Backup of iTunes Library to DVD causes iTunes to crash

I thought backing up my entire iTunes library onto DVD would be simple. iTunes reveals that it will take 3 disks for my library and proceeds to write Disk#1. After requesting (and inserting) a second blank disk, iTunes crashes -- EVERY TIME. Now what? Is this a common problem? Is there a workaround?
I am using iTunes 9.0.1. All my software is up to date.

I'm having the same problem -- Latest iTunes, and I've 'coastered' about 6-8 total DVD+R's trying different options, and I'm on Windows(!).
Otherwise, the behavior is exactly as you describe!
I'm running Vista-64 and the latest iTunes. My Library is about 48GB (12 discs required...). What makes this doubly strange is that once iTunes crashes, I simply cannot eject the disc it was on when it iTunes crashed (usually it's the second or third DVD disc...), and hence the CD/DVD drive us 'locked up'. I must reboot my machine and 'catch it' (hitting the eject button) before the machine gets to the BIOS (while it's still in the POST sequence).
Any help would be appreciated!

Similar Messages

By backing up the iTunes Library via saving the iTunes folder on an external drive, is it also backing up all iPad and iPhone backups as well as App Data and Documents from your devices?

If I backup my iTunes Library by saving the iTunes folder on an external hard drive using the instructions contained in the link below, will it also back up all my iPad and iPhone backups as well as App Data and Documents from my devices? In other words, will it also create backups for the backups? Thank you.
Back up your iTunes library by copying it to an external drive
Furthermore, when it is time to restore the iTunes folder I copied to my external drive to a new iTunes program on my new computer, how will it merge the information once I plug in my iPad or iPhone to that new laptop to sync? If I did the iTunes library backup a couple months ago and I've added documents/music/pictures on my devices since then, what will happen when I try to sync it with the new laptop now working off of the iTunes library backup from a couple months ago since the information is no longer the same? Which information will dominate and thus be kept? Will it delete the new information/data/pictures/documents/music off of the devices since it is not on the iTunes program when it syncs?
Sorry for so many questions, but they are all related to backing up and restoring iTunes. I am not very tech savvy if you cannot tell

It would be a good idea to look into a bigger hard drive. They are not that expensive any more and can save a lot of headach. This is even more important if you are buying music from the iTunes music store. If you lost those files they are gone.
The point of having it on your PC and iPod is to have a backup. If the iPod fails, or you need to go back to the DVDs and find they are scratched, or just can not be read you have lost days of work converting and organizing all of those songs.
Or the iPod could hard drive could fail and then you will have to try to bring all of those files back from DVDs. You end up with a mess since some songs will probably be on multiple DVDs, have different names ect. Trying to reorganize it all can be a pain.

Error in burning iTunes library to DVD as back up

I'm keen to make a back up of my iTunes library onto DVD.
When I try to do this, having followed the instructions to the letter, the system chugs through, checks the playlist, tells me it is initiating the burning, then I get a message canceling the operation reading 'unknown error 4251'.
Now, I can't find anything relating to this error on the Apple website, however, there are other users with the same problem using other forums. The problem is though, there don't seem to be any answers resolving the problem.
Any help would be great, thanks.
Evesham Windows XP
Evesham Windows XP Pro

