New computer, new itunes library, lost files on ipod

I'm not sure if this has happened to anyone, but please help me if it has!! My computer recently crashed due to an electrical storm, therefore I lost all of my files. Luckily all of my music files were already on my 30g ipod. I set up my new computer and downloaded a new version of itunes and was ready to add more songs when I realized that if I sync my ipod w/ this new version, I'll lose everything, so I hit cancel and decided to figure out a way to use the new version. After getting frustrated, I disconnected my ipod and decided to wait. I went to use it, and low and behold, all of my files had been deleted. The strange part of it all.. when i connect the ipod to the computer again...on the summary page of itunes it says that I still have all the songs and other files! So, why can't I access them, through itunes, or my ipod, and why does it still say they are there.. is there a way to retrieve them and use them again?? thank you so much!!!

I have the same situation. New computer existing large number of songs on ipod that I don't want to lose. I don't have an answer yet, but I was thinking of trying to somewhow retrieve my original I tunes identity so to speak. I guess it's a longshot, but that's all I can think of until someone reads our posts and offers a different solution.

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Computer Crashed. iTunes Library Lost. How can I get it back from my iPhone

I have 522 Purchased songs on my iPhone. My computer recently crashed and we got a new hard drive, so all settings were refreshed on my computer. I plugged in my iPhone to transfer my Purchases back to my iTunes library. Again, 522 Purchased songs, and only 303 of them copied. I tried transferring them again, however it didn't transfer anything. Is there anyway I can get the songs back from my iPhone?
Note: My iPhone is on automatic update, and if I try switching it to manual I'm prompted that in order for the change to occur I must Erase and Sync my iPhone which would completely defeat the purpose of my trying to get my music back on my computer so I can put new songs on my iPhone as well.

Purchased songs should be able to be copied back, but if not, maybe you need use other tools. This is a frequently asked question, you can have a look of below answer.
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=6741373#6741373

"The iTunes Library.itl file cannot be found or created."

I have tried all to suggestions for moving around the old library and this is still the only thing I have gotten from the upgrade, as of yet. The message appears when trying to get into iTunes thu any source; desktop shortcut, thu the start menu, or opening the library directly in the My Music folder.
The full message reads:
"The iTunes Library.itl file cannot be found or created. The default location for this file is in the "iTunes" folder in the "My Music" folder."
I half expected a problem when i was told to upgrade, but I have got no idea how to fix this one. Any help would be great.

Will iTunes open at all or do you just get the error message and when you click 'ok' the dialog box closes?
I have successfully restored my library using the iTunes Music Library.xml file, which I figured out by messing around. If you want you can try this; note that it takes a really long time:
1. With iTunes closed open the My Music>iTunes folder (if for some reason you had iTunes set up to use a different folder look in there). Move the 'iTunes Library.itl' file out of the folder onto your desktop, but don't delete it unless this restore works.
2. Open iTunes; it should be empty. Go to File>Import. When the box opens you should be in the same iTunes folder; select the 'iTunes Music Library.xml' file.
3. The library will rebuild itself, which takes a long time (I think it took an hour when I did it and I have about 25GB), but just let it go. Don't stop the process or try to close iTunes while it's doing this. You should eventually get all your songs and playlists back, but I don't remember if playcounts restore this way; you might lose those.
4. Close iTunes - it should now save the new 'iTunes Library.itl' file. Then try opening iTunes again - hope this will work for you! If it does you can just delete the old 'iTunes Library.itl' file. If it doesn't you can move that old file back to where it was, and you'll be back to where you were before.
Normally when the iTunes library.itl file gets corrupted you can replace it with an older version from the 'Previous iTunes Library' folder, but it sounds like you've already tried that and it didn't work. If this really is a registry issue I don't know how to fix that - maybe reinstalling iTunes?
ps - I always export my library before upgrading now, because restoring from that if you have a library problem is a lot faster and it only takes a few extra seconds.
Message was edited by: meeshala

HT203288 the itunes library .itl file cannot be found or created

After new iTunes install.
Clicking the icon gives me this error message saying"The default location for this file is in the "iTunes" folder in the Music folder.
The xml files are present but no itl. file
How do I get iTunes to recognize the library

