Multiple itunes plist files

Every time I start iTunes, it will create a new plist file (like com.apple.iTunes.plist.ec6ME44) under User/Library/Preferences and under User/Library/Preferences/ByHost which is 0 KB in size after I close iTunes. After a couple of iTunes starts there are plenty of those plist files in the mentioned directories. Is this normal? Or is this a bug?

Hi SaTh,
Definitely a bug mate. One that has been present since 10.6 on newer Macs.
I have conversed with numerous Apple techs who have also acknowledged the weird behaviour.
One good way to see the issue and to maybe understand whats going on is to open a movie in QuickTime X, then clear recents, open the app and bang.. the recents is repopulated and a .plist.xxxxxxx is created.
It appears that certain changes to an apps .plist are not being written out correctly.
Unfortunately 10.6.5 still has the bug much to my sadness as I suspect its a low level HFS write issue.
I am guessing its not a big deal (although I feel it is) or Apple has chosen to divert its energy in resolving it in 10.7.
In the mean time, just purge the files once in awhile, a non solution to what appears to be a non issue.
Cheers,
Karl.

Similar Messages

Multiple iTunes XML Files?

Hello everyone. I have a problem. I want to move my iTunes library over to my external hard drive. DO NOT post a link on how to do this. I have read all of them. The problem is that I have multiple iTunes XML files. Not just one. I don't know what to do. Can i delete them? Can i combine them or something???

It is difficult to understand your question as the the number of xml files does not seem to be related to your question. If you have a complex question then you need to explain it fully with your current iTunes set up.
The simple answer assuming a default iTunes set up is.
1. Ensure all your music is in the iTunes Music folder in the iTunes folder. Consolidate if it is not.
2. With iTunes closed, Copy the iTunes folder to the external drive.
3. Hold down the shift key (Windows) and start iTunes, keep holding the shift key until you are prompted to choose a library. Naviagte to the iTunes folder on the external drive and choose iTunes Library.itl.
If you ever start iTunes with the drive disconnected it will default back to the internal drive and you have to do another shift key start to connect to the external drive.

Where are the iTunes plist files

I changed to Lion. Because the OS I started from had corrupt files I opted to partition and create a clean instal. Because of the corruption on the old system I do not want to use file migration. The only two things I need to move are my .plist files for iTunes and iPhoto, which I can find on the old system but not on Lion.
I unlocked the hidden files but I can't find the library or the prefernce folder in which to place the old .plist files. Where is it? Does anyone know?

The Library is Hidden in Lion. Finder Menubar/Hold the Option key/Go/Library
Files will be in ~/Library/Preferences

ITunes generates "com.apple.iTunes.plist" file after each start up

On one of our Mac's after each startup of iTunes a file is generated in /Users/Name/Library/Preferences
File names are like:
com.apple.iTunes.plist.Z2buKbR
com.apple.iTunes.plist.lx6pQwr
com.apple.iTunes.plist.0YWqm3c
File size is zero (0)
How can I stop iTunes 10.1.2 doing this as the files seem to have no function ?
thx

Hi,
as the files seem to have no function ?
Those files are there for a reason. They contain all your iTunes preferences. Do not delete them. Open iTunes then from the iTunes menu bar click iTunes / Preferneces.
If you are trying to free up disk space, there's a better way to do that.
Freeing up space on your Mac OS X startup disk
Carolyn

Itunes plist - multiple files in library preferences folder

there are about 100 files in the preferences folder all with a different file name - e.g.: com.apple.iTunes.plist.0sxSNjJ
I can also see file name: com.apple.iTunes.plist
According to the dates - these started appearing in January 2011. I upgraded from 10/5.8 to 10.6 in December, but there aren't any dated as December so I'm not sure that's related.
ITunes is constantly asking for my password and I was going to trash the plist file to see if that helped.
What's with the multiple entrees?

just found another post on same topic - search: multiple itunes plist files
guess I have to wait for next version and fix.

