How do I stop itunes deleting my songs

When I open itunes on my laptop all my media is missing, all preferences have reverted to original settings, have uninstalled and reinstalled itunes, have deleted all content from itunes media files but it just keeps happening any suggestions?

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. Note that in iTunes 11 an "empty" library may show your past purchases with links to stream or download them.
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.
Alternatively, depending on exactly when and why the library went missing, there may be a more recent .tmp file in the main iTunes folder that can be renamed as iTunes Library.itl to restore the library to a recent state.
See iTunes Folder Watch for a tool to catch up with any changes since the backup file was created.
When you get it all working make a backup!
Should you be in the unfortunate position where you are no longer able to access your original library, or a backup of it, then see Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device.
I've noticed more of these missing library posts of late and a common factor to most since I started asking is AVG Anti-Virus. It seems in some cases it might be at least part of the reason why the library file disappears. Try excluding the iTunes folder from any AV scanning process.
tt2

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ITunes deleting/losing songs

I have read some topics, but they don't appear to apply to my actual problem.
Does iTunes delete unplayed songs? Because it seems like every so often songs I haven't played appear to disappear. And I don't see them in my HD folder. Can anyone help me find them or explain how to stop it?

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I have noticed the exact same thing as ccpickre above, lots of poeple have posted that itunes has lost track of songs that still exist in the library folder. I still get the "original file could not be found" message and little exclamation mark, but itunes is **** right because I can't find it using spotlight either, its gone from the library!
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Cheers,
Tim
i love how apple have censored d-a-m-n in my post, soz to offend anyone, but belive me apple, if i wanted to cuss I have a large repotoire of infinately more entertaining/offensive words!
ibook g4 Mac OS X (10.4.7)

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angelofromnsw wrote:
Can I put the ".itl" and other database files on the NAS, and if so where would I put them? I'm thinking that if the library file is only available at home then the ITunes library won't get corrupted at work when it can't find the media, in the event that I accidentally start up itunes eg. while opening an attachment or disc that can be read by Itunes.
iTunes will start up and you will have an empty library.
Can I put the ".itl" and other database files on the NAS, and if so where would I put them?
Yes.
Quit iTunes.
Copy the /Music/iTunes/ folder on the NAS.
Move the /iTunes media/ folder currently on the NAS into the /iTunes/ folder you just copied to the NAS.
Hold Option, launch iTunes, select Choose library... and select the iTunes folder on the NAS.
You can delete /Music/iTunes/ folder on the internal drive.
If you launch iTunes while NOT comnnected to the NAS, iTunes will recreate the /Music/iTunes/ folder and you will have an empty library.
WHen you are again connected to the NAS, just do step 4 above.
Do you know what the advantages and disadvantages are of having the database files like the ".itl" files stored locally versus on the NAS?
Keeping everyhing together inside the iTunes folder makes it "cleaner" and simpler to manage everything.

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How do I stop itunes deleting my songs

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