How to recover my iTunes library?

Hey Guys,
After updating my iTunes application and relocation some music flies, my entire iTunes library disappeared. I found a backup file dated back to September 2013 but I don't know how to proceed from there. Any help would be appreciated!

It has always been very basic to always maintain a backup copy of your computer. Use your backup copy to put it all back

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How to recover lost itunes library

During iphone software update I have lost my itunes library for 2 iphones. How can I recover my full libabry?

You can either sync it from iTunes (you have been backing up the purchased music to iTunes, haven't you) or go to iTunes app > More > Purchases and download the music.

7.2 upgrade: how to recover corrupted iTune library index file from backup?

Hi folks,
I upgraded to iTunes 7.2 and my library file (the xml one)
got corrupted...
My >40 GB of mysic seem to be on the safe side fortunately,
same for a half way recent backup of the file
iTunes Music Library.xml.
Both sit on an external hard drive, while the corrupted files
are on the main disk. Sounds not to bad, compared to what I read from others!
Questions:
1) How can I use my backuped XML index file to recover my playlists etc in iTunes? Unfortunately I only backuped this single index file, i.e. the "Music"
one, yet not the other iTunes database file.
2) Then, I had still made some modifications (mostly MP3 file tags)
after the backup of the index file. I realized that while looking on
the time stamps of the directories that contain my actual music.
Do I need to do something to make these modifications visible
in the recovered iTunes??
Thanks for any useful hints in advance!!

I solved my problem through a minor variation of this recipe:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93313

How to recreate an iTunes library

I recently had to restore my computer from an image (Norton Ghost), and in doing so, lost my iTunes.
I've reinstalled iTunes, but the music library is empty.
Is there any way of re-creating it from the iPod itself? I'm unsure how syncing works. Is it computer to iPod, iPod to computer, or both?
Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

Yes. See:
Syncing to a "New" Computer or replacing a "crashed" Hard Drive: Apple Support Communities
Sync Your iOS Device with a New Computer Without Losing Data - How-To Geek
Recovering your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device: Apple Support Communities

How to play my itunes library on my pc or external hard drive?

How can I import and play my ITunes library on my pc and external storage device?

Is the iPhone the only location or your media now? See Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device.
tt2

How can I get iTUNES library to display renamed files and folders (renamed with Windows Explorer)?

How can I get iTunes library to display the new names and organisation of tracks and albums (ie files and folders) that I have renamed and reorganised (using Windows Explorer) having previously imported them using iTunes?
(Even when I relocate "lost" tracks in iTunes (using the drop down menu facility to view in Windows explorer), although iTunes will then play the track, and knows where to find it, it refuses to display the track with its correct (new) name, or show it the correct (new) album. That means I have lots of things called "Untitled" and "Track 01" etc, all of which have actually been renamed, but iTunes does not seem to have the capability to recognise the changes and update its library listing. Another example - a Tchaikovsky CD with 3 major works in 13 tracks insists on displaying in iTunes as 13 tracks in one album, despite the fact that I have reorganised the tracks into 3 albums - two being Swan Lake and The Nutcracker - and renamed the individual tracks to a more useable format.)

Thanks for your replies ckuan
I agree with Tgod that your first solution does not work. It appears unpredictable whether the old or new file names are listed when you drag the folders into iTunes from Windows Explorer. The folder structure is completely missing. I reckon if you have to muck around spending days/weeks/months finding out how to fix links to a secret meta-file (obviously designed by some deep-cover microsoft worm working in the Apple!), then it's pretty obvious that almost any alternate way of doing this would be better. Bye bye iTunes!!
Incidentally, I tried several other things that (if the software was designed intuitively) should work, but give disastrous results:
1) when deleting the library listing in iTunes, it gives you two options - one is to remove the listings to the Recycler. Be aware that IF you select that option, it removes not only your library listing, but also your ACTUAL MUSIC FILES to the Recycler. Moreover, it does NOT remove the insidious secret meta-file that is what apparently keeps rewriting old names over your carefully renamed file names, and keeps totally ignoring your carefully designed folder (album) structure. OK - not a complete disaster, as I realised and went hunting through the chaos in the Recycler to recover all my files. No thanks to the genius who designed this brilliant feature!
2) after deleting the library listing in iTunes, I attempted to import just the folders that I wanted. iTunes refused to allow me to do that, and proceeded to try to import every frigging music file it could find on my whole hard drive, in apparently random fashion into the library. Whoever thought up that doozy either never ever tried to use or market test it, or has modified their mind rather too many times with artificial substances so their brain is like muesli chop suey.
3) oh why go on, it's too depressing ...

