Recovering lost iTunes library

My husband is a PC and I am a MAC.
He has lost his entire iTunes music library from his PC, after making a purchase from iTunes Store. His library is still on his iPod.
The message says his iPod is synched with another computer. He has never plugged his iPod into another computer. He has downloaded/synched all purchases but wants all his other music that was downloaded from CD's.
How can he fix this?
Notes: I recently added Apple TV to the household and have several shared computers. My iTunes library is tied to the Apple TV. We tried to add his library, but did not succeed. Not sure if this caused problem?
Thank you!

It has always been very basic to always maintain a backup copy of your computer files/docs/pics/music/etc.
Use the backup to put everything back.
The music sync is one way - computer to ipod. The exception being itunes purchases.
You can try a forum search, as this is asked very often.
The forum search bar is on the right side of this page.

Similar Messages

How to recover lost itunes library

During iphone software update I have lost my itunes library for 2 iphones. How can I recover my full libabry?

You can either sync it from iTunes (you have been backing up the purchased music to iTunes, haven't you) or go to iTunes app > More > Purchases and download the music.

TS1967 When trying to recover a lost iTunes library file, the programme moved all the normal contents of iTunes folder to the desktop. Now what must I do?

When trying to recover a lost iTunes library file, the programme moved all the normal contents of iTunes folder to the desktop. Now what must I do? There is no iTunes Library.itl file. On the desktop it is labelled iTunes Library.xml. Several others files have appeared there too including iTunes Music Library.xml
Before I can use the programme is it necessary to take another step?
Thanks for advice.

Don't worry. I'm all for caution. I guess I should have asked a little more about what steps you took while trying to recover your lost library?
The permissions thing may be a red herring, but if there is a problem with file access rights to the designated media folder iTunes has been known to place files on the desktop instead since it can access this location. The most common cause for such problems is working with a folder on an NTFS drive via a differnt account or on a different computer. In the normal course of events folders created inside user profiles have limited rights for other users.
Here are the typical layouts for the iTunes folders:
Normally the iTunes folder will be created at <User's Music>\iTunes with the media folder inside it. The library files should all appear in the same place so your comment about there not being an iTunes Library.itl file is confusing. Is it just the case that the .itl extension is hidden? The two .xml files makes sense from the above and indicates that the active library is not in <User's Music>\iTunes, but you have a recovered file from when it was.
If, in fact, the situation is that your desktop is acting as the main iTunes folder, and contains the library file, Album Artwork, iTunes Media and (optionally) Previous iTunes Libraries folders, with all other content being inside the iTunes Media folder, then it should be relativly easy to rearrange your into the correct shape and move them to the correct location.
If things are more complex, with something other than a library folder containing a media folder, then reestablishing the normal order is more complicated. The iTunes consolidate function is used to bring copies of files stored outside of the media folder into the media folder. It may sometimes be needed as part of the process of tidying up, however it leaves behind originals. There are circumstances where there isn't room for two complete sets of the media files on the same drive which is why I suggested the script might be useful as it produces the same results for the library without leaving the originals for manual clear up.
I think before you do anything however, we should get a clearer picture of exactly what is where. Could you perhaps take a screenshot of the desktop and post it here? Take a look at this post on making a split library portable. The same techniques I outline there can be used to lick your library into shape, it is just a question of working out which to use in which order for the best effect.
tt2

Hard Drive Failure, so I've lost ITunes Library. Ipod more up-to-date how do I transfer music from IPod to library?

Hi,
I had a hard drive failure on my old PC and I couldn't retrieve anything. I have purchased a new PC and downloaded itunes (Version I'm not use to which isn't helping) and signed in however it only has my purchased songs on the cloud which I need to download into my library from cloud. However I have thousands of songs that I imported into my old library from CD's etc which is no lost apart from all the data held on my ipod.
So my Ipod is more up-to-date then my library now. When I look to sync my ipod it says everything will be removed and will be replaced with content from the library. I've had a look around and I can't see a way to get my music from my ipod to my library.
Is there anything I can do, please help?
Thanks

See:
Syncing to a "New" Computer or replacing a "crashed" Hard Drive: Apple Support Communities
or
Recovering your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device: Apple Support Communities

Is there any way to recover lost iTune I purchased from the itunes store?

Is there any way to recover my iTunes Library without re-purchasing all the songs-library was lost in PC problems.

Go to the iTunes Store, log into your account, and click the Purchases link under the Quick Links. From there you should be able to re-download some or all of your purchased content. Note that not all content has been licensed for re-downloading in all countries at this time; you can see what content you can download here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5085
You can also re-download content using an iOS device.
For more information, see:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2519
Regards.
Forum Tip: Since you're new here, you've probably not discovered the Search feature available on every Communities page, but next time, it might save you time (and everyone else from having to answer the same question multiple times) if you search a couple of ways for a topic, both in the relevant forums and in the Apple Knowledge Base, before you post a question.

Is there any way to recover my itunes library from a damaged iPod Touch?

Is there any way to recover my itunes library from a damaged iPod Touch?

Your itunes library should be on your computer and should be included in your regular backup copy of your computer.

