes to search my external harddrive for the rest of my music without importing individually??
    Many Thanks in Advance

    Just use the Add to Library command (under the File menu) and select the folder(s) on your external drive in which your music is stored.

  • Attachments dont download from Gmail in Safari, They disappear,I even tried re-downloading Safari and that download disappeared, it is not in my downloads folder, I actually searched in finder for the file and it is nowhere on my computer.  Please help!

    Attachments dont download from Gmail in Safari, They disappear,I even tried re-downloading Safari and that download disappeared, it is not in my downloads folder, I actually searched in finder for the file and it is nowhere on my computer.  Please help!

    Oh my gosh I had the EXACT same problem, and for ages I couldn't figure out how to fix it until today. Here's what I did:
    First I went onto my computer, opened itunes, and un-installed tumblr, vine and kik. These were the apps I was having problems with (it said I had them on my phone but, like you, they didn't show).
    Then I went to the itunes store, searched for each one, and it said I could update them so I did (just FYI: for tumblr a window popped up saying "please click ok to confirm you are 17 years or older", so I did that also)
    When I went back to my phone and tried installing them again (still on my computer), it worked!
    I hope this helps, because it was incredibly frustrating. Good luck!

  • I have a large library that I ripped in AIFF using iTunes.  I converted to Mp3 to save drive space, keeping the originals. I have a new computer and want to revert to my original files. iTunes sees the library but is looking for Mp3 files.  Suggestions?

    I have a large library that I ripped in AIFF using iTunes.  I converted to Mp3 to save drive space, keeping the originals. I have a new computer and want to revert to my original files. iTunes sees the library but is looking for Mp3 files.  Suggestions?

    You're welcome.
    For tips on logical organization within iTunes see my article on Grouping Tracks Into Albums.
    tt2

  • Icon Preview is not shown for mp3 files in finder

    Hi. Recently I noticed icons of mp3 files are no longer as used to be in finder. Previously I had a dark music note icon and when i hover my mouse there was a play button. Now I only see itunes icon in mp3 files. "Show Icon Preview" option is enabled, and i can preview image and pdf files in finder. But something happened to the mp3 files. It is very annoying. Please guide me to get back the good old icon preview for mp3 files.

    Displaying icons as previews of files
    In Finder windows and on the desktop, the icons for files can appear as thumbnail previews of the file contents. For example, instead of seeing a generic icon for a PDF file, you can see a miniature version of what’s in the PDF file. If you “hover” over the icon for a movie or sound file, you’ll see a Play button, which you can click to view the movie or hear the sound. (If you don’t see a Play button, enlarge the icon.)
    NOTE:If you’re using Cover Flow view, you’re already previewing files and don’t need to change any settings.
    To display icons as previews:
    To work with icons in a Finder window, click the Finder icon in the Dock.To work with icons on the desktop (the background area of your screen), click the desktop.
    If you’re working with icons in a Finder window, click one of the View buttons in the toolbar to select icon, list, or column view.
    Choose View > Show View Options.
    Select “Show icon preview.”
    If you’re working in a Finder window, you can also set the following options, depending on which view you’re using:
    In Icon view: Use the “Icon size” slider to adjust the size of the preview image.
    In List view: Click one of the two “Icon size” buttons.
    In Column view: To see a larger preview in the adjacent column, select “Show preview column.”
    NOTE:The Finder may not be able to show a preview for some files.
    Another way to get a quick preview is to select one or more images, and then click the Quick Look (eye) button in the Finder window toolbar, or press the Space bar.
    Related Topics
    Finder preferences
    Previewing files with Quick Look

  • How do you create a save as default folder for MP3 files used Captivate text to audio voices files?

    How do you create a save as default folder for MP3 files used Captivate text to audio voices files?

    Hi Ed
    Thank you for contacting me, however I already know how to save text to
    audio files via timeline using the Export feature.
    So my question was not entirely clear and I apologize for that.  To explain
    further, whenever I save a text to audio file, captivate takes me to a
    default save as folder where I then have browse back to my production
    folder where I am keeping all my Txt to Aud files.  This is very tedious
    process when you have alot of files to save.  So my question was is there a
    way to configure captivate so I can make my production folder the default
    file for whenever I save a Txt to Audio file through Export feature that
    the system automatically takes me to that production folder, and I am
    spared the long tedious process of saving the file manually to the
    prodcution folder I want.
    I have copy the pathway to the production folder in the URL filed in the
    Save As dialoge box and that workaround as cut the work down but I still
    have to paste that URL field to point the file to the right folder. So it
    would be nice if I could do everything automatically.  Microsoft makes this
    capability in their MS Office applications, so I was thinking Adobe might
    do the same thing.  Your help with this would be appreicated,
    Thanks
    Merrill Roberts
    Sr. Training Specialist
    SunGard Availability Services
    Direct 925-831-7730
    Mobile:415-215-9280

  • Where do i find the mp3 files in iTunes for windows

    where do i find the mp3 files in iTunes for windows

    You can create a smart playlist with the rule Kind is MPEG audio file.
    tt2

  • Whats most common naming convention for MP3s (what does iTunes store use?)

    Trying to organise all my tags and music.
    I am using iTunes and some other tag (tag%rename) WMP etc, as some seem to not show all the tgs of other programs)
    However what is the generalised, most common naming convention for MP3 files?
    ie. track no, Album, artist etc.
    Also Ive never bought music from iTunes store yet, only got podcasts and stuff, but when you do , what is the filename convention they use please?
    cheers
    Mac OS X (10.5) iMac 20" 2Ghz (1st ever Mac Comp)

    iTunes has no automatic tag look up function for anything other than CDs (through GraceNote). I import a lot of mp3s (legally obtained) that need tweaking. Also, GraceNote doesn't provide lyrics. If I just need to edit a couple of tracks, the iTunes interface is fine. But for bulk adding of artwork or searching for release dates or lyrics, I use MpFreaker. I find it works best if you do small batches and keep an eye on what it comes up with. Sometimes, well, rarely, it's way off base.
    There may be better utilities out there but MpFreaker was recommended to me by someone I trust who spends a lot of time reviewing such things and it works for me so I haven't looked for anything else. You might find more reviews of other software at www.ilounge.com
    Best of luck.