How to delete multiple old ITUNES LIBRARY files safely ?

I'd like to clean up my Itunes LIBRARY files, but don't know what's safe to do and not to do. (I have Itunes 8.1 / OSX10.4.11)
MY QUESTION IS TWOFOLD :
(1) how do I create a new Itunes library file now with today's date; and
(2) how do I delete multiple (old) Itunes library files, without risking the loss of what I've got ?
This all stems from exploring Itunes as a result of a problem I had today... when trying to import mp3's from my terrabyte drive, after about 150 successful mp3 track imports, Itunes froze and everything else on my MAC froze as well (constant spinning colored wheel). After many failed attempts to force quit Itunes, I turned off my MBPro. On restarting, Itunes tooks ages to "import" files. Eventually Itunes opened but with only half of my original tunes (1500+ songs 8.11GB) and had nothing from today's import.
I found a post suggesting to hold down OPTION while starting Itunes. Then I selected a file from my hard drive > me > music > Itunes > "Itune library" with the most recent date and shezam, Itunes once again has all my songs, as before. Nothing I imported from the terrabyte drive today appears however, but no matter.
In my "Itunes" file there appear MULTIPLE Itunes libraries ! such as Itunes library, Itunes Library (damaged), and as well a folder called "Previous Itunes Libraries" which itself contains multiple Itunes Library files and multiple "previous Itunes Library files" with dates back to 2007. These I want to clean up and delete .... should I ? ... Can I ?
I really could use some words of wisdom from the wise ! Thanks in advance

Whenever you install a new version of iTunes and run it teh first time, iTunes will create a backup of the current iTunes library file and copy it into \Music\iTunes\Previous iTunes libraries, then update the iTunes library file in \Music\iTunes\ for the current version of iTunes.

Using ChronoSync with iTunes - what files/folders to exclude?

I want my laptop and HTPC to have the exact same iTunes library. I started with copying the *iPhoto Library* package file to the HTPC, so right now, they have the exact same library.
I'll do most of my iTunes work (e.g. adding new music) on the laptop. The HTPC-sync is just for changes to playlists, ratings, etc. - minor edits I might happen across while listening to my music there. I would want these changes to sync back to the laptop.
I know I can now use ChronoSync to keep these libraries in sync:
http://econtechnologies.com/pages/cs/chrono_tips25.html
My question is: for my needs, _which files/folders in the iTunes Library can/should I exclude for synchronization_?
Thank you.

Chris CA wrote:
None. It would most likely be in the iTunes application prefs file, which is not in the \Music\iTunes\ folder.
I don't think that's true. The sync I set up didn't touch any iTunes .plist files. When I changed the window size and content zoom on one computer (and nothing else), then re-synced, the display settings were copied back to the other.
Chris CA wrote:
Is it possible to non-disastrously sync
I don't know what you mean by this.
Meaning, if I choose not to sync whatever file actually controls the window display settings, will iTunes still function properly, or will I "break" something in it?

Deleting the com.apple.iTunes.plist?

Greetings.
iTunes will not recognize my iPod classic and freezes with My user ID (The iPod does show up in my finder). It does not happen with my wife as user; iPod is visible and connects to iTunes without difficulty.
I have been told to delete the com.apple.iTunes.plist under my user ID, then to restart the iMac. However, the problem remains. I have looked at the tech documents, uninstalled and re-installed iTunes, upgraded to iTunes 10...all without success. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to get my user ID on the same page so iTunes will recognize the iPod?
Thanks.

This is probably too little, too late but there is also an iTunes plist file(s) located at
~/Library/Preferences/ByHost/com.apple.iTunes.605A79F2-A0DD-423E-9C65-C9FB9E1F6B CC.plist
N.B. The "605A79F2-A0DD-423E-9C65-C9FB9E1F6BCC" is a UUID so each instance will be different.
Don't know if that will solve the problem but you never know.