New computer how do i see itunes library

Have installed itunes on new laptop. How do i sync ipod so that i see library on new laptop

Ideally you would copy over your iTunes library and other personal data from your previous computer or the backups of it. If that isn't possible see the user tip Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device.
tt2

My computer The File "itunes library.til" does not appear to be a valid iTunes library file. iTunes has attempted to recover your itunes library and renamed it to "iTunes Library (Damaged itl)"

My computer crashed when I was using Itunes. I got everything up and running and got this message "The File “itunes library.til” does not appear to be a valid iTunes library file. iTunes has attempted to recover your itunes library and renamed it to “iTunes Library (Damaged itl)” Everything loads up put in takes 10 min. then my music playlists are deleted everytime I turn Itunes on. What can I do to solve this problem? Thanks.

Hi shyanne23,
Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. If your iTunes library file has become damaged in some way, you may want to try recreating your iTunes library and playlists by following this article:
iTunes: How to re-create your iTunes library and playlists
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1451
Cheers,
- Ari

How to transfer my itunes library to a new computer

How to transfer my existing itunes library to a new laptop?

These are two possible approaches that will normally work to move an existing library to a new computer.
Method 1
Backup the library with this User Tip.
Deauthorize the old computer if you no longer want to access protected content on it.
Restore the backup to your new computer using the same tool used to back it up.
Keep your backup up-to-date in future.
Method 2
Connect the two computers to the same network. Share your <User's Music> folder from the old computer and copy the entire iTunes library folder into the <User's Music> folder on the new one. Again, deauthorize the old computer if no longer required.
Both methods should give the new computer a working clone of the library that was on the old one. As far as iTunes is concerned this is still the "home" library for your devices so you shouldn't have any issues with iTunes wanting to erase and reload.
I'd recommend method 1 since it establishes an ongoing backup for your library.
Note if you have iOS devices and haven't moved your contacts and calendar items across then you should create one dummy entry of each in your new profile and iTunes should merge the existing data from the device.
If your media folder has been split out from the main iTunes folder you may need to do some preparatory work to make it easier to move. See make a split library portable.
Should you be in the unfortunate position where you are no longer able to access your original library or a backup then then see Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device for advice on how to set up your devices with a new library with the maximum preservation of data.
tt2

How to transfer my itune library to a new computer, how to transfer my itune library to a new computer

How can I transfer my itune library to a new compturer

See this migrate iTunes library post or Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device.
tt2

HT1451 recovering old itunes library with playlists

my itunes library is trapped on a dead laptop with all my playlists. i have a new laptop and new itunes account but not of my music came over from my old computer and itunes account. can you help me

These are two possible approaches that will normally work to move an existing library to a new computer.
Method 1
Backup the library with this User Tip.
Deauthorize the old computer if you no longer want to access protected content on it.
Restore the backup to your new computer using the same tool used to back it up.
Keep your backup up-to-date in future.
Method 2
Connect the two computers to the same network. Share your <User's Music> folder from the old computer and copy the entire iTunes library folder into the <User's Music> folder on the new one. Again, deauthorize the old computer if no longer required.
Both methods should give the new computer a working clone of the library that was on the old one. As far as iTunes is concerned this is still the "home" library for your devices so you shouldn't have any issues with iTunes wanting to erase and reload.
I'd recommend method 1 since it establishes an ongoing backup for your library.
Note if you have failed to move contacts and calendar items across you should create one dummy entry of each in your new profile and iTunes should merge the existing data from the device.
If your media folder has been split out from the main iTunes folder you may need to do some preparatory work to make it easier to move. See make a split library portable.
Should you be in the unfortunate position where you are no longer able to access your original library or a backup then then see Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device for advice on how to set up your devices with a new library with the maximum preservation of data.
tt2

HOW TO MOVE YOUR ITUNES LIBRARY TO AN EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE

Read these directions before actually doing anything, just so you can do this right. I've messed things up before, it can get ugly...
That being said, here's what you've gotta do if you're running on a Mac:
Have all your music on the external hard drive. It should be organized in folders the way iTunes set it up
The folders should be organized something like this:iTunes Media (Top folder, everything is inside of this folder)
Audiobooks
Automatically Add To iTunes
Books
Downloads
iPod Games
iTunes U
Mobile Applications
Music
Podcasts
Ringtones
TV Shows
Voice Memos
Those folders are what I have in my 'iTunes Media' folder on my external hard drive. You don't necessarily need to have all of these folders. (I happen to just have a lot of things in my iTunes.)
Finding your iTunes Library Files
The way iTunes works is there are two parts to make what you see in iTunes work right. There's your media (songs, video, iPod games and Apps, etc) and there are your library files. They tell iTunes what your playlists are, where your 'iTunes Media' folder is located, and a lot of other important things. Here is how to find the iTunes Library files (there will probably be more than one!)
Look in (yourusername)/Music/iTunes
There will be a few things in here:
Album Artwork (It's a folder)
iTunes Library Extras.itdb
iTunes Library Genius.itdb
Itunes Library.itl
iTunes Media (a folder)
iTunes Music Library Backup.xml (this file might or might not be here. If there is no file with this name, it's okay.)
iTunes Music Library.xml
Some "temp" files (maybe, maybe not -- they are not important for this)
Anything in the list that is BOLDED needs to be placed in (yourusername)/Music/iTunesIf you copied these files to your external hard drive, you will need to copy them back onto your internal hard drive. These library files do not need to be in the same place as your iTunes Media folder.
Telling iTunes Where Your Music Is
Now that your iTunes Media folder is on your external drive, and your Library Files are in place in "(yourusername)/Music/iTunes", we need to open iTunes.
On the top bar of the screen, go to iTunes>Preferences.
In preferences, go to the farthest right tab, titled "Advanced" with a picture of a gear.
The top section says "iTunes Media Folder location" and underneath that you see a filepath ending in the 'iTunes Media" folder.
This path is probably wrong, not leading you through the external hard drive.
If it is incorrect:
Click "change" on the right and then locate the folder in the prompt that shows up. Once the "iTunes Media" folder on your external hard drive is highlighted blue, click "Open" in the bottom right corner of the window.
Give iTunes a moment or two (depending on the size of your library) to re-locate all of your songs. Voila!
If it is correct:Do nothing!
While you're in the advanced section, let's check to make sure you have a few important 'housekeeping' things checked off:
"Keep iTunes Media folder organized" (CHECK THIS BOX!)
"Copy files to iTunes Media folder when adding to library" (CHECK THIS BOX!)
At this point, iTunes should be all ready to go. Before I get into any troubleshooting, note a few things:
If you ever unplug/disconnect the external hard drive from the computer, you must first make sure that iTunes is NOT running.
Also, if the hard drive is unplugged and you open up iTunes, all of your songs will have little symbols next to them. Until you plug/reconnect the hard drive, the songs will stay like this and will be missing.
TROUBLESHOOTING:
Not having permission to access the external hard drive:
In Finder (or on your desktop), right-click the external hard drive (if you don't have right-click, control-click will also work).
Click on "Get Info"
A thin, tall window will appear on the screen.
Part One:In the "General" section, make sure that "Locked" is unchecked. If it IS checked, uncheck it.
Part Two:
We are now focusing on the very bottom of the window, where it says "Sharing & Permissions"/
In the bottom right corner of the window there is a small padlock icon. Click it. When asked for an administrator password, type it in, and click "Ok".
You will now notice that the bottom section of the 'get info' window is not greyed out anymore. Make sure your user name (it says in parentheses "(Me)" so there is no going wrong here) has "Read & Write" privileges.If not, click on whichever privilege you currently have, and a drop-down menu will appear. Click on "Read & Write".
If you have any other issues, I will add them to the troubleshooting list to help you out. Hope this was helpful!

My iTunes library is set up the way I said in the top post and works totally fine.
Yes, and that is the default structure to which I was referring. iTunes will organize it that way automatically unless people do start changing settings (in which case they should know what they are doing and how iTunes works with library files and media structure.)
Both ways work, the advantages of mine would be that should iTunes try looking fo a library, it will always be in the default location.
It makes people think they have to change media location in preferences. They do not unless they want to relocate media only and leave other things on their internal drive (in which case there is no point in copying library files to the external, and you certainly wouldn't want to then delete them from your internal).
Downside is that then should someone move their iTunes library to anther computer they need to remember to get those library files on the external hard drive.
Just copy the whole iTunes folder and it will get the library files to the other drive in one step, along with all the other files.
Your post has good stuff but it makes a move appear intimidating and look like people have to do a lot of organizing to move the collection. It also throws in extra steps (namely altering preference settings) that could cause confusion or even make a mess of things. If people leave iTunes to default preference settings (which most people do) the move summarizes into a short line: Copy a folder and hold an extra button the next time you start iTunes.
Note that the instructions in the link I provided earlier do also include many steps, but those are to ensure that everybody does have it all organized correctly before simply copying the iTunes folder. In the end it is just a simple action.

I just need to know how you get an iTunes library off the original hard drive of a mac and onto an external hard drive and still have it work normally?

I just need to know how you get an iTunes library off the original hard drive of an imac and onto an external hard drive and still have it work as it normally would?

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1449

How to transfer one itunes library to another itunes already synced with some other device?

i have two laptops. both are authorized for use with my ios devices. one is authorized for use with my ipod nano 5th generation and the other one is authorized with my ipad3 and iphone 5. i am manually managing the itunes in my 2nd laptop in case of my iphone. now what i want is to transfer my ipod library from the 1st laptop to the 2nd laptops itunes and deauthorize the 1st laptop. is that possible? please help, as it is getting harder for me to manage two itunes in two different laptops.

See also Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device, particularly if you want to change the library the iOS devices sync with. If you already have all the media in both libraries but want to recover playlists, ratings and play counts from a device into the "wrong" library my scripts ImportDevicePlaylists and SyncStats may be useful.
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How to move my iTunes library to another laptop?

How to move my iTunes library to another laptop?
I used an external drive for my library so far and I just want to use this drive to organize my iTunes library on my Laptop.

See this migrate iTunes library post.
tt2

How to recover my iTunes library?

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