ITunes Missing Files

Okay, when I open iTunes (11.0.2.26 Windows 7) and try to play songs in the library, I get the "missing files" message, with option to locate. I choose to locate, and it cannot find the song file. However, when I go to the library location (only iTunes Library on this machine) I am able to find the song file, and even open it using iTunes. Even after doing so, iTunes will not allow me to open the song from within the program, nor locate the song file.
Is anyone else experiencing this problem ? Any help is much appreciated.

First off, you're posting in the Mac forums. You have a pc. Second, see if this helps:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1225163&tstart=0

Similar Messages

"Itunes missing files - please re-install"

Hi I wonder if anyone can help me. I am having major problems ever since i downloaded the newest update. Cant access my itunes now as keep getting a message that says there are files missing and that I need to reinstall itunes. Have tried over and over to re-install but still keep getting the same message!! Many thanks,

Aichenelf,
I cannot thank you enough for your post! I upgraded my iTunes because some of the freebie songs on Tuesday said they required a higher version of iTunes. Wow! The two weeks since that fateful day have been filled with problem after problem. The 7.5 would not work on my machine, and I got the same "missing files" error. I also got errors that said the QuickTime would not work and that iTunes required QuickTime. I uninstalled all Apple products and tried to reinstall older versions but was not allowed to by the software. I was pulling my hair out. Finally, I read somewhere to go to the directory called WINDOWS\Downloaded Applications\ and to delete any previous versions of iTunesSetup.exe. I also obtained the version 7.2 of QuickTime by itself and installed it on its own. Then, I reinstalled 7.4.3. It took tons of time and tons of trial-and-error to resolve this ridiculous issue. I say "ridiculous" because there is no reason that I can see for artists to insist that their fans use the most recent version of a software. Not everyone can afford to go out and get a new computer to run all this stuff. I digress --> Free or not, I won't go there again. Thanks for listing the older software verions' release numbers ... Made my life a lot simpler. I obtained my older versions by doing a Google search that led me to a place called the File Hippo. Anyhow, hope this can help others who got into the same situation! Back up your library before uninstalling, too! I renamed mine to simply "Music" and have successfully reimported it since the fix. Not sure if my playlists are gone forever, but can recreate them a lot easier than reloading music. Peace & good luck ... I know how frustrating this is !!!

Upgrading iTunes missing file?

Hi I am having trouble updating itunes from my older version. I seem to be missing a file 'i Tunes.msi'. I then tried uninstalling with view to download latest version to intall. But system cannot uninstall due to this missing file?

(1) Download the Windows Installer CleanUp utility installer file (msicuu2.exe) from the following Major Geeks page (use one of the links under the "DOWNLOAD LOCATIONS" thingy on the Major Geeks page):
http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=4459
(2) Doubleclick the msicuu2.exe file and follow the prompts to install the Windows Installer CleanUp utility. (If you're on a Windows Vista or Windows 7 system and you get a Code 800A0046 error message when doubleclicking the msicuu2.exe file, try instead right-clicking on the msicuu2.exe file and selecting "Run as administrator".)
(3) In your Start menu click All Programs and then click Windows Install Clean Up. The Windows Installer CleanUp utility window appears, listing software that is currently installed on your computer.
(4) In the list of programs that appears in CleanUp, select any iTunes entries and click "Remove", as per the following screenshot:
(5) Quit out of CleanUp, restart the PC and try another iTunes install. Does it go through properly this time?

ITunes missing file URGENT!!!

A few days ago, I have downloaded iTunes (newest version) and it worked fine for a day. The next day I couldn't open iTunes so I have tried reinstalling the program but an error message stating, "relocate the installers package 'iTunes.msi'". I tried finding that file but I just could not find it. Without it I can't even uninstall the program. Is there anyway that I could fix this problem without losing all my songs that I purchased from iTune store?

hey, sorry for the late reply, if you download windows installer cleanup utility, and uninstall anything that says apple, ipod, quicktime, or itunes, then reinstall, and this appears to resolve the issue. hope this helps!

Need Help! I Uninstalled and reinstalled and still can't run ITUNES-missing file

I need HELP! I uploaded the latest version of Itunes and had trouble. I followed the directions and removed all the dll files to the desktop. I un-installed and tried re-installing Itunes and it still won't work. There are no previous versions found on my computer. HELP!!! I need my ITUNES BACK!

