ITunes update erased my library

I downloaded an update earlier this summer that erased my iTunes library completely (video, music, everything). When I hooked up my iPod, iTunes prompted me by saying that in order to sync the iPod with my now empty iTunes, I'd have to erase my iPod contents. My iPod is the only place where I now have all my music (from CDs AND files bought from iTunes). How can I fix this??

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301749 Try searching for the music. If not, you may be able to bring the contents of your iPod to your computer:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=5105265&#5105265
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=4634989&#4634989
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=4800696&#4800696
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=5102323&#5102323

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ITunes Keeps Erasing Entire Library

Hello,
Since the most recent iTunes update, my iTunes has started to erase my entire library. I have re-imported all of my music, books, videos, ringtones and TV shows back into iTunes at least 20 times, only for iTunes to dump the lot the next time I open the software.
I have tried to resolve this by uninstalling iTunes and reinstalling 3 times to no avail. I am at a complete loss as to why this is happening.
I am running Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Firewall.
Any advice on a resolution to this would be sincerely appreciated.

Have you worked through the following document in the course of your troubleshooting to date, scott?
[iTunes creates an empty library file in Windows|http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2715]

Latest iTunes update erased everything on my mac mini

After the latest update of iTunes about 2 weeks ago, nothing works on my mac mini except iTunes. All of my pictures are gone. only 1 cd is still in the library and it will play but the rest, about 97% of my music, is gone. All of my installed applications are missing. Surprisingly my movies are still there and they will play. None of the system applications work any more. Time maching gives me an unknown error when I try to open it. Safari does not exist any more. Any ideas on how to roll back the update?

Frankly if an iTunes update could do that much to your computer then your computer must have been in pretty bad shape to start with in terms of directory corruption, badly set permissions, etc.
The only feasible way to roll back an update is to restore to an earlier copy of your drive using a backup.
I'd start by booting to your installer disc, then use Disk Utilities to verify and repair the drive if necessary. Once it reports all is clear, boot to your computer's hard drive and use Disk Utility in Utilities to to repair permissions. The problem with doing this now vs. before all this started is that some damage may have already been done ans might not be reversible without a lot of work, if at all.

ITunes 11.4.0.18 update erased previous library

After updating to iTunes 11.4.0.18 for use with my iPod Touch, 4th gen. iOS 6.1.6, my previous library complete disappeared. I'm working with Windows 7 on a machine that more than meets the hardware specs for this particularly software.
The problem: When I opened up iTunes after the update, it began an automatic search for media content as if it this was the first time the software had ever been installed on my machine, as evidenced by the total absence of library content. I looked in vain for this content, and came to the Apple forums for solutions. I tried a suggested workaround involving locating my previous library file in the iTunes folder, moving it to the main itunes folder, and renaming it, but imagine my surprise to see there were no other previous library versions available other than the one created the day of the update, as if . . . as if it this was the first time the software had ever been installed on my machine.
Now, iTunes can't reconcile the new library it's working from on my computer with the library on my iPod , and when I want to add new content to my iPod, it won't do so until I accept its demand that I allow it to completely erase all of the current content on my iPod in order to accomodate this inexplicable new library it's built over my old one.
What happened to my previous libraries? Why is iTunes acting like this is a fresh install? And why, for Pete's sake, isn't iTunes sophisticated enough to accept that some iPods might be working from a different library that isn't connected to the almighty "Cloud," without having to resort to a scorched earth approach like wiping my entire iPod just to be able to add content? The problem seems strangely reminiscent of the software glitches and otherwise annoying inferiority of the Sony Connect Player software suite that made me come to the Apple line of products in the first place.

Thanks for the reply, tt2.
Problem solved. I searched for .itl files in other locations and found one made prior to the update inexplicably in folder that was not the iTunes folder. Copied it, renamed it, pasted it, and got my library back. Thanks so much for pointing me in the right direction.
Still baffled as to why this happened though. I've never had a problem with updates in the past. This was a first for me.
Thanks again for your help.

Itunes 7.1.1 update erased my library, won't sync ipod

A couple of days ago I was asked if I wanted to update my itunes to 7.1.1 and I clicked yes. The update was completed and I closed my computer. Today I opened my itunes and it is completely erased. Also, it says that my ipod is syned with another library, which is not true, I only have 1 itunes which has now been erased. Complete disaster, why did this happen and how can it be fixed?

