Missing iTunes library after moving computer

I recently moved my iMac to a new home, and my iTunes library has disappeared. I have checked all of the usual places and apparently no media exists in my iTunes folder. It's also not showing up on my external hard drive. Any idea what might have caused this? And how to get it back?

I have this problem too. I can find all music I purchased on iTunes on the cloud.. but thousands of other songs are not in library. I do have them backed up in a mavericks back up, but if i could get them back in yosemite that would be ideal.

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Only by manually managing the updating. If you have the external why not just locate the iTunes library there? You have the iPod for portability you don't need the library on the Powerbook.

HT1449 Partially corrupted iTunes library after moving media folder

I moved my media folder to a new hard drive but somehow lost the library file in the process. I used my time machine backup to get an old library file and I placed it back in the iTunes folder on my home drive, but unfortunately it's a few months old, and additions to my itunes folder since then are invisible when I open iTunes. Is there a way to force the iTunes app to rebuild the library, thus recognizing my new downloads since the old library file was built? Songs I'd downloaded and copied from my CDs up to the old library build are working fine.

You probably should have done:
iTunes: How to move [or copy] your music to a new computer [or another drive] - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527
Quick answer if you use iTunes' default preferences settings: Copy the entire iTunes folder (and in doing so all its subfolders and files) intact to the other drive. Open iTunes and immediately hold down the Option (alt) key (shift on Windows), then guide it to the new location of the library.
To answer your question, drag the media folder on the other drive to the Automatically Add To iTunes folder. It will add anything that's not in iTunes and ignore anything that is.

HT1391 how to recover itunes library after reformatting computer - has also wiped my ipod clean when I tried to transfer the music from there

Hi - I have reformatted my computer and want to know how to recover my tunes that were on itunes - I have tried to transfer the tunes from my ipod but it has wiped this clean too - any suggestions welcome!!

*If my kids dock up their iPods to charge them (the iPods still have the music on them) will the computer "sync" the iPod to the now empty library that's on the computer?*
If the iPods are set to update automatically you need to take care connecting to an empty iTunes. You can use a keyboard command to prevent an iPod auto-syncing with iTunes. While connecting the iPod to the computer on a Mac hold down the Option and Command (⌥ and ⌘ Apple) keys together. This will stop the iPod from auto-syncing with iTunes and it will appear in the source list. Wait until you are sure the iPod has mounted, and that it will not auto sync and then you can let the keys go. This may take between 20 to 30 seconds depending on your computer. You should then be able to change your settings: iTunes for Mac - Keyboard Shortcuts
Once the iPods are connected it might be a good idea to change them to manual updating at least until you have your library back in shape. The content of iTunes and the iPod are not syncronised in this mode so the two can be different, you can get details here:
Managing content manually on iPod
iPod - Syncing Music
Something else to be aware of when using an iPod in manual mode is that the "Do Not Disconnect" message will remain on the display until you physically eject the device: Safely Disconnect IPod

Can't find previous itunes file after moving info to an external drive to move library to new computer!!! HELP

I have moved my itunes files numerous times to new computers as I get one. This last time I had everything running off an external drive, to conserve hard drive space on computer and hopefully from computer failure. I need to move library over to new computer and get away from old computer that has Windows XP to the computer with windows 7. After installing itunes on new computer and plugging in external to new computer, it finds all music and movies, etc., however, I can't seem to find the file that has the playlist info, play count, and to see where the backups of my iphone(s) are. I have been working at this for days to no avail. It may be right in front of my face but can't see where to find it. HELP!!!!

Hi mechellr!
Here is an article for you that explains in depth how to move your iTunes library from one computer to another:
iTunes: How to move your music to a new computer
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4527
Thanks for coming to the Apple Support Communities!
Cheers,
Braden

HT203167 Moved iTunes library from one computer to another using external hard drive. Cannot play many files. Says they are missing but locates them in an archive file but still won't play them. Are the files themselves part of the .itl files?

Moved iTunes library from old computer (PC Windows 7) to new (PC Window 8) using external hard drive. Library listing shows all music but can only play a fraction of it. On the ones it cannot play it asks to locate, then refers to an archived version (an .itl file), and still cannot play them. Do I just need to copy the archived .itl over, or is that not where the actual media are (do the actual media files even exist on the new computer?)? Any advice or information on this would be helpful.

*Also...is there any way I can filter out all the tracks with the ! so I can delete the unplaying copies as they're taking up room in my iTunes? I know how to find duplicates, but then I have to go and delete each one individually...*
*Thank you!*

IPod classic content is missing from my iTunes library after a reinstallation of Windows 7 on my PC. How do I restore the contents of my iPod classic to my iTunes library WITHOUT losing that content on my iPod?

iPod classic content is missing from my iTunes library after a reinstallation of Windows 7 on my PC. How do I restore the contents of my iPod classic to my iTunes library WITHOUT losing that content on my iPod?