  • I get an error when trying to import MP3 files in iTunes?

    When I try to import mp3 files into iTunes (version 6), I get an error message of:
    The file "song file name" can not be imported An unknown error has occurred (-50).
    I have already imported these files into iTnes on my old computer, but run into this problem with my new laptop. I downloaded a new version of iTunes just like I installed all my new programs on this new laptop.
    For some reason, I run into this problem when trying to import any mp3 files (as mentioned, even mp3 files that I successfully imported into iTunes previously).
    (I've tried a complete removal and re-install, but that didn't help)
    Anyone know why I'm getting this error message and how to correct things?
    Thanks in advance for any help !!!

    C:\DOCUME~1\Mark\LOCALS~1\Temp\WERe357.dir00\iTunes.exe.mdmp
    C:\DOCUME~1\Mark\LOCALS~1\Temp\WERe357.dir00\appcompat.txt
    those are the files that are sent as an error report... i dont know what the problem is! this is starting to get me mad! I need my music! some1 help plz.
    I cant load that one folder, what could be the problem? I've loaded another folder similar to this one but it was alot smaller and everything worked out fine, but for my big one its messing up.

  • How can I convert the ringtone (m4r file) I made into an mp3 file on itunes?

    How can I convert the ringtone (m4r file) that I made into an mp3 file on iTunes? I want to put it on a CD, but I can't figure out how to convert it. I didn't buy it, I made it by converting a YouTube video into an mp3 (I wanted to get the little song in the video for a ringtone.) I'm not sure what to do. 

    Hello ed2345,
    Thanks for the help, but this is not the problem.
    It's hard to describe the problem, but I'll try it again, this time with pictures.
    I was left with the following folders in the iTunes Downloads folder.
    http://www.picfront.org/d/7yb3
    These TMP Folders have a download.m4a and a Info.plist file.
    After moving the audio files in iTunes a bit I get this.
    http://www.picfront.org/d/7yb2
    As you can see no other Information for the download.m4a than the length.
    That's how the .m4p file looks like
    http://www.picfront.org/d/7yb1
    And this is how the same .m4a file currently looks
    http://www.picfront.org/d/7yb0
    Like I said, I could edit all these download.m4a files by myself but that would leave some information out.
    Note: Sorry, I hope the links do not spam you with annoying ads. I don't get any but I was told that there can be some annoying one.

  • Suddenly unable to upload mp3 files using iTunes Match

    I've got a USB turntable and have enjoyed digitizing a lot of LPs and copying them into iTunes.  I digitized a 10-track album just yesterday, and can copy the resulting mp3 files into iTunes, where they play fine, but they won't upload to iCloud using iTunes Match. It gets to the point where it's supposed to upload tracks it cannot match and just sits there.  I use Audacity to digitize from the USB turntable, and it exports as MP3 file. This has worked over many albums but now seems to be stuck. Any thoughts on what the problem might be?

    So my issue appears to be with uploading mp3 files that probably won't match anything in iCloud.
    iTunes match matches Audio files by comparing the audio and not by comparing the tags for the album. My iTunes Library contains more than 500 songs that have been ripped and matched from vinyl records or audio tapes.
    The songs will not match, if there is not the exact same recording in the store, but if the audo quality is good and the tempo of the player was exact, the song will be matched.

  • I Can't import MP3 files in iTunes?

    When I try to import mp3 files into iTunes (version 6), I get an error message of:
    The file "song file name" can not be imported An unknown error has occurred (-50).
    I have already imported these files into iTnes on my old computer, but run into this problem with my new laptop. I downloaded a new version of iTunes just like I installed all my new programs on this new laptop.
    For some reason, I run into this problem when trying to import any mp3 files (as mentioned, even mp3 files that I successfully imported into iTunes previously).
    (I've tried a complete removal and re-install, but that didn't help)
    Anyone know why I'm getting this error message and how to correct things?
    Thanks in advance for any help !!!

    1) find an MP3 file on your file system (in Windows Explorer)
    2) Right click on it to get contextual menu
    3) Select Properties
    4) on the General Tab the text "opens with" appears - in your case it'll be windows Media Player
    5) Click Change
    6) Select ITunes
    7) Select Always for this type checkbox
    8) Now try double clicking on an MP3 file
    9) Does it start playing in ITunes?
    10) Check Itunes settings: Edit>Preferences>Advanced
    11) Are the checkboxes Keep Itunes folder organized and Copy to Itunes foler when adding selected? If not - read the manual to understand what those two settings do

  • I can't import mp3 files into iTunes

    Just recently, I find that I can't drag/drop (or import) .mp3 files into iTunes (12.1.0.50).
    I did confirm that the files aren't locked.
    Any ideas?  Thanks!

    No mp3 files from any source, including iTunes itself, or just some particular batch of mp3s files from some unspecified source?  It isn't unusual for some encoders to produce mp3s that are not compliant with iTunes.  You can try using the application MP3 Scan+Repair (http://triq.net/mac/mp3-validator-mac-os-x) to fix them but sometimes you have to re-encode them.  Try playing with Quicktime Player instead and report if it will play the files.
    Oh, it also isn't unusual that files do not have labels built in.  They are adding to iTunes but not ending up where you expect them to be.

Maybe you are looking for