MSVCR80.dll is the error message I recieved. I followed the directions and removed all dll files from the folder and to the desktop as instructed.
Many thanks. Doublechecking: did you also work through the following user tip?
Troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Windows updates

TS1368 I'm a PC user with an itunes account for several years. I updated my itunes and now it wont open and shows me 'missing file MSVCR80.dll,and error 7(Window error 126)' keep coming up even after re-installing itunes . What should i do?

I'm a PC user with an itunes account for several years. I updated my itunes and now it wont open and shows me 'missing file MSVCR80.dll,and error 7(Window error 126)' keep coming up even after re-installing itunes . What should i do?

Click here and follow the instructions.
(98897)

Missing files - iTunes using wrong path, how can I change it?

Hi,
I store my itunes library on an external hard drive and I have over 1000 music files which itunes cannot locate even though they are there.
Having done a bit of research I've discovered that the path for these files is incorrect.
The path in "Get Info" for a missing track shows the path as:
file://localhost/Volumes/Public/My Music/iTunes/iTunes Media/Music/Artist/Album/Song.xxx
The path for a working track shows:
/Volumes/Public/My Music/iTunes/iTunes Media/Artist/Album/Song.xxx
So the missing ones have the extra "file://localhost" which I don't think should make a difference, but they also have an extra "Music" folder.
Is there a simple way to correct this for all the missing tracks?
Thanks!

https://discussions.apple.com/message/20401436 - turingtest2 11/2012 post on rebuilding empty/corrupt library from previous iTunes library file after upgrade/crash. -- Possibly not what you want to do since your old library file may be very out of date. You don't say if this happened because you were updating iTunes right now in which case this might be the best way. If you recently did update you can take the archived library file and move it and rename it so it now becomes the library.itl file iTunes is using.
A slightly different approach to rebuilding, using a copy of the library file that is stored in a different format (.xml). It is up to date as regards to your main library file though it does omit some of the things I mentioned in an earlier post.
iTunes: How to re-create your iTunes library and playlists - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1451 I'm going to copy and paste, and edit the applicable section since it's a bit mixed in:
Re-creating the iTunes Library file
Note: After re-creating your library, any devices that you sync with iTunes (Apple TV, iPod, iPhone, iPad) will see your iTunes library as a new library and will completely resync. The next sync with such a device will take longer and may reset some options since your rebuilt library isn't familiar to the device.
1. Quit iTunes.
2. Locate your iTunes folder (this is the folder that contains the iTunes Library and iTunes Library.xml files).
/Users/[your username]/Music
3. Open your iTunes folder.
4. Drag the "iTunes Library.xml" or "iTunes Music Library.xml" file to the Desktop. If neither is available, learn how to add files back to the Library (because the XML file is not available, playlists and other information will not be available).
5. Drag the following file from your iTunes folder to another folder. The file can later be trashed:
"iTunes Library" or "iTunes Library.itl"
6. Open iTunes.
Important: Do not add any content into iTunes at this point (such as by purchasing something from the iTunes Store).
7. Choose File > Library > Import Playlist.
8. Navigate to the "iTunes Library.xml" file on the Desktop.
Mac users: Click Choose.
If the above does not work we will need to edit the .xml file you are storing on the desktop because it is derived from your .itl library file and it too may have the broken links in it. It's the "file://localhost" stuff that's causing the problem. The links aren't truly invalid, it's the fact that iTunes for some reason is inserting the localhost stuff that's causing iTunes to see them as broken links. This can be edited using a search and replace with a text editor, if necesssary.
For what it's worth, if you don't have too many broken links you could fix them by hand, but it's not fun.
Note, in addition to backing up your whole iTunes collection periodically, it is worth occasionally backing up the library file in case it becomes corrupt (as it is now in a way).

I'm having a huge issue with itunes locating my missing files..and it's too many for me to locate 1 by 1..It says I'm missing over 3,00 songs and They are all in my music folder..What can I do to fix this issue?

I'm having a huge issue with itunes locating my missing files..and it's too many for me to locate 1 by 1..It says I'm missing over 3,000 songs and They are all in my music folder..What can I do to fix this issue? I've looked at all the tutorials on youtube and none of it works. I recently got a new computer and I Back-Up all my music and itunes playlist and I import it on my new computer with the new itunes and I go to play a few songs, it says I'm missing them I locate a few but it's still like 3,000 missing and again they are all on the computer and in one folder..Please Help !