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

I just purchased a new laptop after my old computer broke, im tryna figure out how to get all of my songs from my itunes library on this computer.....any ideas? ps. ive done it b4 i just cant remember how

I just purchased a new laptop after my old computer broke,im tryna figure out how to get all of my songs from my itunes library on this computer.....any ideas???

Restore from backup if you have one.
You can also transfer stuff from your iPod if you have one:
https://discussions.apple.com/message/11857427#11857427
If you are in the US or Canada you can download purchased music from the Purchased link in the iTunes store.
Otherwise if the disk drive is OK in your Old PC you can remove it and put it in a USB drive enclosure and then use it as an external disk on your new PC, then you copy the muisc from there.

How to sync ipod touch to new computer itunes library after old itunes library computer crash without wiping out "library" on ipod touch

how to sync ipod touch to new computer itunes library after old itunes library lost in computer crash, without erasing ipod touch

Sync is only oneway, from PC to your device. Unless you have the music on your PC, iTunes is going to wipe out what you have on your device if you are syncing to a new library.
You can only transfer Purchased music over to Itunes on your PC.
iTunes Store: Transferring purchases from your iOS device or iPod to a computer
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1848
As for you own music, you may have to use a third party software. A good Free one is called Sharepod which you can download from Download.com here:
http://download.cnet.com/SharePod/3000-2141_4-10794489.html?tag=mncol;2

Trandferring iTunes library from old computer to new computer

How do I transfer files from my old computer to my new computer. I have copied my music library to an external hard drive and copied it to my new computer. However, I have lost most of the album artwork. Also, I am showing multiple copies of the same album, but each album has a song or two only. I encountered this problem previously when I first loaded my CDs onto my computer. I spent countless hours fixing that mess and it now appears that I am faced with having to redo it. Help anyone.

How to Copy and Move (Clone) your iTunes Library from One Computer to Another – or Archive Prior to a PC Re-Image or Reformat
This well-written iLounge Article is a must-read for anyone considering moving their Library to a new computer or a new location. Or, just wants a better understanding of how iTunes manages your music.
Below is the conceptual framework with related and important links. Apply and adapt it to your specific situation and equipment resources.
The safest, quickest, and most optimal method to move your Library to a new computer is to actually clone the entire ‘iTunes’ folder (directory) structure, rather than just copying just the song files. By copying the entire ‘iTunes’ folder and all sub-folders, you capture not only the music files, but the all-important ‘iTunes Library.itl’ database file (usually located in the ‘iTunes’ folder), which contains all the data about your songs (Playlists, Ratings, Play Counts, Last Played, Date Added, etc). See: What are the iTunes Library files?
Install iTunes on the new computer. Then go back to your old computer and move (copy) the "iTunes" folder which usually resides inside your "…\My Documents\My Music" folder from the old computer to the exact same place (both Drive Letter and complete Path) on the new computer. When you open iTunes on the new computer it will look and behave exactly the same way it did on the old, Play Counts, Ratings, Comments and all!
NOTE: It is usually safer moving files between computers with the same version of iTunes!!
iTunes Files to Copy and Move to your New PC (for iPod, iTouch &/or iPhone – use as needed)
1) All Music Files in their current folder structure (usually located in and under the ‘iTunes Music’ folder)
2) All Application Files in their current folder structure (usually located in the ‘Mobile Applications’ folder)
3) All Album Artwork Files in their current folder structure (usually located in and under the ‘Album Artwork’ folder)
4) The Library database file: ‘iTunes Library.itl’ located in the ‘iTunes’ folder
5) The Library XML file: ‘iTunes Music Library.xml’ located in the ‘iTunes’ folder
6) The iTunes Library Extras.itdb and iTunes Library Genius.itdb files, also in the ‘iTunes’ folder
Some additional files to consider also include in a backup:
7) Any XML playlist files created for Playlist retention
8) The two iTunes.pref files (optional)
i) C:\Documents and Settings\<your username>\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iTunes.pref
ii) C:\Documents and Settings\<your username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Apple Computer Inc\iTunes.pref
9) The XML file of Ratings, Play Counts and Last Played attributes saved from the main Library and created by Otto’s SaveRatings script (also optional, but recommended):
“Download this: http://ottodestruct.com/itunes/SaveRatings.zip . It's a program, just run it like any other program. Run it on the machine where you're copying the info from BEFORE you move the files to the new machine. Click the "Save Ratings" button and it'll create a ratings.xml file. Now when you move the files, move the program and this file as well. Then after you make your new iTunes library, run it again and click the "Restore Ratings" button. Voila, all your information is back in the Library. Well, most of it anyway, it's not perfect. It'll tell you what songs it couldn't figure out though, and there's usually not very many.”
10) The folder(s) used to store and sync photos to your iPhone (if applicable)
11) The iTunes created Backup of your iPhone usually located at:
C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup
Here's a list of methods to copy and move your music files from one computer to another:
1) Use an External Hard Drive (ExHD) to move the complete files and Folder structures from one computer to another (my preferred option). You can clone’ the entire ‘iTunes’ folder structure in one very easy step. Also great to have available for complete backups of your Library. External hard drives now run less than $100 for 500GBs-1TB of storage. See This Link
2) Directly connect the two computers:
2a) Connect them through a Router &/or Network
2b) Directly connect using an Ethernet cable: Straight for using at least one Mac; or Crossover for PC/PC Instructions here.
2c) Connect them via a USB-to-USB Network Bridge. Example here. There are various types out there (use Google).
--Then copy the files from one computer to the other.
3) Use the iPod as a transfer device, as this extensive Apple link explains. It will be a bit easier if your iPod has a larger capacity than your music collection, otherwise you will need to perform multiple copy/move transfers. This well written process also works fine while using any other data transfer medium (ExHD, Flash Drive, DVD, CD, Zipp, Jazz, etc.).
4) Burn several DVDs (at 4.7GBs each) with your music data files and folder structure, and load them onto the new computer. Re-writable DVDs are more cost effective (if your DVD drive can manage these types).
5) Burn 6x more on CDs (at 700MB each) than in #4 above and load the files and folders on the new computer. Re-writable CDs are more cost effective (if your CD drive can manage these types).
6) Use a larger USB Flash drive (1GB - 4GB) to move the files and folders. Best if the flash drive is larger than your Library, otherwise you will need multiple copy/move transfers.
These are links to various additional instructions on performing the transfer (read them all, but some listed steps may not be required depending on your specific situation):
Switch from PC to Mac Using the iPod
hudgie: Migrating iTunes for Windows to a new PC
How to copy music between authorized computers
Also, remember to Deauthorize your PC before you reformat it, dispose of it, or retire it from iTMS use (if applicable).
Best of Luck