Well....You do not absolutely need to Use iTunes for Backing up your Music. Any program that burns DVDs can burn music files as data disks.
iTunes can work fine for music files BUT: I prefer more control and completeness over my backup process. It is also very important to note that a large limitation of using iTunes to manage the backup is that the iTunes method does not maintain the two meta-data files (iTunes Library.itl & iTunes Music Library.xml) where your Playlists, Ratings, Play Counts, etc. are stored. See: What are the iTunes Library files?
If you are heavily invested in your Library data (Playlists, Play Counts, Ratings, Last Played, Date Added, etc.), it is critical that you also make and archive multiple backups of your ‘iTunes Library.itl’ file.
If your music is located under one common Folder (e.g.-‘iTunes’), then it is easiest to physically copy that folder and all its sub-folders in one simple process. It can be done quickly, and incrementally – several times a day, when necessary. In the case of any data loss, just re-copy your entire (or partial) music library back to wherever it was, placing it in the main Folder that the previous iTunes expected. Along with the .ITL meta-data file, this completes a full ‘restore’ of your music to the time of your last backup.
Use of a backup software program will greatly help. It will allow you to easily perform incremental backups of only the files that have changed. WinXP has such a facility built-in. I use a free program called FileSync ( http://www.fileware.com ). There are many out there. Some use Zipped files or proprietary formats, others use standard file formats. I like FileSync as it uses normal file formats that can be viewed/managed via any Windows program or utility.
Here's a list of possible ways to copy your music files from your main iTunes computer to another storage medium for backup purposes.
1) Use an External Hard Drive to store the complete iTunes meta-data files and underlying Music Folder structure and songs from your main computer. They are quite cheap now, for their storage volume. This is my preferred main medium.
2) If you have two computers:
2a) Connect them through a router
2b) Connect them using a Direct (w/Mac) or Crossover (PC/PC) Ethernet cable (See: http://www.ifelix.co.uk/tech/3001.html)
2c) Connect them via a USB-to-USB Network Bridge. See: here as an example.
Copy the files and folders from one computer to the other. Use the second PC as your backup repository.
3) Burn several DVDs (at 4.7+ GBs each) with the music data files and store them safely. Re-writable ones are good for backup purposes (if your DVD drive can manage these).
4) Burn 6x more on CDs (at 700MB each) than in #3 above and store them safely in more space Re-writable ones are good for backup purposes (if your CD drive can manage these).
5) Use a larger USB Flash drive (1GB – 4+GBs) to store the files only if you have a small amount ripped music or have multiple and/or jumbo USB drives at your disposal that will fit your music library.
6) Use the second internal hard drive (if available) of your PC -- not optimum, as you really want to physically separate the storage of backups from the originals, but good as a tertiary storage device.
By keeping only one copy of your music (other than on the iPod), you are not truly 'backed-up' and are running a high risk of losing your music. Music files on just the iPod and the computer is not considered having any backup. If you cannot store your complete music files on the computer, then create and maintain two external sets.
You need at least three sets of your music:
-- One full set on the PC within iTunes (on internal HD or ExHD)
-- One full set on an separate external backup medium (CD/DVD/ExHD/other)
-- One (full or partial) set on the iPod
It is a good policy to backup all your important data. It is a very smart policy to back it up on more than one medium.
External hard drives now run less than $100 for 200-250GBs of storage. Very cheap backup insurance, indeed. See This Link

Backing up itunes library to DVD -- process interrupted

I'm backing up my entire itunes library on dvd-rw and the burner will stop in the middle. then itunes will say: please insert another disc while the burning is taking place. The problem is, the burner won't stop burning. So, I stop the burner and am unable to pick up where I left off in the backing up process. I have over 50 g of music that i'm trying to backup before i take my lappie to the geek squad (long story). does anybody have any ideas how to specifically backup a particular section of my library?

SOMETIMES IT HAPPENS, BUT LET ME ASK U R U BACKING IT UP IN DATA FORM, I SUGGEST U CHOOSE DATA BURNING WHEN U BACKING UP ITUNES, IT SAVES U DISK AND IT IS BETTER.
1. OPEN ITUNES
2.UNDER EDIT CLICK ON PREFERENCES.
3.LOOK FOR ADVANCE
4.CLICK ON BURNING
5 AN LOOK FOR AUDIO FORMAT
6.CLICK ON DATA CD /DVD.
THIS SHOULD BURN IN DATA FORMAT. MAKE SURE ALSO U CHOOSE THE HIGHEST SPEED OF BURNING.
AND OPEN ITUNES BEFORE U INSERT UR DISK FOR BURNING. MAKE SURE THE DISK IS FREE AND NEW.
IF U ENCOUNTER PROBLEM RESTART ITUNES AND REBOOT UR COMPUTER. THIS SHOULD BURN UR DISK WITHOUT PROBLEM.IF U DO ,I SUGGEST U GO GET USB DRIVE AND SAVE UR ITUNES IN IT. THEN U DONT HAVE TO BURN THEM.
ALSO IF U ENCOUNTER LOTS OF PROBLEM, JUST DEAUTHORISE UR COMPUTER BEFORE U TAKE IT FOR REPAIRS. U SHOULD NOT LOOSE UR MEDIA, BUT IT CAN HEPPEN. THEY SHOULD REPAIR UR COMPUTER WITHOUT U LOSING ANYTHING. IF IN CASE U LOOSE EVERYTHING U CAN USE UR IPOD TO REINSTALL OR REIMPORT UR SONGS FROM IPOD TO ITUNES. SO MAKE SURE ALL UR SONGS ARE IN UR IPOD BEFORE REPAIRS.WHEN U GET UR COMPUTER BACK REAUTHOURISE UR COMPUTER AGAIN, DO UPDATE AT APPLE.COM THEN U USE UR IPOD TO REIMPORT UR SONGS. U CAN DO THIS VIA A THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE. U CAN USE IPOD2COMPUTER.COM. THERE ARE MANY OF THEM THOUGH. JUST GO ONLINE AND TYPE IPOD TRANSFER SOFTWARES. U WILL SEE MANY OF THEM. U SHOULD NOT HAVE PROBLEM U JUST PAY THEM ABOUT 22 DOLLARS AND ALL UR MUSIC WILL BE TRANSFERED BACK TO ITUNES WITH NO PROBLEM, SO U KNOW WAT SLEEP EASY.

