Damaged iTunes Library.itl file, anyway to recover?? pls help!

Hi there,
My harddrive has gone through some bad blocks and subsequently had to be replaced. I'm now going through and trying to salvage all that I can off the old HD, however it looks like one of the corrupted/damaged files is the one i need most; the "iTunes Library.itl" and the "iTunes Music Library.xml" files which are found in the iTunes folder. I organise a lot of music via playlists and I believe that these two files are the two that hold all the playlist data.
Apart from data recovery centers, is there any other possible way that I could recover these two files? Seems crazy that I would spend $800 on recovering about 50mb, however they are incredibly important!
Hope someone can help,
cheers,

first check to see if the itunes .itl library file, or any folders in the folder heirarchy above it have somehow been set to "read only". if they have, try switching that off.
What are the iTunes Library files?
if no joy with that, see:
iTunes for Windows: "Disk is locked" or "iTunes folder cannot be found" when installing or opening iTunes

Similar Messages

  • The iTunes Library.itl file is locked

    I have read many, many postings on this issue, but can't seem to find a resolution that works for me.
    The problem occurs whenever iTunes is forced to close unexpectedly. Upon attempting to reopen iTunes, I get the following error message:
    "The iTunes Library.itl file is locked, on a locked disk, or you do not have write permission for this file."
    However, when I browse to the library.itl file and select "get info", it does NOT show as locked. In fact, if I attempt to check the "lock" selection, it immediately unchecks itself. Also on the "get info" page, the Sharing & Permissions area says "You can read and write".
    I do not know of any other way to change permissions in OSX. I do not know how to use the terminal and view the chmod permissions on a networked drive.
    However, since I do store my music library on a NAS device, I have browsed to the library.itl file via PC and viewed the properties. Again, it is not checked as "read only", and the permissions clearly allow read and write by everyone. I have even changed the permissions to "full control" for everyone. But that doesn't resolve the problem. As far as I can tell, there is not a permissions problem at all.
    I have tried to copy the library.itl file to my mac desktop, in order to rename the original file and replace it with the copy, to try and reset the permissions that way. But OSX tells me "The operation can’t be completed because you don’t have permission to access “iTunes Library.itl”. So I cannot move the file. Interestingly, I CAN rename the file in the iTunes folder. But this does not help me. I find it funny that I can rename it, but I can't move it...
    I am running OSX 10.6.5 with all the latest updates, and the latest version of iTunes as well. 10.1 I think? But I can't check because I can't get iTunes to open right now.
    I have had this problem many times in the past. And I have gone as far as creating a whole new library, which takes FOREVER as I have nearly 120GB of music. And I lose all sorts of info... playlists, album art, etc. This is a real pain which I hope to avoid.
    What gives me hope is that the last time this happened iTunes just spontaneously started working again. As if there were some sort of "timeout" issue. I have restarted multiple times of course, but still have not got a resolution this time. It would be nice if there were a simple "iTunes Library.itl.LOCK" file that I could delete.
    Apple, would you please institute a crash recovery protocol for this issue? In all my reading and research, it seems like people are just sort of guessing at what is causing this problem, and coming up with a variety of different fixes that they think might work, or that occasionally work in given situations. But there seems to be no official word from anyone at Apple as far as a direct response to these library file locks caused by crashes.
    Additionally, I feel that this may fall along the same lines as the lack of Time Machine support for networked drives. There is something sub optimal about Apple's networking. I don't know what it is. But there seems to be very little support for Apple users who use networked storage. Just to put my iTunes library on a NAS took a whole lot of reading and understanding to get done right, with no official help from Apple to be found anywhere. Not all mac users are dummies who need the simplest and most limited configuration options in order to avoid "problems". Networked storage is the future of home media and data backup. Please pay more attention to those of us who are trying to pave the way here.
    Thanks for any help I might find here.

