Rebuild iTunes

Since the latest rounds of updates to OS X, iTunes and iOS, I've been having many issues with my library. iCloud, Sync Services, iTunes crashes, Apple TV not connecting to library, etc. Lots of stuff. I'd like to start over with iTunes and see if that helps. Is it possible to do the following?
- Uninstall iTunes
- Install iTunes
- Rebuild library (using the XML file I guess is the best approach)
- Can you retain song plays, ratings, etc.?
- Can you retain iOS sync - meaning, the old backups and the fact that Apps, Movies, TV Shows are synced? I don't want to have to completely redo all of the apps.
Is this even a good approach? Any other thoughts?
Thanks,
Patrick

Are you still on 10.6.7 or have you updated to 10.6.8?
You issues could be not having the most upto date versions. I am having no problems.
Have you used Disk Utility to repair permissions?
MJ

Similar Messages

Rebuilding ITunes Library

Just migrated to my new IMac, Itunes library is there ok with all its contents
It opens ok too but most of the tunes won't play
IT tells me it can't find the original and asks me to look for it
15,000 of it !!!
Any way to rebuild Itunes library so that IT plays the files ?

How did you do this migration, specifically how did you migrate your library? Importantly, do you let iTunes manage everything or do you manage your own media in which case you should only do so if you are 99.999% familiar with iTunes?
Have you tried finding a track when asked to do so? Have you tried letting iTunes find others as it will invite to do so when you have found one?

How to rebuild iTunes library

Is there a way to rebuild iTunes's library? Preferably without moving files around, etc. It'd be great if there was something like in Aperture, all you need to do is hold the alt key while you double click on the aperture library. Then it asks you: "Do you want to rebuild, restore, etc your library?"
Thanks

that link refers to a dead article?!?
Might anyone else know how to do this?
I am haveing weird issues with my library.
Some TV shows are showing up with a different TV shows artwork.
Some TV shows don't even appear on my ipad shared library.
I will assume a rebuild might help this????
Thanks

Rebuilding iTunes Library...What is the next step ?

Hi:
I tried follwoing your advice.
I can do the Ctrl-A to select all songs in the iTunes libary.
I can right-click and select Delete,
but when I do, I do not get the 3 options that you mentioned
(Cancel, Keep Files, and Move To Recycle Bin)
I get a dialog box stating:
Are you sure you want to remove the selcted songs from your iTunes library?
These songs will also be remove from any iPod or iPhone which synchronizes with your iTunes library.
Why am I not getting the options you stated above ?
I have seen you oprions on a Mac at best Buy, but I am running an HP laptop under Vista Home Premium.
Then has a Remove or Cancel button to be clicked.
If I follow through with the above, will it wipe out my music library ?
How do I go about rebuilding the databse ?
Thank you
DaleB
HP dv6500z laptop Windows Vista
==========================================================================
Toocan
Posts: 54
From: Gauteng, South Africa
Registered: Jul 23, 2008
Re: iTunes forgets my CD files...how do I rebuild tune database?
Posted: Aug 17, 2008 10:27 PM in response to: DaleB Reply Email
Sorry DaleB, I have redone my library so many times, I forgot about this prompt. Just click 'yes'/'remove' to that question.
Reloading the library will only make your iPod resync again, thats all.
Intel Windows XP Pro P4, 3.4GHz, 3GB RAM, XP SP3 - iPod 80GB Classic
===========================================================================
DaleB
Posts: 145
Registered: Jan 18, 2006
Re: iTunes forgets my CD files...how do I rebuild tune database?
Posted: Aug 18, 2008 4:02 AM in response to: Toocan Reply Email
Hi:
You tell me to click "Yes" / "Remove" when prompted by iTunes with
"Are you sure you want to remove the selcted songs from your iTunes library?"
but when I do, I do not get the 3 options that you mentioned
(Cancel, Keep Files, and Move To Recycle Bin) ?
What is the next step ???
I don't want to accidentally erase my Library.
Thank you
DaleB
==============================================================================
DaleB
Posts: 145
Registered: Jan 18, 2006
Re: iTunes forgets my CD files...how do I rebuild tune database?
Posted: Aug 18, 2008 4:13 AM in response to: Toocan Reply Email
Hi:
A related issue.
I made a copy (backup ?) of the Music folder in Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit OS, to my Desktop. If something corrupts the Music in iTunes, will this be a "good enough" backup to be able to restore the music by moving it back into the Music folder, or will soemthing be missing ?
Thanx !
DaleB
==============================================================================