Duplicate iTunes database files in Home Folder

Due to an ever-increasing number of songs in iTunes, I downloaded them to an external hard drive -relatively easily(with a lot of help) and successfully for the most part. But....
In order to trash my iTunes Music on the internal drive I had to re-organize the sub-files found in the iTunes file(path - Home>Music>iTunes>). All of the iTunes database files were in the iTunes Music file so I dragged them out and put them in the iTunes file. After I trashed all the music, by highlighting the songs and dragging them to the trash bin, the iTunes Music file(which should be empty) has ‘re-created’ the iTunes database files.
The iTunes seems to work fine. All newly added music is stored on the external hard drive and downloads to my iPod. However now my iTunes window crashes consistently and my external hard drive gets disconnected intermittently.
What should I do about the duplicate iTunes database files and is this duplication causing these new problems?

I would happily assign to you 100 points even now
LOL - just clicked 'Solved' on one of my replies when or if you are happy!
Is it possible that when you create a new library the database files also get duplicated
Well, almost. When you create a new Library, you are creating a new iTunes "window" into which you can import any of your music, irrespective of whether it also exists in another library. So, although the music may be the same, iTunes creates a NEW (not duplicate) set of iTunes Library database files for your new Library. The main one (iTunes Library) holds all your playlists, ratings, etc.
That explains why those new files you found inside your iTunes Music folder were all much smaller than the 4 files you moved out - they were new iTunes Library files. (that's what I meant in paragraph 2; the file sizes of the new set were all wrong - way too small; the set you moved out of the iTunes Music folder, were much more realistically bigger.
However, it may be that the CURRENT set of iTunes Library files is on the eHD with your iTunes Music folder, from what you say. Does the iTunes Library file on the eHD have a very recent timestamp on it? If so, that's the one iTunes seems to be using.
Following your directions in paragraph 3 I couldn't find the main iTunes Preferences .plist file
I'm now inclined to believe that your Preferences are not the problem, though I'm baffled as to how you couldn't find the file. The com.apple.iTunes.plist file MUST be there, I'm not sure how iTunes can run without it. And if it wasn't there, iTunes would create it anew when you run the program. You sure you looked in ~user/Library/Preferences ?
then download iTunes from the Apple site
The problems you describe are from a "wrong way of doing things" rather than a corrupt application, so I'd say no to this, right now.
Could I delete or trash parts or all of the iTunes folders and files somewhere along the path, such as after User/Music and on the external hard drive, without jeopardizing the music located on the external hard drive
{sharp intake of breath} - this is ONLY worth doing once we know which is the Library that iTunes is currently using. Certainly, we haven't got to the bottom of why iTunes re-creates those iTunes Library files in your iTunes Music folder.
One way to track down the current Library file is to add one track only to your iTunes, then quit iTunes. Now, drag each of the "iTunes Music Library.xml" onto TextEdit and then do a TextEdit "Find" for that track name. The .xml file that has that track in it, is part of the set currently being used by iTunes and you should note down where that set is.
Will hear from you again, I'm sure.

Have found multiple iTunes Library.xml files. Moved Library to new Hard Drive and it needs to be completely rebuilt?

Hello. I have a Mac Mini operating Mac OS X 10.7.2. I recently had to move my iTunes Library to a new hard drive. I followed the directions on how to move the library and refind everything yet when I do so what comes up is a mere skeleton of what I had. I have had to hunt down my purchased Apps, Music and Movies and re-add them to the library. I also noticed in doing this I have multiple iTunes Library.xml files ... shouldn't there only be one? If so how do I clean this up without doing any accidental damage (i.e. how do I find the one that is being used and delete the rest?)? If I delete the others is there any risk of losing purchased content? Lastly syncing my iPads has become a nightmare as I get the "This iPad is currently synced to another iTunes library" message. Obviously something