    CB many thanks!
    woke up today with the exact same problem... iMac locked up while playing a video podcast off my NAS
    (it was happily playing the audio even though the mouse was frozen)
    couldnt get permission control of my Library.itl so found your post,
    turned off the iTunes Server in my Synology (dont use it like that anyway) and rebooted the NAS.
    iTunes immediatley launched WITHOUT the lock, performed its repair check and up it came!
    THANK-YOU
    ...oddly I notice that I dont have permissions to ANY of my directorys/files,
    guess 'cause they are set in the Synology Shared Folder permissions?
    All are listed in the finder as:
    (unknown) R&W
    everyone NO ACCESS
    cockbongo wrote:
     I had exactly the same problem, but appear to have solved it
    Not sure what make/model NAS you have, but if it has an iTunes Server type service on it, turn it off. This won't delete your music folder, don't worry, but it will stop your NAS thinking it deserves exclusive access to the library files. Then reboot your NAS and voila, you can do what you like with the files.
    You can turn the iTunes service back on whenever you've finished doing what you need to do.
    Hope that helps.

  • ITunes Library .itl file is not updating

    I want to move my 45,000 song 250Gb iTunes library from my old G5 desktop to my MacBook Pro, using the same external HD for the ITunes Media folder that I am already using with the G5.
    I've looked at all the relevant tips and discussions I can find and have copied my iTunes folder from the old Mac to the new one, connected up the same HD, then started iTunes 11 on the MacBook with Alt held down and pointed it at the .itl file from the old machine.
    (The old library is from iTunes version 10.6.3 and the G5 OS is 10.5.8)
    It took a little while converting the library to work with iTunes 11 and the whole process worked as it should  – but with just one problem, Nothing I added to the library after June 5, 2012 (more than 2,000 tracks) is showing up on the new computer.
    Looking into the iTunes folder on the G5, June 5 , 2012, is in fact the Last Modified date on the ITunes Library.itl file. There are two XML files in there where there should be one. One is called iTunes Music Library.xml (16Mb) and the other is called iTunes Music Library.xml.xml (95Mb). Both have the correct modification date from when I last added content (earlier today).
    There is also an ITunes Music Library (Damaged) of 89.5Mb which also has a date of June 5 last year. I don't recall having a specific iTunes problem then, although my G5 sometimes freezes and crashes for no apparent reason, usually while playing music.
    The content I have added since last June shows up in the old library as it should and plays without a problem except for these very occasional freezes.
    So I found this page – http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1451
    Following the advice there, I'm now trying to reconstruct the .itl file on the G5 by starting a blank library in a new and separate iTunes folder, changing the media folder to the external drive, then importing  iTunes Music Library.xml.xml (which I moved to the desktop) as a playlist.
    It's been importing the file for nearly three hours now and I not feeling confident that it will ever end.
    Any ideas that will be less trouble than reimporting the 2,000 tracks (all CD rips) from the external HD back into the iTunes window? I'd rather not lose the existing play counts and date added information if possible.

    Usually when you get this problem in vista, it is to do with folder permissions.
    The account you are using needs full control of the iTunes and iTunes Music folder.
    Vista file folder permissions help
    http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/2464a180-e5dc-45d1-a2b8-3c8a 2b571e9d1033.mspx
    http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/05/25/how-to-take-ownership-and-grant-permiss ions-in-windows-vista/

  • Editing the iTunes Library.itl file?

    I'm going back to iTunes v6 from v7. The iTunes Library.itl file for v7 doesn't work with iTunes v6 so I had to go back to my old version of the file (last one from v6).
    Problem is I added about 7 CDs while in v7 and none of this is coming up (album art, ratings, music files) in the old v6 iTunes Library.itl file.
    Is there anyway to extract the info for the new stuff from the v7 iTunes Library.itl file and include it into the v6 version of that same file?
    Please?

    I would seem that you are.
    The XML file is provided for 3rd party support. It allows other applications to interrogate your library. iTunes doesn't normally have any cause to read it back or make use of it.
    Create a smart playlist with the rule Checked is True. Drag the contents of this into a new playlist called iPhone Tunes (or similar), Select the Songs list and CMD-click on any empty playlist. Delete the initial playlist. Sync your device with iPhone Tunes. Drag new stuff into it when you want, delete stuff when it gets too big.
    That's the simple way of reworking your current selections into a more flexible set up. There are other things you could do like create smaller size-limited playlists along the lines of "Recently Played", "Recently Added", "Not Played In Ages", "Top Rated", along with say a regular list called "Essentials" which, once set up, would allow you to have some rotating content on the device without having to do any extra work.
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  • When i double click itunes it doesn't open it just comes up with an error saying " The itunes library.itl file cannot be found or created. The default location for this file is in the 'itunes' folder in the 'music' folder". How can i fix this?