Firstly, do you have a standard installation?
Your iTunes folder in My Music and Itune Music in the iTunes folder?
It may be possible to recreate your library using the article in this link:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93313
If that doesn't work out, since you just upgraded you may have a backup copy of your library created during the upgrade.
Look in My Music\iTunes\Previous Itunes Libraries
Look for a file with a name like iTunes Library yyyy-mm-dd.itl
Where yyyy-mm-dd is the date of your upgrade. If you have this, you can use it.
With iTunes closed, drag the existing iTunes library.itl out of the iTunes folder onto the desktop. Then copy the backup library into your iTunes folder and rename it iTunes Library.itl, Then restart iTunes.

This is the secong time itunes has erased my library with there updates... What a CROCK...

Apple is very close to losing a customer...This is the second time that my library has been erased from an update...Sure I can re download my 1000 plus songs from Icloud...This is the second time this has happened....Very dissatisfied!!!!

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

Itunes update erased my playlists

Anyone know how to get my playlists back? I downloaded iTunes 7.4.2.4 and now all my playlists are gone. I had gigs and gigs worth...too much to organize again.
Any help??

Hey TheJohnOne,
Thanks for the question. I understand that your iTunes library is missing playlists after updating. The following resource may help to resolve your issue:
No content shows up in iTunes after updating
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1967
Resolution
1. Quit iTunes.
2. Download and install the latest version of iTunes.
3. Use the Finder (Mac) or Windows Explorer (Windows) to go to the iTunes folder that contains the iTunes library files:
Mac OS X
/Users/username/Music/iTunes/
Microsoft Windows Windows XP and Windows 2000
\Documents and Settings\username\My Documents\My Music\iTunes\
Microsoft Windows Windows Vista and Windows 7
\Users\username\Music\iTunes\
4. Drag the iTunes Library file from the above location to the Desktop.
5. Open the Previous iTunes Libraries folder in the iTunes folder.
6. Locate the file named iTunes Library YYYY-MM-DD where YYYY-MM-DD is the date you upgraded iTunes (Year-Month-Day).
7. Drag this file to the iTunes folder (the enclosing folder).
8. Rename this file to iTunes Library.
9. Open iTunes.
You should now see your missing content in iTunes.
If the above does not resolve your issue, you can learn about re-creating your iTunes library:
iTunes: How to re-create your iTunes library and playlists
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1451
Thanks,
Matt M.

Iphone Rep tells me...Itunes UPDATE erased my phone....

and theres no way to get my contacts, notes, pics, text history back because it deleted ALLLLL of my backups for its own silly purpose. THEN, saves the last back up its makes WHILE trying to update...and uh OH...THAT ONLY remaining file is "Corrupted". YAAAAAAAYYYY
Gee thanx. So is this true there is nothing I can do to get that corupted back up restored to the phone, or UNDO everything the update did? I Want my stuff back.

What update?
Is the iTunes application properly located in the Apple designated Applications Folder?
AFTER you Repair Permissions (Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility) and remove any "hackies" or beta apps, try these Apple info links:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301749
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93313
Disconnect your iPod from the computer BEFORE doing anything in the above. Make sure iTunes is working properly prior to reconnect.
DIXIE

How can I update my music library on Windows and a library on Mac on netwo

I have music on my PC and music on my Mac, both systems running iTunes.The 2 systems are networked. Can iTunes update my music library on both computers so they have the same music library without deleting any songs?

iTunes cannot, no.
See this -> syncotunes.

I tried to update itunes and now it won't open, how do I fix it? Will uninstalling and reinstalling erase my library?

I tried to update itunes and now it won't open, how do I fix it? Will uninstalling and reinstalling erase my library?