My itunes won't launch even after reinstalling. Looked in itunes folder and somehow lost itunes library? HELP!

My itunes won't launch even after reinstalling. Looked in itunes folder and somehow lost itunes library? HELP!

The first thing I'd suggest is to get a good antispyware checker and give it a go at your system. Some recent spyware has been reported by other users to shut down iTunes or prevent it from launching. From user reports, Ewido seems to be the best at catching it. You can download a free version of Ewido here.
If that doesn't cure the problem, try deleting the iTunes preference files:
C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iTunes.pref
and
C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Data\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iTunes.pref
You might have to turn on "show hidden files" to find them. (Right click "my computer", select open, select Tools menu -> Folder Options. Select View tab, "show hidden files" radio button is in the center scrolling panel.) Delete them or if you want to be able to put them back if it doesn't help, drag them to some other location. This will force iTunes to run the setup assistant the next time you launch iTunes. Note that you'll have to go back and set any preferences you've changed from the default.
If that still doesn't work, try this:
Bugie: Perform a Thorough & Complete Uninstall and Reinstall of iTunes/QuickTime.
Hope this helps.

My computer The File "itunes library.til" does not appear to be a valid iTunes library file. iTunes has attempted to recover your itunes library and renamed it to "iTunes Library (Damaged itl)"

My computer crashed when I was using Itunes. I got everything up and running and got this message "The File “itunes library.til” does not appear to be a valid iTunes library file. iTunes has attempted to recover your itunes library and renamed it to “iTunes Library (Damaged itl)” Everything loads up put in takes 10 min. then my music playlists are deleted everytime I turn Itunes on. What can I do to solve this problem? Thanks.

Hi shyanne23,
Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. If your iTunes library file has become damaged in some way, you may want to try recreating your iTunes library and playlists by following this article:
iTunes: How to re-create your iTunes library and playlists
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1451
Cheers,
- Ari

Help please Lost iTunes library from my MacBook Including both itunes purchased songs and uploaded from CDs. everything is still on my iPad is there a way to transfers it please.

there is a list of the songs on my MacBook but the media files have disappeared, also from my back up.
Tried to down load from iTunes Match but no success.
Any help much appreciated

iTunes won't transfer or download a track if there is an entry in the library for it, even if that entry is no longer attached to a file.
See Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device.
iTunes Store > Purchased > {Media} > Not on this computer may allow you to download all missing items.
tt2

HT1451 recovering old itunes library with playlists

my itunes library is trapped on a dead laptop with all my playlists. i have a new laptop and new itunes account but not of my music came over from my old computer and itunes account. can you help me

These are two possible approaches that will normally work to move an existing library to a new computer.
Method 1
Backup the library with this User Tip.
Deauthorize the old computer if you no longer want to access protected content on it.
Restore the backup to your new computer using the same tool used to back it up.
Keep your backup up-to-date in future.
Method 2
Connect the two computers to the same network. Share your <User's Music> folder from the old computer and copy the entire iTunes library folder into the <User's Music> folder on the new one. Again, deauthorize the old computer if no longer required.
Both methods should give the new computer a working clone of the library that was on the old one. As far as iTunes is concerned this is still the "home" library for your devices so you shouldn't have any issues with iTunes wanting to erase and reload.
I'd recommend method 1 since it establishes an ongoing backup for your library.
Note if you have failed to move contacts and calendar items across you should create one dummy entry of each in your new profile and iTunes should merge the existing data from the device.
If your media folder has been split out from the main iTunes folder you may need to do some preparatory work to make it easier to move. See make a split library portable.
Should you be in the unfortunate position where you are no longer able to access your original library or a backup then then see Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device for advice on how to set up your devices with a new library with the maximum preservation of data.
tt2

How can i recover my iTunes library when i reformated mac

The other day i decided to reformat my Macbook just becouse i wanted to start again clean. I put my iTunes library in an external drive like i should have done. But when i finished reinstaling OS X and i checked my external hard drive my iTunes library was not there. My question is is there anyway i can recover my music.
Message was edited by: bron012
Message was edited by: bron012

If you have no other back up and if your move to the external drive was unsuccessful and the music you thought you moved isn't actually there then there really is nowhere to recover your music from. There are data recovery services and programs that you could investigate to see if they can mine the information back from your reformatted MacBook but they aren't going to be a cheap option. So you have to decide if in your particular circumstances it's worth it to get your songs back. It may be if you have a lot of purchased tracks which you will have to pay to download again. If they came primarily from your CDs then it's most likely not as you can re-rip them.
If you didn't make a back-up of your purchases to restore from (as you are advised to do) then I'm sorry to say that the policy on lost purchases is that you have to pay to download them again:
"Once a Product is purchased and you receive the Product, it is your responsibility not to lose, destroy, or damage the Product, and Apple shall be without liability to you in the event of any loss, destruction, or damage." iTunes Store: Purchased content can be downloaded only once
You could try contacting the iTunes Music Store Customer Service and you might be able to persuade them to sanction a second free download. There have been occasional reports in the iTunes forum of this happening, however just be aware that they are not under any obligation to do so. If you click on this link you'll be able to email your query: iTMS Customer Service
If you have an iPod that still has the purchases on it the transfer of purchased content from the iPod to authorised computers was introduced with iTunes 7. You'll find details in this article: Copying iTunes Store purchases from your iPod or iPhone to a computer