What is it you want to do? If you want to clear your library and start it over with the same media files already on your computer, the way you are doing it is both more work and dangerous (you could lose files accidentally if you hit the wrong button).
Assuming you backed up your library elsewhere, you will have an "iTunes Music.itl" file, or at least you do with XP. I am not sure if Vista works any differently. This is the file that is the database file that contains all the info about what is in your library, playcounts, ratings, etc. If you don't have that backed up somewhere else with your library, you should do that. If you periodically back up just that file, you can rebuild your library assuming the media files are not lost.
So to clear our your current library, simply grab the iTunes Music.itl file in your iTunes folder and drag it to the desktop or the trash. Open iTunes and you should now see a blank library. Close iTunes, you will find a new iTunes Music.itl file has been created (representing the new blank library. To restore your old .tl file, simply drag your back up copy and overwrite the newly created blank library iTunes Music.itl file. That's it.
Alternatively, you can File -> Import the .xml file that is also created and maintained by iTunes in the same folder as the iTunes Music.itl file. But Apple does state the XML file doesn't quite have everything contained in the iTunes Music.itl file, although it isn't clear what exactly is missing, at least not to me.
Cheers,
Patrick

Rebuilding iTunes Library File

I have been using iTunes since the beginning and would like some feedback about the itunes Library file.
I have been using the same iTunes Library file since the beginning of the program and as my library grows and the version upgrades continue to modify the library file, is it time to create a new library file. Everything seems to be working ok except that it does take several seconds for iTunes to modify it's database when I make a change to a playlist or Tag info. I understand smart playlists occupy a lot of time and I do have quite a few of them, but would rebuilding the Library file help that at all.
Losing all of the playcounts and playlists is not acceptable.
TIA

Yes I do back up.
My iTunes Folder, which includes the Library File, the Music Folder, and the XML file are all stored on an external firewire drive. I have a symbolic link to the external drive located in the Music folder of my boot disk. This works as expected. The reason I do this is so I can take the external drive home from work, copy the symlink to my home Mac, replace the real folder with the symlink, open iTunes and all playlists and playcounts are intact. Basically pick up where I left off. The only downside to this is that I must have the volume available or iTunes will quit because it can't find or create a Library file. I can live with that. Simply rename the symlink temporarily and reopen.
My main question was referring to the Library file itself. Is it possible that as time went on and new versions of iTunes come out and the database needed updating, can the Library file become fragmented. If I remember correctly, initially Apple had the SoundCheck value stored in the Library file. Now it is stored directly in the mp3 or aac file. Does this now uneeded data still live in the library file?
I am thinking about making a third backup, create a new library and add all of my music to the empty library to see how if flies. I know playlists and counts will be gone, but may shed some light on how the Library file is managed.
Comments?
TIA

How do I rebuild Itunes Library.itl?

I now have 8.0.2.0. When I updated to the previous version, my library didn't show up in Itunes. I hoped that updating again would solve my problem, but it didn't.
I downloaded the "No content shows up in iTunes after updating" and "How to re-create your iTunes library" help files.
I must have messed something up because I still can't see my library. When I plug in my ipod, all the songs are there. I have all my ipod music on my L: drive, and it all appears intact.
So, it looks like I'll have to rebuild the .itl from scratch.
Thanks in advance for any help!