    When i double click itunes it doesn't open it just comes up with an error saying " The itunes library.itl file cannot be found or created. The default location for this file is in the 'itunes' folder in the 'music' folder. How can i fix this problem?

    Anyone can help to advice how to solve this issue ?

  • TS1717 unes, i have windows 8, i get the message, "the itunes Library .itl file is locked, on a locked disk, or you do not have write permission for this file.  how did this happen, how do i fix this?

    the message"The itun, library .itl file is locked, on a locked disk, or you do not have write permission for this file". i have windows 8. how why did this happen? how do i correct this and prevent another occurance?  I am able to access itunes on my i5, ipad, and my old i4 that i use solely as my ipod now. At the time  problem occurred, i was connected to ext hard drive that hold over 190GB music, to add to my library. I am now unable to add to my library using my laptop.  any advise/help is greatly appreciated!!

    I just had the same problem and was able to fix it after trying a couple of things I found after a search.
    The solution that worked for me:
    Find iTunes folder - it should be in C:\Program FIles (x86) or similar depending on your operating system
    Right click the entire folder (no need to open it) and click properties
    Click the security tab
    Click edit and highlight the user name under which you logged in.
    Click the box next to full in the allow column, which should check everything
    Click apply
    Open iTunes
    This worked for me.

  • How To Fix: "The iTunes Library.itl file is locked, on a locked disk, or you do not have write permission for this file."

    I can't reopen my iTunes after I have to force quit when it does not respond. I get this message:
    "The iTunes Library.itl file is locked, on a locked disk, or you do not have write permission for this file."
    I've read to do the solutions. I right clicked on both the iTunes and Music folder and went to info for each. On both the lock at the bottom of the Get Info was locked. All of my users including admin can read and write all files within those folders. They are even a shared folder. I clicked on the lock to unlock it, typed in my admin password, and went to the gear to apply to all files inside. After doing that I keep getting the saved message.
    I tried another way that I've found online to move my ituneslibrary folder to the desktop and then open my iTunes. In theory the iTunes is supposed to ask for where the iTunes library is. Once that is prompted you quit iTunes and drag the iTunes Library folder back to the folder from the desktop and reopen iTunes to apprently solve the problem. However, when I move the iTunes Library file to the desktop and try to reopne iTunes the icon just keeps bouncing and when I right click the application does not respond.
    This problem is only resolved if I restart/shut down my macbook pro which is a 15-inch Core 2 Duo with intel. It will be 5 years old in December. I currently have Lion and the latest iTunes 10.5. This problem started in late December. 

    If you hold down the option key when starting iTunes, it will allow you to select a library or create a new one.
    You can create a new one, and then add all of your iTunes music back in by simply dragging the old iTunes music file onto iTunes.
    There are more detailed instructions at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1451#
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  • ITunes won't open, I get this message: The iTunes Library .itl file is locked, on a locked disk or you do not have write permission for this file.

    iTunes won't open.
    I get this message: The iTunes Library .itl file is locked, on a locked disk or you do not have write permission for this file.

    This may indicate a corrupt preference file with iTunes trying to open the wrong location. Try holding down shift as you launch iTunes then choose the correct file, normally <User's Music>\iTunes\iTunes Library.itl. See iTunes: How to open an alternate iTunes Library file or create a new one.
    tt2

  • HT1527 iphone wont open it says the itunes library.itl file is locked on a locked disk or you do not have write permission for this file. nothing l  do seems to help thanks

    Have tried to connect and sync my iphone 4 to my computer in itunes but this message keeps coming up The itunes Library .itl file is locked on a locked disk. or you do not have write permission for this file.

    I have tried both suggestions, unfortunately neither fixed this for me. Hoping there's another possible fix. Thanks in advance. 
    Empty/corrupt iTunes library after upgrade/crash and/or Repair security permissions for iTunes for Windows.