Will iTunes open at all or do you just get the error message and when you click 'ok' the dialog box closes?
I have successfully restored my library using the iTunes Music Library.xml file, which I figured out by messing around. If you want you can try this; note that it takes a really long time:
1. With iTunes closed open the My Music>iTunes folder (if for some reason you had iTunes set up to use a different folder look in there). Move the 'iTunes Library.itl' file out of the folder onto your desktop, but don't delete it unless this restore works.
2. Open iTunes; it should be empty. Go to File>Import. When the box opens you should be in the same iTunes folder; select the 'iTunes Music Library.xml' file.
3. The library will rebuild itself, which takes a long time (I think it took an hour when I did it and I have about 25GB), but just let it go. Don't stop the process or try to close iTunes while it's doing this. You should eventually get all your songs and playlists back, but I don't remember if playcounts restore this way; you might lose those.
4. Close iTunes - it should now save the new 'iTunes Library.itl' file. Then try opening iTunes again - hope this will work for you! If it does you can just delete the old 'iTunes Library.itl' file. If it doesn't you can move that old file back to where it was, and you'll be back to where you were before.
Normally when the iTunes library.itl file gets corrupted you can replace it with an older version from the 'Previous iTunes Library' folder, but it sounds like you've already tried that and it didn't work. If this really is a registry issue I don't know how to fix that - maybe reinstalling iTunes?
ps - I always export my library before upgrading now, because restoring from that if you have a library problem is a lot faster and it only takes a few extra seconds.
Message was edited by: meeshala

I have downloaded the most recent itunes on my new computer with windows 8 but a message pops up saying "the itunes library.itl file is locked, on a locked disk or you do not have write permission for this file. How do I fix?

I have downloaded the most recent itunes on my new computer with windows 8 but when I attempt to get in I get this message "The itunes library.itl file is locked, ona locked disk, or you do not have write permission for this file." How do i fix this?

Repair iTunes Security Permissions
Right-click on your main iTunes folder and click Properties, then go to the Securitytab and click Advanced. Use the Change Permissions... button grant to your account (or the Users group) and SYSTEM full control of this folder, subfolders and files, then tick the option to Replace permissions entries... which will repair permissions throughout the library. When complete switch to the General tab, click in the Read-only check box to clear it, then click Apply.
If you don't have the option to change the permissions then use the Owner tab and Edit... button to take ownership from an account with administrator privileges. Tick the option to Replace owner on subcontainers and objects.
Repeat with the media folder if it isn't stored inside the main iTunes folder.
If you've brought over the library from another computer you may also want to remove any "mystery" identities (S<string of dashes & digts>) that have come over from the old computer...
The images above are from Windows 7. Hopefully the system isn't too different in Windows 8.
tt2

How do I transfer my data from damaged computer to my new itunes library on my current functioning computer. My data plan has a very limited band width cap ( I live in rural Alberta

Hello: following computer malfunction,I purchased a new computer and downloaded itunes. when I try to sync my purchased data on my ipad I am asked to delete data from previous library. The first library has all of my stored data. How do I transfer this data to my new itunes library? . I cannot use the cloud as my data plan has a limited band width cap ( I live in rural Alberta , northern).My library may be on my tera drive, but then how do i delete this library once I transfer the files, that is if i am able to locate them ? this is a question for all itunes lovers, I love it when i know how to use it, so far not computer literate to loving it! thanks so very much for considering this problem.

pervoskia wrote:
Hello: following computer malfunction,I purchased a new computer and downloaded itunes. when I try to sync my purchased data on my ipad I am asked to delete data from previous library. The first library has all of my stored data. How do I transfer this data to my new itunes library?
Copy the entire /Music/iTunes/ folder from old computer to new computer.

Will 1st gen ipod touch still work with new itunes library on new computer (transfer didn't work from old computer)

Ok, so I have a new computer and wanted to transfer my itunes library from my old computer. I could not get the files to transfer. I downloaded the newest version of itunes and see that I can download my previously purchased music to the new computer. I have mp3's that I can add in on my own so I don't have a problem starting over in itunes.
My question is what happens when I plug in my 1st gen ipod touch and try to sync??? Will it erase what is on my ipod or will I be able to move the stuff from my ipod into my new itunes library?? Any info would be great...I'm happy with how my ipod is set up so I really don't want to mess with a good thing. Also, will I need to update and of my software on my ipod since it's 1st generation??
Thanks for the help!!

You can only sync to one iTunes library/computer. If you do sync the iPod is erases and its contents replaced with what is in the iTunes library of the second computer.
To avoid that see:
Syncing to a "New" Computer or replacing a "crashed" Hard Drive: Apple Support Communities
Yes, the 1G works with the latest iTunes.
To transfer iTunes purchases:
iTunes Store: Transferring purchases from your iOS device or iPod to a computer
In iTunes 11 use Control+B to show the Menu bar then go to iTunes>File>Devices>Transfer Purchases

How do I upload music from my iPod to my new computer's iTunes Library?

