Empty iTunes library and locked iTunes Library.itl file

Question

Hi everyone,
A few days ago, when I plugged my iPod nano into my PC, it wouldn't sync and my computer automatically ejected the iPod. I didn't think much of it at first, because that had happened before, without any future problems. And, besides that, I could still listen to all of my music through iTunes.
The next day, however, I opened iTunes and my whole library was empty. I tried going over the basics (opening iTunes with shift key held down, trying a few different .itl files; reinstalling iTunes)
I then looked for answers online, but no luck so far. One approach that helped many people (unticking the read-only box for the iTunes folder) did give me some more answers, but did not solve the problem. I found out that the iTunes folder had the read-only box ticked, so I tried unticking it. It went fine for a few seconds, but in the process of making every file and folder non-read-only, I got a message saying iTunes Library.itl was a locked file and that I could not access it.
When I examined the .itl file more closely, I found out that the read-only box was not ticked for that particular file, even though I could not move/delete/cut/copy+past it. The archiving option, however, was ticked (I was told that option should not be on). I cannot untick it, for the file is locked.
When I double-click the file iTunes launches normally, but my library is still empty.
Other things I've tried to retrieve my library:
- I downloaded 'unlocker', but that did not solve anything.
- I uninstalled my last.fm scrobbler.
- I tried making a new library, then imported the .xml file from my old library, but the library stayed empty.
- I used AVG to scan my computer for malware.
I hope someone can help me fix this, because having to import all of my music all over again is going to be quite a drag!
Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Empty/corrupt library after upgrade/crash
Hopefully it's not been too long since you last upgraded iTunes, in fact if you get an empty/incomplete library immediately after upgrading then with the following steps you shouldn't lose a thing or need to do any further housekeeping. In the Previous iTunes Libraries folder should be a number of dated iTunes Library files. Take the most recent of these and copy it into the iTunes folder. Rename iTunes Library.itl as iTunes Library (Corrupt).itl and then rename the restored file as iTunes Library.itl. Start iTunes. Should all be good, bar any recent additions to or deletions from your library.
See iTunes Folder Watch for a tool to catch up with any changes since the backup file was created.
If you're still having problems accessing files right-click on your main iTunes folder and click Properties, then go to the Security tab and click Advanced. If necessary grant your account and SYSTEM full control of this folder, subfolders and files, then tick the option to replace permissions on child objects which will repair permissions throughout the library. This is the XP dialog but Windows Vista/7 shouldn't be too different.
If it won't let you change the permissions use the Owner tab to take ownneship from an account with administror privileges.
When you get it all working make a backup!
tt2