How do I sync my Ipod to a new library after my computer has crashed?

How do I sync my Ipod to a new library after my computer has crashed?

iTunes Store: Transferring purchases from your iOS device or iPod to a computer - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1848 - only media purchased from iTunes Store
Sync transfer is one way, matching the device content to the content on the computer, except purchased content as mentioned above. For transferring other items from an i-device to a computer you have to use third party commercial software. Examples (check the web for others; this is not an exhaustive listing):
- Senuti - http://www.fadingred.com/senuti/
- Phoneview - http://www.ecamm.com/mac/phoneview/
- MusicRescue - http://www.kennettnet.co.uk/products/musicrescue/ - Mac & Windows
- Sharepod (free) - http://download.cnet.com/SharePod/3000-2141_4-10794489.html?tag=mncol;2 - Windows
- Post by Zevoneer: iPod media recovery options - https://discussions.apple.com/message/11624224 - this is an older post and many of the links are also for old posts, so bear this in mind when reading them.
Syncing to a "New" Computer or replacing a "crashed" Hard Drive - https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3141
In general do not regard your i-device as a reliable unique storage for your media. It is not a backup device and everything is structured around you maintaining a backup of your media on a computer backup.

All of a sudden (video) files added to my iTunes library after a certain date aren't playable on other devices.

hello!
All of a sudden I have a weird issue with playing video-files added to my iTunes library after a specific date.
This is the situation so far:
I encode the video for iTunes with the same settings for the last 3 years. I know these vids play on all my devices. AppleTV & iPad. All of a sudden videos added to my library after the 8th of september aren't playable on my AppleTV and iPad. I can play them directly in iTunes and by accessing them directly via the finder and quicktime.
The following errors occur:
When I pull the video from iTunes on my AppleTV.. the video simply doesn't play.
When I pull the video from iTunes on my iPad I get a message that the file can't be found.
When I push the video from iTunes to the AppleTV using airplay I get a message that there has occured an error while connecting to the AirPlay-device "Apple TV". The necesary file could not be found. In addition when the AppleTV is switched off it doesn't turn on doing this, suggesting that there is something missing on my mac itself.
All the above errors aren't popping up when I choose a video that has been put in my library before the 9th of september. Then everything works as expected.
This is what I tried:
Turning off and on home sharing on all devices including the mac.
Logging in wiht a different apple ID though using the same ID as before.
I created a new iTunes library and populated with a video that was added after the 8th of september and one that was added before the 9th of september. Surprisingly the older one played and not the newer one.. while they both used the same encoding settings. The new library was locally on my mac as my original library is on a NAS.
I encode my videos with Quicktime 7 Pro using the following settings:
H.264 (current frame rate, key-frames:automatic, re-order frames, automatic bitsize)
Medium Quality
Multi-pass
current resolution (which is always 1280 X 720)
AAC sound
44.100 kHz
128kbps
I'm using the Mountain lion 10.8.2 and iTunes 10.7 Mountain lion got updated a few days after 19th of september and iTunes i think as well. Both versions were released after this issue seemed to pop up.
I also have two video-files encoded on the same day with the same settings that dragged into the iTunes library on the 9th of september. One works.. the other doesn't.
So I wonder if there is somebody out there that can tell me what might have happened here and how I could fix this issue.
Thank you in advance.