I started backing up my iTunes library on DVDs

I started to back up my iTunes library on DVDs some time ago but ran out of DVDs. I now have a new supply in but I can't access the back up option under file/library - it doesn't appear at all. All I get access to is organise library, export library, export list. Could this be because I stopped half-way through? Can anybody tell me how to continue with my back up please? Thanks a lot.

No it's because they made a change in the way you back up your Library. I haven't been able to get an answer as to how we are suppose to do it in the 10.4 version. If anyone knows how please share the information as it is really getting frustrating.

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.

I recently downloaded lots of CD's to my itunes library. I have itunes match. None of the downloads are appearing on my ipad or iphone. All settings are correct. Anything I purchase on itunes shows up in the cloud on all the devices.

I downloaded CD's to my itunes library. I have itunes match. All my itunes purchased music is on my ipad and iphone cloud. For some reason, while the cloud appears in my library, the CD's that I downloaded (popular ones that itunes recognize) are not showing up on my ipad2 and my iphone4s. When I purchase songs from itunes directly they show up on all i devices (with the cloud icon). In my itunes library all the new downloads from CD's have the icloud icon. However, none of these downloads are showing up on my ipad and iphone as stated above. All my settings are correct. I am sure I am missing something, but not sure what....if anyone can help, I'd really appreciate it. thanks.

This might help: http://www.macworld.com/article/1146958/move_itunes_windows_mac.html.

My laptop hard drive with my itunes library died and now itunes won't sync my ipod to the libary on the new drive without first deleting everything on my ipod. What can be done?

My laptop hard drive with my itunes library died and now itunes won't sync my ipod to the libary on the new drive without first deleting everything on my ipod. What can be done?

Sync with new computer
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3141

How to synchronise window itune library and mac mini itune library

Hi,how can I synchronise Window 7 itune library and Mac mini itune library?
Meaning copy wholemedia library to the other itune(window itune/mac mini itune)
Thanks!

Thanks for your advice, but I did AB audition between Home sharing my other laptop itune and playing direct thru my mac mini (Direct playing thru mac mini SQ is better than playing Home sharing thru wifi) that's why I want to copy my full itune library from my other laptop into mac mini.
Blame it on my ears..

Can anyone suggest a good iTunes library Browser [Other than iTunes]

Can anyone suggest a good iTunes library Browser [Other than iTunes]that wouldlet me compare the data [music] thats in my PC's itunes library to whats allready on my iPod. Any suggestions please?
thanks!
Intel Piii Windows XP Pro

I use Do It by Jim McGowan. it is simple and really good.

ITunes library is split between iTunes/iTunes Music and iTunes/iTunes Media/Music

My itunes library is split between iTunes/iTunes Music and iTunes/iTunes Media/Music, what should I do to combine them? I would like all my iTunes stuff to be in one, organized, location.

Here are typical layouts for the iTunes folders:
If you have upgraded from version 8 (or earlier) to iTunes 9 (or later) at some point, then your media folder (everything inside the red outline) may still be called iTunes Music instead of iTunes Media. The extra Music folder inside the media folder is used if you have allowed iTunes to Upgrade to iTunes Media Organization (iTunes 9) or used File > Library > Organize Library > Reorganize files in the folder "<Media Folder>" (iTunes 10). Depending on your choices for Keep iTunes Media folder organized and Copy files to iTunes Media folder when adding to library plus a little bug in which one build changed the name of the file storing the choice of layout it is quite easy for some of your files to be organized according to one layout and some the other.
Somehow it seems you've also managed to get both an iTunes Music and an iTunes Media folder. I'd recommend you make sure the media folder preference is set to iTunes Media before you continue...
Assuming you're happy letting iTunes organize your files the following steps should tidy things up (should it be necessary):
1. Select File > Library > Organize Library... > Tick Reorganize files in the folder "<Media Folder>" and click OK. Skip if this option is greyed out (already upgraded) or you prefer the older layout.
2. Select File > Library > Organize Library... > Tick Consolidate files and click OK. This will bring any files currently organised outside the designated media folder into it. NB This will create duplicate copies of any file that needs to be consolidated, and you will need to manually clean up afterwards. If space is at a premium try my scripts Unconsolidated to find out what would need moving and ConsolidatebyMoving to move rather than copy it.
3. Select Edit > Preferences > Advanced tab, uncheck Keep iTunes Media folder organized and click OK.
4. Select Edit > Preferences > Advanced tab, check Keep iTunes Media folder organized and click OK. This triggers iTunes into reorganizing everything according to your preferences.
5. (Optional) Close iTunes, rename the folder iTunes Music as iTunes Media then restart iTunes. Check under Edit > Preferences > Advanced tab that the location has automatically updated. If you can't access the media for any reason just undo the folder rename. (Not relevant in this instance).
6. (Optional - Windows only) If Windows Media Player has ever had access to your files it may have liberally scattered folder artwork files about which iTunes won't tidy up when it reorganizes things, thus leaving behind a heap of folders with artwork and no media. I've written a script for cleaning this mess up called CleanDeadArt.
PS If you really prefer the older layout, but it is already in the new one then edit the file called .iTunes Preferences.plist in your media folder and change the integer from 1 to 0 before doing step 3.
tt2