To try to explain this simply;
I recently purchased a new computer (Toshiba laptop),
I have already uploaded some CD's to my Library and synced my iPod Touch to my Library,
But when I connect my iPod Classic to my computer's iTunes tells me that my iPod is already synced to another Lirbrary and gives me the options of either to "Transfer Purchases" or " Sync and Erase",
I've tried to "Transfer Purchases" but it seems to upload literally only iTunes store purchases but I want to upload ALL of the music from my iPod to my Library because I have purchased albulms from a (deleted) Rhapsody account and I also have Youtube converted songs (which basically makes up my entire Library),
I also have uploaded files from my old computer with an external hard drive but I have absoulutly no idea how to find them,
So! I need to upload my music from my iPod to my Library without deleting music from my existing Library or my iPod
Please help! And please explain as well as you can, I get confused easily..

The best way is to use the backup you made on the old computer and restore the iTunes folder to the new computer. No backup? The if the old computer is still working using an external device to copy the iTunes folder from the old computer and copy it to the new one.
If neither of the above are doable, and you have a PC, use this:
http://www.yamipod.com/main/modules/home/

I have a 3G iphone. I just tried to download the new itunes and lost all my itunes I had. I tried to transfer them from my computer but can't. How can I and what do I do to get the ones I bought before and now have lost.

I have a 3G iphone. I just tried to download the new itunes and lost all my itunes I had. I tried to transfer them from my computer but can't. How can I and what do I do to get the ones I bought before and now have lost.

It has always been very basic to always maintain a backup copy of your computer.
Use your backup copy to put everything back.
If for some reason you have failed to maintain a backup ( not good), then you can transfer itunes purchases from an ipod/iphone/ipad: File>Transfer Purchases

Resync iPad 2 to a new iTunes "library" file

I got an iPad 2 as a gift to my mom over the weekend. Alas, as my mom isn't exactly tech savvy, I was going to just manage downloading apps and other things for the iPad on the same computer as my iPhone 4.
Unfortunately, while I was out of the house, my dad decided to charge the iPad on my computer. That synced the iPad 2 and the iPhone to same library and that caused me a few problems. For now, I am not auto syncing new apps on my iPad. However, I can see that managing both devices on one library might be problematic.
I saw that there is a way to have two library files using iTunes (using Option - Shift or something when I open iTunes).. It'll be a hassle but I think that might be the best way. However, I saw that iTunes said that I would "lose data" that I already had on the iPad if I synced to a new library file. Can anyone tell me what this means? Do i have redownload all the apps I purchased on my iPad?
I appreciate any thoughts on this.

Assuming that all of mom's content and all of your iPhone content is in the same iTunes library now .... and If you are purchasing all of the apps for mom's iPad with your Apple ID and iTunes account - and you are doing the all of the syncing - there is absolutely no reason why you can't do it all from one iTunes library.
coach41 wrote:
I got an iPad 2 as a gift to my mom over the weekend. Alas, as my mom isn't exactly tech savvy, I was going to just manage downloading apps and other things for the iPad on the same computer as my iPhone 4.
That is probably a good idea. Mom is lucky to have a fine and caring "coach".
Unfortunately, while I was out of the house, my dad decided to charge the iPad on my computer. That synced the iPad 2 and the iPhone to same library and that caused me a few problems. For now, I am not auto syncing new apps on my iPad. However, I can see that managing both devices on one library might be problematic.
Tell dad - thanks but don't touch. Geez ... parents today what are we gonna do with them! If you have set iTunes to not sync when the iPad or iPhone is connected you will be fine. You can sync multiple iDevices to the same iTunes library without problems.
I saw that there is a way to have two library files using iTunes (using Option - Shift or something when I open iTunes).. It'll be a hassle but I think that might be the best way. However, I saw that iTunes said that I would "lose data" that I already had on the iPad if I synced to a new library file. Can anyone tell me what this means?
It means exactly what it says. If you create a new iTunes library - and sync to that - it would be the same thing as syncing to a new or different computer - you will lose all content - and app data - but you can transfer the app purchases first - before you sync. Connect the iPad to the computer and launch iTunes, right click on the device name on the left side and select transfer purchases. You can also do this from the iTunes menu. Go to File>Transfer Purchases from Mom's iPad. That will transfer the apps into the new iTunes library. But you must do this before you sync, so if you are not syncing automatically you should be fine doing this.
Do i have redownload all the apps I purchased on my iPad?
If you create a new library, you can transfer the purchases from the iPad into the new library like I described above. Remember - it must be done prior to syncing.
I sync my wife's iPod Touch, my iPod Touch and my iPad to the same iTunes library. You can select exactly what you want to put on each device and do it all from the same iTunes library. When you sync mom's iPad, just remember to select only the apps, music, videos, photos, TV shows, books etc. in iTunes that she wants to put on her device and you do the same when you sync your iPhone.
This is what I do and have done from day one.
Launch iTunes on the computer
From the menu at the top Go to iTunes>Preferences>Devices
Check the box at the bottom of the devices pane to prevent the devices from automatically syncing.
Quit iTunes.
Connect either device to the computer and launch iTunes (if it doesn't start on it's own)
Click on the device name on the left side under Devices.
In the summary tab - in the main iTunes window on the right - select Sync Only checked songs and videos.
I also uncheck - Open iTunes when iPad (or iPhone) is selected. (optional step)
If you do all of this, iTunes will not start on its own when you plug in your iDevices and it will not sync automatically - you said you aren't auto syncing anyway. Now you control everything. You just select the apps and so - all of the content by choice - that mom wants on her iPad and then you sync. iTunes will remember mom's iPad set up the next time you sync. You do the same thing for your iPhone and all is good. iTunes will remember what you have on your phone and what mom has on her iPad.