It's hard for me to picture the exact situation. It sounds like you still have your library file on the internal but some files on the external, and maybe some on the internal, some of which are in the library and others not... By re-adding things after consolidating it may have made things into a hodge-podge. Yes, that article you referenced says: "iTunes for Mac: Moving your iTunes Media folder"with Media Folder being the emphasis. You probably should have just moved your whole iTunes folder. Still, moving the media folder as instructed should not have messed up the library. Did you make the mistake of starting up iTunes before the external drive had mounted fully and it then told you it couldn't find many files? How you proceed to sort it out will depend upon how much time you want to spend and how important things such as ratings and playcount are to you. I have not actually used the consolidate feature across different drives myself (and don't feel inclined to do so here to test ).
If you are in the USA you can download some previous purhcases with iCloud, but not all.
Here's a bit on what an iTunes folder should look like:
What are the iTunes library files? - [http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1660]
More on iTunes library files and what they do - [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITunes#Media_management]
Library files with graphic and explanation of different iTunes versions - http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=13169517
Once you get iTunes working off the external drive it should just put new media to the external when you add it.
I have almost no experience with synching (I synched my neice's iPod, once, about 4 years ago).

I have multiple libraries on an external drive. Somehow all the iTunes library files i.e. iTunes Library.itl, xml, itdb, Media folder, etc disappeared! Only the music files remain. Now when I start iTunes w/option it can't find any of the old libraries!

Help! I 'm using an old G4 powerbook, Mac OSX 10.5.8, iTunes ver 10. I have multiple iTunes libraries on an external drive. Everything was fine for a while, then all of the iTunes library files, i.e. iTunes Library.itl, xml, itdb, artwork folder, Media folder, etc mysteriously disappeared! Only the music files remain (thank god) So now when I start iTunes w/option key to choose a library, I can't choose any of them because iTunes won't recognize them. Because all the library stuff is missing. So can I re-create the library files? (I don't care if I lose my ratings)
Or should I create a new empty library on the external drive, then manually move all the music files to the Media folder in the new library?
I tried some stupid ideas like creating a new library just to start iTunes, then going into prefs and advanced, then under iTunes Media folder location, selecting the location of the old library on the external, to see if iTunes would then find all the music which is still there, but no workee.
I'm out of ideas, and I searched the archives.
Help! anyone?
Scott

I don't know if this is me adding files to iTunes when the external wasn't connected
it is.
is it OK to just keep deleting that library on the Air?
i wouldn't - at least not until i
mount the external
point iTunes media folder location back to the external via preferences > advanced
consolidate my library via file > library > organize library
The ntfs hasn't seem to be causing any problems, but I've always wanted to know.
in order for your Mac to write to NTFS drives, it needs some help by installing e.g. the NTFS 3G driver. apparently that or something similar is installed on your Mac already. preferably, it would be formatted for Mac but then windows machines would need to have e.g. MacDrive installed to recognize the drive.

Repair itunes library (damaged) file. Multiple iTunes libraries on an external harddrive. All libraries have been working fine. Do some "housecleaning" on a one of the large libraries 296GB. iTunes quit and now has damaged file. 296 GB still on HD.

How to repair itunes library (damaged) file. Multiple iTunes libraries on an external harddrive. All libraries have been working fine. Do some "housecleaning" on a one of the large libraries 296GB. iTunes quits and now has damaged file. 296 GB still on HD.

The duplication is unnecessary. Exporting creates a duplicate of the file. So now you'll have a duplicate of a duplicate. Exporting is not "working on" a file.
No it's not merging, it's exporting from one to the Finder and into another. No matter what lose something. If you export the Original you leave behind all the work you've done in iPhoto. If you export anything else, you lose the non-destructive editing and the ability to revert to the original. With merging you preserve that work. Yes, you can trash the old Library when you have completed the manoevre but no it's not the same thing as merging.
This User Tip
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-4921
has details of the options in the Export dialogue. But in brief:
Current gets you the iPhoto Preview, used for sharing via media browsers. It's a jpg, medium quality missing metadata. Original gets the file you imported, unchanged and then you can export different version of the current version at different qualities. If you choose to export anything except the Original you do not get a Raw. There's no such thing as an "edited Raw", and you lose the connection between the original and the exported version. That means you've taken a non-destructive workflow and turned it into a destructive one.
The Tiff will certainly be higher qulaity and less likely to suffer generational loss in future editing but the file sizes are vast, often more than 10 times the size of the jpeg.
Put it this way, it would be cheaper to buy Library Manager than the disk you'll need to contain all the Tiffs. Unless you plan on a lot of editing, I'd go for a high quality jpeg as a reasonable compromise.
To be clear:
So, I guess my new question is, how can I edit the Raw image and keep it in a RAW format that IPhoto recognizes so that I can reprocess without any loss at a future time, or is it that once you edit a RAW image, then it is no longer a RAW image?
Once you edit a Raw it can no longer be a Raw. End of.