In that case the "iTunes Library .itl cannot be read because it was created by a newer version" message may indicate that your iTunes library has been corrupted. Either restore it from a backup (it is always a good idea to backup your library before installing an iTunes update), or see turingtest2's user tip on Empty/corrupt iTunes library after upgrade/crash.

Rebuild itunes library

I have an itunes library where the drive letters where content is stored that have changed so I have thousands of bogus entries in my library, I was hoping to rebuild my library essentially from scratch to recognize only current media locations.
Thanks,
Lon

I have an itunes library where the drive letters where content is stored that have changed so I have thousands of bogus entries in my library, I was hoping to rebuild my library essentially from scratch to recognize only current media locations.
Thanks,
Lon

Computer formatted - want to rebuild iTunes library & get playlists back!

I had to get my computer formatted a while ago. My files were saved, including the iTunes folder in My Documents. I have downloaded iTunes and added my music to the library, but I have no idea how to get my playlists back. I've worked really hard to put them together. My iPod isn't synced yet, mostly because I don't want to lose my playlists and play counts, but I'm getting new albums and I will need to sync sometime. How can I rebuild my iTunes library, or at least get the playlists back? Please help, I beg you.

Hi
This came off these forums and was posted by MacMuse (I think)
" The manual way around this problem is to use the iPod in its alter ego - that of portable computer disk drive. Successfully tested under iTunes for Windows 4.2 & 4.5; Windows XP. And follow these directions LINE BY LINE or iTunes will erase everything on the iPod.
- Start with the iPod disconnected from the computer - DON'T CONNECT IPOD YET
- open iTunes
- open iTunes Preferences - this blocks iTunes from seeing an iPod connection; leave the preferences window up and running
- connect the iPod to the computer, wait about 15 seconds before continuing
- open 'My Computer'
- Tools menu, Folder Options, View tab, enable 'show hidden files /folders'
- open iPod icon in My Computer
- open iPod_Control folder
- you should see a folder named Music
- drag this folder to somewhere on your computer hard drive
- after the copy completes, right-click the new Music folder on your hard drive and select 'Properties'
- clear the checkmark next to 'Hidden'
- Close that explorer window
- eject iPod from System tray "Safely Remove Hardware" icon.
This icon looks like a small gray rectangle with a green arrow floating above it. It's only there when a removable device (like the iPod in this case) is attached to the computer. Right-click & select 'Safely remove..', then click 'Stop' in the next window, OK in the next window, and then Close to complete the ejection.
- disconnect the iPod from the computer
- go back to iTunes, cancel the preferences window
- File menu \ Add folder to Library \ find that Music folder copied over from the iPod
Your iTunes library should be back in action!"
This worked for me when I had to repartition and reformat my hard drive.

Had to rebuild iTunes library and it won't accept most of the videos it previously had? Why?