  • I can't open itunes it's giving an error "The Itunes Library.itl file is locked, on a locked disk, or you do not have write permission for file.

    yes itunes will not open it gives me an error that the file itunes library.itl is locked or on a locked disk or i don't have write permission for it.

    Make sure that you have closed all programs that might be using the iTunes library.itl file. I would hit CTRL + ALT + DEL buttons and enter the Task Manager - from there end any unnecessary program running in the background.
    Next try to start iTunes again. If it fails, restart PC, do the same with Task Manager and try to open iTunes again.

  • ITunes Library .itl file cannot be found or created  **Please Help**

    I am running windows 7, and recently downloaded iTunes 10.7  Opened iTunes today for the first time since the download, and got the following message:
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    I uninstalled itunes completely, restarted my laptop and then reinstalled itunes again.  Unfortunatley it is still not working.  Please help, I need to sync my phone!!!
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    Hi Renee31,
    If you are having issues with the library.itl file in iTunes, you may find the following articles helpful:
    iTunes: What are the iTunes library files?
    http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1660
    Apple Support: Removing and reinstalling iTunes and other software components for Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1923
    Regards,
    - Brenden

  • Error message: iTunes Library.itl file cannot be found or created

    I just upgraded to iTunes 7.0.2 and it will not launch. The following error appears:
    "The iTunes Library.itl file cannot be found or created. The default location for this file is in the "iTunes" folder in the "MyMusic" folder"
    I have uninstalled, re-installed and tried all the possible solutions on the Troubleshooting section, including repair and nothing works. I have both a Library.itl and a Library.xml file in the following path: C:\Documents and Setting\user\My Documents\My Music\iTunes - not sure what to do next.
    Right now I'd take my old version back if I could figure out how to get it.
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    When you get that message, does iTunes give you the option of locating the file? If so, then browse to the file and select it. If you don't get that option, I believe that holding down the shift key (or possibly the control key) when you launch iTunes should cause you to get the option.

  • "The iTunes Library.itl file cannot be found or created."

    I have tried all to suggestions for moving around the old library and this is still the only thing I have gotten from the upgrade, as of yet. The message appears when trying to get into iTunes thu any source; desktop shortcut, thu the start menu, or opening the library directly in the My Music folder.
    The full message reads:
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    I half expected a problem when i was told to upgrade, but I have got no idea how to fix this one. Any help would be great.

    Will iTunes open at all or do you just get the error message and when you click 'ok' the dialog box closes?
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    4. Close iTunes - it should now save the new 'iTunes Library.itl' file. Then try opening iTunes again - hope this will work for you! If it does you can just delete the old 'iTunes Library.itl' file. If it doesn't you can move that old file back to where it was, and you'll be back to where you were before.
    Normally when the iTunes library.itl file gets corrupted you can replace it with an older version from the 'Previous iTunes Library' folder, but it sounds like you've already tried that and it didn't work. If this really is a registry issue I don't know how to fix that - maybe reinstalling iTunes?
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    Message was edited by: meeshala

  • Itunes error message - the itunes library.itl file cannot be found or created

    My itunes was working yesterday but today when i open it i get an error message saying "the itunes library.itl file cannot be found or created. the default location for this file in in the itunes folder in the music folder."
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    Hold down the Shift key while trying to launch iTunes. You should see a dialog box asking you to Choose or Create a library. Click "Choose library"
    Browse to the default location of your iTunes Library.itl file:
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    Windows Vista: \Users\username\Music\iTunes\
    Windows 7: \Users\username\My Music\iTunes\
    ... and doubleclick the file.
    Does your iTunes open for you now?

  • Itunes wont launch. I just installed itunes on Windows 7 PC. When i click the itunes icon the following message appears - "The itunes Library.itl file cannot be found or created..."

    I just installed itunes on a Windows 7 PC. When I click on the Itunes icon the following message appears -
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    I have checked and there is a file named Library.itl in the "Music" folder. I'm not sure where to go from here so any help would be greatly appreciated.

    See Empty/corrupt iTunes library after upgrade/crash.
    tt2

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