I did that and nothing changed half my songs still have examination marks beside them
I also just tried dragging my folder of music int he playlist and it duplicated all of my songs? My playlist was at 5k now it's at 10k becuz of 3 duplicates of songs. Is there a way to delete multiple duplicate files?

How do I find out where iTunes thinks missing files are?

I have several hundred "missing" files in my iTunes library but they are all actually on the computer. But I don't remember where the were previously. I add dozens of songs at a time to my library all the time and there is no Earthly way for me to constantly remember where they were before. I don't just want to reimport the files because I have several hundred playlists with these files and it would be completely stupid to edit them all one at a time when all I need to do is to move them back to where iTunes thinks they should be. So where is that? The Windows media player has a column that displays file location. Why doesn't iTunes? (This is so stupid. It makes things -not just this- so much easier when you have the file location in the music list in your music player.)
Is there a way to find out where iTunes thinks the missing files should be at?

Chris CA wrote:
How do I find out where iTunes thinks missing files are?
The exclamation mark means ITunes doesn't think they are anywhere.
If you right click - get info on a song then view the Info tab, you will see where iTunes last used it from.
I'm not a newbie. I know quite a lot about iTunes. You sound like you don't though because if you did you would know that this is not true. If you "right click - get info on a song" (pressing cancel to the Locate popup) "then view the SUMMARY (not info) tab" you will see "Not Available" where the file location usually is. I wouldn't have asked this question if I hadn't gone through the steps already.
Thanks for trying though. Next time, please try the advice before you give it.
I add dozens of songs at a time to my library all the time and there is no Earthly way for me to constantly remember where they were before
You should not have to remember anything about where they were.
I agree.
Are you always moving them around?
When I install a new hard drive. Yes. I generally keep everything organized and I let iTunes keep the folder organized but several years ago I used windows media player to organize my media.
Frankly I don't know HOW the recent songs/videos/etc. go missing. But some do. Maybe I accidentally move a folder without realizing it. Mistakes happen. Then I need to move it back but since I didn't know I did it in the first place I can't possibly be expected to remember where I moved it from.
Do you have iTunes prefs -> Advanced Keep ITunes music folder organized ticked and Copy files to iTunes ... ticked?
*OF COURSE!* Again, I'm not a newbie.
I have several hundred playlists with these files
Why would you have several hundred playlists?
I don't mean to sound rude but you sound like an Apple fanboy. Are you trying to tell me how I should use my own program? The answer to the question is I am a salsa instructor/DJ and I am constantly adding songs and videos to my library. Every month I have various salsa events, classes and performances that I do. I use my iPhone for the music. I need to maintain the playlists because students/teachers/studios/clubs/bars/churches/etc. call me back and want a repeat of the great salsa night I gave them a year ago. Naturally my playlists are highly organized into folders. So, I still have them and I need them.
Apple has its own ideas about how people should use its stuff but everyone is unique and our needs therefore are unique too. Apple doesn't realize this and still wants us to do things "the Apple way" even though "the Apple way" only works well for people who want their hand held through everything. This is why I say you sound like a fanboy. You don't know my situation and question if I need hundreds of playlists. I do.
I just need an answer to the question.
Thank you for your reply though. It gave me hope, for a time.

So whenever I try to download the newest itunes file it won't let me finish the install process because I'm missing the "Itunes.msi" file whatever that is and I've done some searches but I cannot find the file. Anyone know what to do?

So whenever I try to download the newest itunes file it won't let me finish the install process because I'm missing the "Itunes.msi" file whatever that is and I've done some searches but I cannot find the file. Anyone know what to do?

you can try this thread maybe? https://discussions.apple.com/message/16217061#16217061

Itunes 9.2 update windows vista missing file: itunes.msi

I was instructed to download the latest update, which I have but now can't install it due to getting the error message saying that the itunes.msi file is missing. I can't uninstall itunes because of the same error. After doing some digging around I know that there used to be a solution that used the "Windows clean up facility" but that has now been retired by Microsoft and shouldn't be used! I have no idea what to do now and its getting very frustrating. Please help!