I'm having a strange problem with iTunes -
My boot hard drive recently crashed and took iTunes and my library with it. Fortunately I had all of the music and video files themselves backed up on another drive. When I reinstalled the OS and iTunes and then attempted to add all of the music and video files back into the new, blank iTunes, it accepted all of my music files but it kept crashing when I tried to add the video files back in.
The details: using a 24" iMac 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with OS X version 10.9.4 both before and after the hard drive crash, and iTunes version 11.2.2 was my working copy of iTunes with all of my media files happily loaded in it's library, but the newly installed iTunes was at first 11.3.0 and now 11.3.1. Neither with version 11.3.0 nor 11.3.1 will it load all the video files into the library (haven't tried downgrading to 11.2.2, maybe I should? but we'll get to that in a minute).
I have about 300 video files of several different file types (.mpg, .mp4, .m4v, .mov) which over the years I had added to iTunes as I acquired them, and at the time of the hard drive failing, they were ALL in my iTunes library and I'd never had iTunes reject any file types. They all played fine as well as being a part of the library. And since I had added them over the years, they were added during quite a few different versions of iTunes as it was upgraded over time.
So, after I added all the music back into iTunes on the new drive, I attempted to add the videos all at one go, but it crashed after only 5 or so files being incorporated. Thinking it may have been too many at once, I tried adding them in smaller batches, but had the same problem. I took a look at what it had added before crashing each time, and found that every time it would load only mpeg 4 files, either .mp4 or .m4v, and would crash as soon as it encountered an .mpg or .mov. So I added all 50 or so of the mpeg 4's, and then tried adding the .mov and .mpg files individually and found that no matter which one it was, it was apparently the file type it didn't like, not the individual files themselves. Randomly trying about 75 led me to that conclusion, but I didn't try all 250, so I guess it's possible there might be some .mpg's it would take, however I only had about 10 .mov files and it won't take ANY of them. Considering all of these files regardless of their type were part of my old iTunes library for years and worked just fine, I don't understand why it won't take them again. I tried adding them by dragging them to the open iTunes pane, and by using the import command, and neither way works, all that happens is it crashes. Every time.
I tried converting these files to mpeg 4 types, and when I do that, it will take the converted version. However, a lot of them don't come out right when converting them, either the audio is messed up or the dimensions of the movie are incorrect and stretched or squished. It seems I could fix this problem by making sure every video file I add is an mpeg 4, but since I'm having so much trouble converting them properly and it's terribly time consuming, I was hoping someone would have insight into this strange, strange problem. I tried to see if this was a known issue with iTunes, that it only takes mpeg 4 files now, but I can't find anything about that. Anyone know if that's the case? And therefore hopefully an upcoming patch will fix it? Or is it just a weird, weird problem with me only?
Very frustrating, hopefully someone can help me out. Even if there's no apparent fix, maybe someone can recommend a good application for converting movie files that is easy enough to use for someone who's not familiar with the process, i.e. maybe it can auto-detect things like the audio quality and dimensions so it comes out right without me having to be a real whiz at it? Thank you all very much in advance for your help!

OK, so I have now found that this is apparently normal for iTunes, to only accept mpeg 4 movie files, all the searching I did before I must have worded it wrong because I couldn't find anything about this, incredibly. Had been looking for why iTunes won't take all the files it previously did, like if it had been changed, and it hasn't, it's allegedly always taken only mpeg 4 files. Also I had been searching for why iTunes crashes every time I try and add/import anything but mpeg 4 files, and even sometimes with mpeg 4 files. That isn't normal, it's supposed to just do nothing apparently as I've just found out. So for these reasons I didn't find the answer despite my searching all over the web.
So I guess that answers my own question now, but I'm still perplexed as to why I absolutely, definitely, without any doubt, had several hundred movies of a few different video file types loaded, accessible and playable in my iTunes library that everything here claims iTunes never accepted. It apparently shouldn't have been possible for me to have done this, but for probably 10 years it's been this way.
Perhaps since I don't remember adding these files to iTunes anymore recently than maybe 6 or 7 years ago, the iTunes back then did accept all kinds of file types? Or could I have somehow had some video codecs or software that expanded the capability of my movie players like Quicktime Player that unwittingly also allowed iTunes to take those files as well? All I know is somehow it worked! So now my question is how did I have it working before, so that maybe I can make it work again.

Computer stolen can I upload from iphone to rebuild itunes?

My computer was stolen and the only backup I have is about 12 months old. Since I often synced my iphone 3gs with itunes and my contact, mail, etc I was hoping that there would be a way to now safely move the content on my iphone back to my iMac
Is any of this possible?

If you have at least on Unique contact and calendar entry on your computer, you should get the option to merge the data.
You can transfer itunes purchases; without syncing File>Transfer Purchases
Mail is not synced at all, it is pulled from the server like any other mail client.