Lost iTunes Library after upgrading to iTunes 7.7 HELP PLEASE

I have two issues on hand : after upgrading to iTunes 7.7 I opened iTunes and all of my music was gone except for about 1,000+ songs (3.2 GB) when I originally had about 20GB worth of songs. How can I recover my full library into iTunes ?
Second issue: when importing new CDs into iTunes 7.7 it only plays a fraction of each song before moving on to another song, whereas iTunes shows that I have the full song imported.
I really appreciate someone's help here, and does the latest version of iTunes have a bug ??

Further to my last post, I find that the purchased songs have been retained in the iTunes Library of my Mac Book - is there any way iI can restore them to the iMac?

Lost ITunes library in Windows XP Home Edition

Hi:
It took close to 10 hours reconverting all my music from an external hard drive to a new installation of ITunes on a new laptop so I can put the music on a new IPod. All the music got converted--my husband and I both saw it. Then I went to my husband's desktop and the music was not in his ITunes library--so I changed the folder to look in--still no luck. When I returned to my desktop, the music was gone!! Can someone please help me--I cannot see the music anywhere. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling ITunes with no luck. Don't know what the heck is going on

The faster way would be to just move the files from the 'My Pictures' folder into the 'My Music' folder. Then just do a 'FIle=>Add Folder'. No need to delete them. Too late now...
After you convert the files to an acceptable iTunes form, make sure you know where they are located on the PC.
Here's some general info on iTunes and its music organization:
iTunes operates as a database of information for your music files. The actual music files are stored on your PC, not within iTunes. iTunes keeps absolute references of the music file location and other information in its database file. This allows iTunes to use music files from any location on the PC: different directories/folders on the main HD, another internal drive, an external drive, or a network drive (or any combination of the above). Each song reference has a specific and hardcoded path so iTunes can find and play (or sync) it. Move the file, change the path, re-map the drive it is on, and iTunes will lose the file (giving you the '!' of a ‘Broken Link’). Lose, move or corrupt the ‘iTunes Music.itl’ file and your complete Library will ‘vanish’.
If you delete, corrupt, or otherwise lose your ‘iTunes Library.itl’ file, you will end up with a ‘blank’ Library within iTunes. Nine time out of ten, your underlying music files are still on the PC. They can be ‘re-Added’ via the File==>Add Folder/File menu command, but you will lose some of the music meta-data. Recovering your Library via backup copies of the iTunes database file, or from importing the XML file is always preferable.
The iTunes music information (meta-data) is stored in two places: the actual individual song files themselves, and the iTunes Library database file (‘iTunes Library.itl’). There is a corresponding XML file that is created by iTunes, but not directly used. See: What are the iTunes Library files?.
Song attributes stored directly in each music file are as follows: Artist, Album, Song Title, Year, Comments, Compilation tag, Lyrics, Genre , Grouping, Composer, BPM, Album Artwork, Bit Rate & Kind (Both not tags - inherent to the file itself).
Song attributes stored in the iTunes Library database file only are: Playlists, Ratings, Play Count, Last Played, Date Added, Date Modified, Equalizer, Volume Adjustment.
Changing (or designating) the 'iTunes Music folder' location in the Preferences does not instruct iTunes where to look for existing songs it currently knows about. It directs iTunes where to store any new songs it Imports, or 'Adds' and copies to its Library organization (if that attribute is selected). This is an important distinction.
See: About the Add to Library, Import, and Convert functions

Help please. Lost itunes library.xml file

Hello,
I have windows 7 and have failed in my attempts to locate my itunes library xml file. I think I lost it when I transferred music from one computer to the next. Online I have seen a tutorial on how to find it, user - my music - itunes. However it's not there. I was trying to sync my itunes music to android, but cannot do so unless I have the xml file. Please note, i am not a computer savvy guy. please don't make it to technical.
Thanks
- Anthony

I already have itunes installed and all my music, playlists and podcasts which work fine, but the media cannot be transferred onto my phone via Isyncr due to not having the itunes library.xml file. You are saying all I have to do is get the itl file from my old computer and save it onto my new one. then re-download itunes and it should work?
Edit: I found my old computer and still cannot locate .xml or itl file.
Looked in users/music/itunes music. and nothing saying xml or itl is there.

Broken Hard Disk, lost iTunes library

Recently my hard disk stop working. So I lost my iTunes library. It was practically empty since I manually managed all songs.
So now I have to create a new library but when I try to check the option "Manually manage music and videos" iTunes ask me to format my iphone.
Why should it delete the iphone content? Will I loose all my apps?

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, computer to device, 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, nor do I have any idea if they are any good):
- 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
- Snowfox/iMedia - http://www.mac-videoconverter.com/imedia-transfer-mac.html - Mac & PC
- 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.

Recovering lost iTunes library

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