Multiple (old) iTunes Library files found on my external, what to do?

My external drive (which I once used as the location for my iTunes library to save space on my old iMac but with my new computer hard drive space is not an issue and I have my iTunes folder on my native, internal drive) has *my old* iTunes folder with:
+(a folder)+ Previous iTunes Libraries
iTunes 4 Music Library
iTunes 4 Music Library (Old)
iTunes Library
iTunes Library 2006-09-14
iTunes Library 2007-09-08
iTunes Library Extras.itdb
iTunes Library Genius.itdb
iTunes Library.xml
iTunes Music Library.xml
The folder "Previous iTunes Libraries" contains these files:
iTunes Library 2006-09-14
iTunes Library 2007-09-08
iTunes Library 2008-01-16
iTunes Library 2008-09-30
iTunes Library 2008-12-26
iTunes Library 2009-06-16
With me so far?! What's alarming to me is that I have so many files with the "iTunes Library" name...moreover, it seems as if my CURRENT and ACTIVE iTunes Library database on my hard drive in my music folder that was last updated "today" is only 5.8 MB in size, while the older iTunes Library databases on my external drive that are listed above are sized 5.2, 10.5, 11.8, 14.3, 15.7, and 15.8 MB!
This implies to me that I've lost some important files or data in transferring my iTunes back from my external to my new local, internal drive.
What should I do with these multiple (and currently unused) iTunes Libraries found on my peripheral drive? I try to open them and nothing seems to happen. I just don't want to lose any tracks as my library is large and varied.
Any thoughts?

"New versions of iTunes sometimes include enhancements to the iTunes library. When you open the new version of iTunes, iTunes upgrades your existing library to the new format and places a copy of the old library in the Previous Libraries folder. If everything goes fine during your upgrade to the latest version of iTunes, you can delete the older iTunes Library files." Read more: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1660
If you think you are missing some songs from your current library, this application will list the file paths of the files in your designated "iTunes Media" folder which are not in iTunes' library. Additionally, you can select a different parent folder and its contents will be compared to the iTunes library. Options to Add a selection of found files to iTunes or move them to the Trash. http://dougscripts.com/itunes/scripts/ss.php?sp=musicfolderfilesnotadded2

Multiple plist files for Quicktime X

Hello-
I noticed that in my user preferences folder there are multiple (79) preference files for Quicktime player X. They all have the following format:
com.apple.QuickTimePlayerX.plist.fHp953T
The last seven characters are different for each file. Is this normal? Should I get rid of them? There is one file without the seven last characters.
Any information would be great-
Thanks

HI,
Leave those files right where they are. Yes that's normal.
If you launch your QuickTime Player, from the Menu Bar click QuickTime/Preferences. All your preferences in that window are stored in the .plist files.
If you have problems using your QuickTime software, then you can move the .plist files to the Trash. The next time you launch QuickTime your Mac OS X will generate a new .plist file for you.
Carolyn

Sync multiple plist files

I'm unsuccessfully trying to sync multiple Safari History .plist files in Dropbox. (I'm new at Dropbox & syncing.)
Can this be done through Dropbox or otherwise & if so, how?
Thank you!

No. .plist files cannot be synced.

Multiple itunes plist files

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for