Rebuild iTunes with Just VERY LARGE iTunes Music Folder

Hello,
As much as I tried to back every bit of my iTunes database up regularly, I failed to assure the quality of these files. Well, I had a family member accidentally delete the iTunes Library and iTunes Library.xml files (yup, my mistake to allow them access to my Mac in the first place). It is only now that I realize the most recent backup copy of these files are corrupted. The really good news here is that I have multiple intact copies of my entire iTunes Music Folder. My goal is to recreate my iTunes Library and iTunes Library.xml files to accommodate it.
Now, here is the kicker. My database is 38000 songs and 190 GB large! I certainly know how to add songs iTunes, but it seems as though it chokes with large projects like this and misses random parts of the tag information. So, what is the best way to get me out of this hole, with the least amount of trouble and most efficient restorative actions? While I wait for an answer, I am also researching various other options and digging deep into the root to rescue deleted files.
If we learn from our mistakes, then I obtained my PhD years ago,
Dr. Z.

Dr. Z,
My iTunes library is about the same size. I am experiencing a little different problem though. At times when I start iTunes up I get a message stating that my library is corrupt and it then tries to restore it from the xml file. It finishes, but doesn't get every song. I then have to select all song and clear them while keeping the files intact on the hard drive. I then have to add my iTunes music folder and all its contents using the iTunes "Add to Library" function. I gets all the songs, but of course now all the dates, when the songs were added to the library, have the current day's date. I have to repeat this whole scenario about three times a week. Grrrrr...
It seems like iTunes isn't capable of handling large amounts of songs. I'm sure it shoud be able to, but it sure isn't at the moment.
As to your problem, what if you try adding your songs a chunck at a time instead of all at once? Maybe that will keep your data intact. Just a thought. Might work. I've seen stranger things work.
G5 2.5gHz PowerMac w/DVD-RW Drive, G3 400mHz Powerbook Mac OS X (10.4.3)

Strategies for rebuilding iTunes library

I bought a new iMac recently and I'm taking the time do put everything back in from the original files as I had a lot of confusion with duplicates and incorrect titles and the like before. That's actually part of the reason I'm writing. I'd like to know how you all deal with duplicates.
For example, I have several albums with Michael Jackson's music. That gives me a whopping 15 copies of the same version of Thriller, 30 if you consider the back up and 45 if you count the originals. I don't that song that much.
Is there an alias we can put into iTunes to stand for these types of duplicate tracks?
Also, in the iTunes library is the program splitting a song from a CD and giving it it's own folder when the song is, say, a duet? For instance, I found Scream in a separate file under Michael and Janet Jackson but also in the original album folder. Does iTunes copy that song again or is that an example of an alias?
Final question, I'm making a master file with all of my music videos but I'm putting an alias of each video with the artist in that main artists folder. When I add to my library will iTunes duplicate that video alias?
I know, I know, I know I'm being anal -- but I'm starting from a clean slate.

There's nothing you can do about the same track appearing on multiple albums and compilations. Each will have different artwork, track number, release date etc. so they're not really the same tracks. In principle an alternate audio format could be devised which is simply a tag and a link to the audio of another file - but it doesn't exist as yet.
As to the other organisational issues with iTunes see http://samsoft.org.uk/iTunes/grouping.asp
I add music videos to their respective albums as if they are a bonus track, i.e. they get the next track number in sequence after the main album, and I also add the legend [Video] to the end of the track name so that it's clear when in the music section of my iPod that I might be about to play a video duplicate of an earlier track. This also helps descriminate between the tracks when using the iTunes *Show Duplicates* and *Show Exact Duplicates* views.
tt2

Unable to rebuild itunes 9 library

ever since the 9 update i have been really struggling with beach balls and interminable hangs, sometimes minutes between tracks.
9.1 made the program just usable but sluggish as ****.
i have decided to rebuild my library to see if this helps. yet i am unable to import the xml file, encountering a -50 error. i have tried importing on a separate account with the same error.
any thoughts genii squads?
thanks s

ahhhh, the machine has undergone deep cleaning since the issues started, including applejack deep clean which includes permissions, a combi re-update (last port of call) a disk warrior repair etc.
i have a really large library 300gb with aeons of play lists etc that i really want to preserve. i use this library as part of my work as an artist and the meta data is precious beyond.