Hi Seraphiel07.
I have a very similar issue. Hardware involved:
Apple MacMini (Mid 2011) - OSX 10.8.2. iTunes 10.7. Home Sharing enabled.
Apple TV (3rd Generation). Home Sharing (access) enabled.
Apple MacBook Pro (15" Mid-2009). OSX 10.8.2. iTunes 10.7. Home Sharing enabled.
Apple iPad 2 (Wifi only). iOS 6
Apple iPhone 4S. iOS 6
All connected through:
Apple Time Capsule 8.0211n (4th Gen)
I have an iTunes library on the MacBook Pro, shared over "Home Sharing" and another (duplicate content, different library name) iTunes library on my MacMini, which is also accessed through the Apple TV.
All software is current (as of Sep 26th).
All movies are iTunes purchases. 80 in total.
All files are purchased (and home shared) under one account.
My last two iTunes purchases both HD movies on 09/17/2012 and 09/05/2012 refuse to appear on any device accessing either of the two Libraries over Home Sharing. It should be noted that every other movie (the other 78) all show up and play correctly. I therefore know it is not an issue with connectivity, otherwise I would see zero movies available.
I have:
1. Removed all content from each Library and re-added
2. Upgraded the OS on the MacMini 10.8.2
3. Tested viewing the two missing movies on other Apple devices and no luck.
4. Turn home sharing on and off within iTunes and also on each device.
It would appear to me that the issue is with the files themselves, rather than the devices as different devices and different versions have been tested.
All comments welcome.

How to restore iTunes library after operating system changed?

How to restore iTune library after operating system changed on the laptop? The syn is not working because it doesn't recognize the computer.

Recovering your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device: Apple Support Communities
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

I am in the process of trying to transfer my iTunes library from one computer to another. Some of the music/film info has been edited (by me) in my library (using get info). When put onto new computer the info has gone back to before i edited it.. Help!?

I am in the process of trying to transfer my iTunes library from one computer to another. Some of the music/film info has been edited (by me) in my library (using get info). When put onto new computer (following apple's instructions- using an external hard drive) the info has gone back to how it was before i edited it.. Help!?

Hello,
I would recommend taking a look at the article below for more information about migrating your iTunes library.
iTunes for Windows: Moving your iTunes Media folder
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1364
-Griff W.

Transferring external iTune library from one computer to another

I am having great difficulty in changing my external iTunes library from my old MBP laptop to my new iMac 5k.
My entire iTunes library is stored on an external drive and can be accessed directly with my MBP. When I started up iTunes on my new iMac, it created a new empty library in the MUSIC folder. What I want to do is connect my new iMac to the external library directly. I can see it when I turn on HOME SHARING but only when iTunes is running on my MBP, which is useless since my MBP will now be seldom used. I have of course on the iMac, changed the library location in the advanced preferences to the external location, to no avail. I do not want to keep any media files on the iMac for capacity reasons.
To compound the problem, I cannot seem to sync my new iPhone 6+ to the original external library, only the new empty one!
Surely this ought to be a simple job, transferring an external iTunes library from one computer to another! Am I missing something obvious here?

Wow, what a quick response! Thanks, Limnos. I guess it was bleeding' obvious, and I should have thought of it before. Such a simple solution!
On a related matter, I also have just realised that the iTunes iOS backups are saved on the internal computer drive in a folder called MOBILESYNC rather than on an external drive, thus chewing up a lot of capacity on my SSD. Others reading this response may be interested to know that it is easy to have iTunes save the iOS backups to any external drive using a symbolic link in this directory. Go to
http://support.digidna.net/hc/en-us/articles/203504123-Storing-your-iPhone-Backu ps-on-an-Alternate-Location
for the details.
However, note that iBooks will NOT let you use this work-around, pathetic app that it is.

Missing iTunes library after moving computer

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