Convert a Mac iTunes library to a Windows iTunes library?

This sounds like heresy, but I've switched my home system from a ten year old Mac Powerbook, to a screamingly fast, new Dell laptop. I have a large iTunes library on the old Mac; s there a way I can convert my Mac iTunes Library into a Windows iTunes Library, or do I have to (gasp) rebuild the whole thing in Windows?

Hello autochthon,
Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.
To transfer your iTunes library to another computer just follow the steps in the article below.
iTunes: How to move your music to a new computer
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527
Take care,
Alex H.

Backup iTunes Library to DVD

On Windows Vista trying to backup a 7.5 gb library to DVD, iTunes writes the first disk, asks for the 2nd, says it is writing song such-and-such and just freezes. Can anyone help?

You'd be better off posting this question in the appropriate forum.
http://discussions.apple.com/forum.jspa?forumID=791

Can´t burn Library to DVD with iTunes 7 -Error 8785

When Burning my whole Library to DVD (The new Backup Feature), iTunes 7 tells me about an unexpected error (-8785) while throwing out the 2nd DVD to burn. The first DVD is already finished. Any Ideas how to fix it?

For me the problem is solved:
On oct. 17. I bought this song:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=14929468& s=143443&i=14929691
In iTunes it has the following track information:
Title: We Are the World
Interpret: Ars Canto G. Verdi, B.B. King, Boyzone, Gianni Morandi, Gloria Estefan, Guatemala Choir, Joe Cocker, José Molina, Laura Pausini, Lionel Richie, Luciano Pavarotti, Mariah Carey, Marianne Tatum, Melanie Daniels, Orchestra Sinfonica Italiana, Pino Palladino,
On my harddrive I can find the file in my iTunes Library folder, but even spotlight isn't able to locate the file.
In iTunes on the information dialog of the song it reads "nicht verfügbar" wich is "not available" but the song plays fine.
I removed the song from my library and the backup worked!!!
After the backup completed successfully I added the file again and the backup throwed Error -8785 again.
Solution: I renamed the the interpret tag to "Various", the filename/directory changed in the finder and the complete name/path shows up in iTunes. Backup now works fine including this tune!!!
Look at the iTunes Tags for suspicious long names in the tagfields that are used the generate the filename on the harddisk. Inspect these files in iTunes on the information tab.
In conclusion I would say: This is an iTunes Bug!
cU
macwillis
P.S.: Let me hear, if the solution worked!

How do I burn iTunes library onto DVD-RW? I'm a schmuck.

Tab: Advanced/Burn only says data - CD; Why can't I burn it as a Audio DVD. I checked help. I got Itunes 6, Sonic ain't working. Neither is Windows Media player. I don't get it. I created playlist, went back to main library, selected all, then back to playlist, and pasted, then burn; I don't know, I'm a schmuck. Nothing can work for me. Like I'm a 3 year old, step 1, 2, 3, how do I do this please? Ask me whatever ya want regarding this, to ensure this can even be done, but please, someone kindly help me? I'm using a (period) > "Staples" DVD-RW, says up to 4x, what am I doing wrong or am I that much of a *******? My email is [email protected] Thank you in advance. My iTunes library is: (367) songs, and 1.53GB. Take care.

Currently, you can not burn purchased videos to a "Playable" DVD. You CAN burn them to a Data DVD for backup, but there not playable.
If you look at the "Terms of service" agreement, it states in section 9 under Usage rules.....
"You shall be entitled to export, burn (if applicable) or copy Products solely for personal, noncommercial use. You shall not be entitled to burn Video Products."
http://www.apple.com/legal/itunes/us/service.html
I know, this does suck, I myself wish I could burn the videos I buy to a DVD to play on the TV. Its just currently Hollywood wants there content very well protected, and currently theres no way to burn it to a DVD and have its protection carry over onto the burned DVD.

Backup of iTunes Library to DVD causes iTunes to crash

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for