Go to Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs (Win XP) or Programs and Features (later)
Remove all of these items in the following order:
iTunes
Apple Software Update
Apple Mobile Device Support (if this won't uninstall move on to the next item)
Bonjour
Apple Application Support
Reboot, download iTunes, then reinstall, either using an account with administrative rights, or right-clicking the downloaded installer and selecting Run as Administrator.
The uninstall and reinstall process will preserve your iTunes library and settings, but ideally you would back up the library and your other important personal documents and data on a regular basis. See this user tip for a suggested technique.
Please note:
Some users may need to follow all the steps in whichever of the following support documents applies to their system. These include some additional manual file and folder deletions not mentioned above.
HT1925: Removing and Reinstalling iTunes for Windows XP
HT1923: Removing and reinstalling iTunes for Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8
tt2

HT1926 when trying to instal itunes update i got an error, will downloading itunes again erase my current library?

When trying to instal an itune update on my Pc i got an error message, should i download itunes again, and if i do so will it erase my current library?

Go to Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs (Win XP) or Programs and Features (later)
Remove all of these items in the following order:
iTunes
Apple Software Update
Apple Mobile Device Support (if this won't uninstall move on to the next item)
Bonjour
Apple Application Support
Reboot, download iTunes, then reinstall, either using an account with administrative rights, or right-clicking the downloaded installer and selecting Run as Administrator.
The uninstall and reinstall process will preserve your iTunes library and settings, but ideally you would back up the library and your other important personal documents and data on a regular basis. See this user tip for a suggested technique.
Please note:
Some users may need to follow all the steps in whichever of the following support documents applies to their system. These include some additional manual file and folder deletions not mentioned above.
HT1925: Removing and Reinstalling iTunes for Windows XP
HT1923: Removing and reinstalling iTunes for Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8
tt2

Pls help! update 06-28-2006 erased my library!

I was given the option to upload my the latest version of ipod and i selected 'update' and then when i went to open my library, it was all erased! i am devastated and hope it isn't gone forever . . . anyone have any advice??

ALittle unclear here. Did you update iTunes and now the library is blank OR did you install the latest ipod updater, updated the ipod with it and the menu/library is now blank on the ipod?

HT5654 your update erased all my itunes files!

1-29-14 update erased 10 years worth of itunes music and audio files. How do I get them back?
I have a HP Windows 7 computer.

Try here first > iTunes: How to re-create your iTunes library and playlists
If nothing there helped, if you are a resident of the U.S., have iTunes 10.3 or later installed, you can re download past purchases for free.
Click Purchased (new) under Quick Links right side of the iTunes Store window.
Downloading past purchases from the App Store, iBookstore, and iTunes Store

Itunes 11.0.1 still not updating apps in library during iOS sync

i dont know if this is true for you but i still have the same problem in itunes 11.0.1 that was there is itunes 11.0. apps updated on ios are not being updates in itunes library during sync.
please let me know if u have a fix or know a thread where the fix has been posted.
thanks
Neerav

This is an easy fix. Just try this: Without connecting your phone, open iTunes and go to Preferences, on the Devices tab check "Prevent...from automatically syncing". Next authorize your computer for all Apple IDs used to purchase these apps in iTunes>Store>Authorize this computer. Now connect your phone and when it appears on the left sidebar of iTunes right-Right click on its name and select Transfer Purchases (this will transfer your apps and other purchased media to your iTunes library). Right-click again and select Backup. Now go through the various tabs and select your sync settings (Music, etc.), being careful not to select to sync contacts or calendars on the Info tab unless the program you are syncing with has at least one contact and one calendar event (which will trigger a merge or replace prompt when you first sync). When you have everything the way you want click Apply to sync your phone. Note: When you sync to a new iTunes library iTunes will erase all iTunes media and replace it with the media in the library you are syncing with. You have transferred your apps so they will sync back, however you must also import your music and other media to your library or it will not be transferred back to your phone when you sync.

New iTunes upgrade, causes Long process time, re: itunes updating library

I just updated iTunes and I let it Update(the iTunes Library) but it keeps getting stuck around 25% and takes all of the processor time around %94, I let it go about 2 hours and I get frustrated and quit.
what is going on? Ho wdo I prevent it from updating so I Can LISTEN to some Music?????? I have around 60gb of music and podcasts/videos/books ect., how long does it take to update?? It has been over 5 hours dealing with this already, so Please tell me how to stop it from updating!!! I want MUSIC!!! nOW!

Nevermind, I just erased the Library File and Reimported everything, I got Tired of waitng for it to finish.

ITunes update erased my library

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