After doing some digging around I know that there used to be a solution that used the "Windows clean up facility" but that has now been retired by Microsoft and shouldn't be used! I have no idea what to do now and its getting very frustrating. Please help!
Fair enough that you aren't keen on using the utility. Unfortunately, it's the only really effective and straightforward way I've found of dealing with a missing iTunes.msi in the five or so years I've been troubleshooting that particular class of errors.
If you do eventually decide to try using CleanUp, see the following post for some precautions that would be wise to take:
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=11800573#11800573

Has anyone found a quick, permanent solution to the missing iTunes.msi file. It's very frustrating that I can't uninstall or reinstall. I have a new iphone and I'm dead in the water:)

Has anyone found a quick, permanent solution to the missing iTunes.msi File? I have tried many times to upgrade both itune and quicktime and get the same old error notice. Surely, by now, someone has found out how to get around this mess. Please....

(1) Download the Windows Installer CleanUp utility installer file (msicuu2.exe) from the following Major Geeks page (use one of the links under the "DOWNLOAD LOCATIONS" thingy on the Major Geeks page):
http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=4459
(2) Doubleclick the msicuu2.exe file and follow the prompts to install the Windows Installer CleanUp utility. (If you're on a Windows Vista or Windows 7 system and you get a Code 800A0046 error message when doubleclicking the msicuu2.exe file, try instead right-clicking on the msicuu2.exe file and selecting "Run as administrator".)
(3) In your Start menu click All Programs and then click Windows Install Clean Up. The Windows Installer CleanUp utility window appears, listing software that is currently installed on your computer.
(4) In the list of programs that appears in CleanUp, select any iTunes entries and click "Remove", as per the following screenshot:
(5) Quit out of CleanUp, restart the PC and try another iTunes install. Does it go through properly this time?

Itunes not working, get "missing file, reinstall itunes" message.

1. Itunes not working, get "missing file, reinstall itunes", message.
2. When try to reinstall itunes, gets as far as "starting services", then stops with message, "Apple mobile device failed to start. Verify that you have sufficient privileges to start system services."
I am logged in to my laptop as Administrator.
3. After selecting "retry" and "ignore" a few times, install went ahead and got "Congrats, you have successfully installed itunes"
When I went to itunes I got, " Itunes not installed correctly, please reinstall. Error7 (Windows error 126)".
4. On reinstalling itunes yet again, got, "Programme cannot start because MSVCR80.dll is missing. Try to reinstall programme"
Help !!!

See if this post from turingtest2 helps : https://discussions.apple.com/message/24620553#24620553
There is also this user-tip for troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Windows from turingtest2 : https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6562

I transferred my music to a larger hard drive and when I went to sync to iTunes there half my library had a '!' next to the songs. After I located one song the question 'would you like itunes to find other missing files' came up. What does this mean?

I recently transferred my music from one external hard drive to another and when I went to sync it to iTunes half my music had a '!' symbol on the left side, which meant that the songs weren't located. When I went to locate one of the songs it asked me if I wanted iTunes to find other missing files, which I said yes. What happens next and what is iTunes doing to find the missing files?

iTunes is a database. When you import songs to the database, it records the location of that song, so that when you play, or sync the song iTunes knows where to look for it.
When you moved your music to a different location, iTunes can't find it because you didn't tell iTunes that you moved the music.
You'll have to re-add those songs that you moved to your itunes library. Your best bet is going to be to delete all the songs in your library and then go to File > Add folder to library > and then find your music folder on the new external hard drive.
Also, the external drive HAS to be connected in order for iTunes to find it.

I have files in my iTunes media folder that somehow are not in my library. How do I get iTunes to scan my media folder and add missing files to my library without making a copy of each file in the same location?

I have files in my iTunes media folder that somehow are not in my library. How do I get iTunes to scan my media folder and add missing files to my library without making a copy of each file in the same location? If I use add file / folder to library, it scans the folder and then makes a copy of any file that is not in my library in the exact same location; I recal in older versions of iTunes being able to just drag my media folder into my library and it would update missing links.

Only the songs that are connected to iTunes will be copied when you consolidate to a new folder.
Splitting the media folder away from the usual location makes it harder to move iTunes in the future.
Are you go move everything back once you've tidied up or are you going to leave it that way? Either way I'd recommend you create an iTunes folder at the new location, an iTunes Media folder inside that, and consolidate to this new iTunes Media folder. You should also use the option File > LIbrary > Organize Library > Rearrange files in the folder "<Media Folder"> if you have not already done so.
tt2

ITunes Missing Files

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