What happened to my new iTunes Library file?

Hello. I created a new iTunes Library about two years ago, but I can only seem to find the files for my old Library (iTunes Library files that were last updated in 2008). I have the .xml file for my current Library, but not the .itl, which I now need. How do I find it/ access it/ save it?
Thanks, fadingthunder.

What do you mean "it's saying that it can't "?
Did you authorize the computer?
Did you click File>Transfer Purchases?
What exactly does it say?
Can you not copy everything from the old library to the new one?

My old computer has crashed with my old itunes on it. How can I transfer my music from my iphone to my new itunes library?

My old computer has crashed with my old itunes on it. How can I transfer my music from my iphone to my new itunes library?

Use the backup of the old computer and copy the iTunes files to the new one.
However, since you are writing here, you probably didn't have a backup, so check out this user provided support document https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3141

Can I sync my iPhone library to be my new computer's iTunes library?

I just got my laptop fixed. (Compaq with Windows Vista)
And everything erased, and I have no back up (Well I did, but that isn't working for some reason)
I still have my music on my iPhone, but what is there a way I can shift whatever I have on there, to become my new iTunes library on my laptop?

Sorry but the iPhone is not a backup device. In general all the music on the phone will be erased if you try to sync with another computer (or same one that has been reinstalled thus new to iPhone).
With that said, this question is asked daily so I am surprised you didn't find the answer already (you did search before asking right?)
Anyhow, if you connect, and DO NOT SYNC, and then choose "Transfer Purchased Content" from the File Menu, it will take off some stuff. Mainly anything you really bought from iTunes. It will NOT take off anything you obtained by other means as it cannot prove you own it.
You may want to actually search though as there are more options you can work with to try to get more off (3rd party tools) and also important information about how not to lose your contacts. I am assuming you never searched and why I am suggesting you do because it is asked daily multiple times.

Syncing iPod to establish a new iTunes library - former computer crashed

Hi. I had my itunes library on a computer and had not backed it up. Most of my music was on my ipod touch. The computer crashed and I cannot access anything. So I have put itunes on our HP netbook. Is there a whay to copy the music from my ipod to the new itunes library. I keep getting a message that says "an ipod canbe synced with only one itunes library at a time. Erasing and syncing replaces the contents of this ipod with the contents of this itunes library. Erase and synce or cancel" My original itunes library is gone because of hte computer crash and I don't want to lose what I have on my ipod by erasing and syncing. Is there anyway to get the music off and into the new library?
THanks for your help.

Your iPad is married to its now deceased old computer. This is the reason for the necessity of a backup for your computer, which your iPad is not.
Your iTunes Store and App Store purchases will not be lost. Just don't "erase and sync" when you sync your iPad to your new Mac:
If you want to move the iTunes Store purchases on your device to the new computer, choose "Transfer Purchases." The new computer must be set up with your iTunes Store account and authorized to play your iTunes Store purchases in order to transfer your iTunes Store purchases.
Read this for more information:
Using iPhone, iPad, or iPod with multiple computers

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).

New computer, new itunes library, lost files on ipod

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