Rebuilding iTunes after Loss of External Hard Drive

Hello Everyone
I have a problem similar to others I have seen addressed, but different, and I have not been able to find any place where it is addressed by Apple or in any of the discussions here.
Several weeks ago, I transferred, in the way that Apple directs, my iTunes media files (formerly called music files) to an external hard drive, leaving the other iTunes library files on my MacMini. As a result, my iTunes app thinks the media files are on that external HD, and looks for them there (or should, but that may be an issue here, as I'll mention in a moment).
A week ago, the external HD died. I have replaced it with a new HD and copied to it all the music files from my backup of them on Time Machine.
I do not know how to bring into alignment my iTunes library on the MacMini and the iTunes media files on my new external HD.
I experimented with renaming the new external HD, giving it the same name I had used for the old one, but that did not result in iTunes finding the music files. In the course of doing that, I doublechecked in the iTunes preferences, the 'advanced' ones, for the indicated location for the iTunes media folder. Oddly, I thought, as I expected it still to include a reference to the old external HD, it simply reads as '/Users/russell/Music/iTunes/iTunes Media'.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Russell

Hello Limnos, and thank you for your additional help.
Unfortunately, my knowledge and experience are not enough that I was able to figure out and get comfortable with your suggested approach.
Basically I crawled into a hole and ignored the whole problem for a few days.
Today, I bit the other bullet and looked into restoring my iTunes using Time Machine. I'll tell the story here both for your (possible) interest and on the chance that it might help someone else in future.
After moving my iTunes music files to the external drive that broke and then getting a new external drive, I moved all of my iPhoto photo files to the new external drive.
As a result, I had enough space again on my Mac's hard drive to put my music files there. I decided to try to restore through Time Machine, as of a date just before I had moved my music files to the external drive, when iTunes existed entirely on my Mac's hard drive, my entire iTunes folder, with all its subfolders (not just the music files). (Out of caution, when restoring I chose the option one is given of preserving my existing iTunes folder, but this proved to be a caution I did not in the end need.)
Following the restoration, which I just completed, iTunes is working as it should, with no broken links (yet - knock on wood).
All seems to have ended well, and I thank you again for your help.

Rebuilding itunes folder

I recently upgraded to OS X, but made the dumb mistake of doing a clean install. I lost a lot of information (email addresses, application registrations, etc.) and I seem to have lost my iTunes folder as well. I said OK, I'll just synchronize iTunes with my iPod, which has all of my tunes and ratings and etc. on it -- but my computer won't accept my iPod because, it says, my iPod is "registered to another computer." What can I do to (a) recapture my original iTunes folder -- which would be ideal); or (b) synchronize my iPod with my newly created iTunes folder?
eMac Mac OS X (10.4.8)

(I went to bed last night without trying again to make it through the Seruti instructions.) This morning I found that somehow in my floundering I had ended up with an iTunes folder containing all the tunes from my iPod. HOWEVER, the iTunes application was unable to find this folder, so I tried this and that, and ended up up learning that I now had TWO iTunes folders, one in the "little-house" folder named "davez3", and a second, also inside the users folder, named "davidzuckerman." The sub-folders under "little house" are mostly bare; the sub-folder under "davidzuckerman" contain a lot of information -- such as all the important stuff from my desktop and my iTunes music. The Apple technical support person had told me I had lost them because I had done a "clean install" when I upgraded to OS X. Anyway, the music issue is now solved -- except that I have lost all my ratings (and I had organized my playlists by rating). But what I want to know is, under which name, "davez3" or "davidzuckerman," should I now organize my files? [Sorry for the trouble I'm giving you.]

Rebuild iTunes

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