Reinstalling older version of itunes

Question

Yes, I am one of the unlucky who jumped on upgrading itunes and having crash problems. How can I install older version? I tried (filehippo.com) but it failed because I have the newest version. If I uninstall itunes in order to reinstall, will I lose my library? (this cannot happen, lol.) I loaded ewido and stand alone of quicktime, cleared files and cookies and still having probs. sigh Thanks, Mis

Answer 1

Realize that the older versions of iTunes may not read the Library database file created by more recent versions (the 'iTunes Library.itl' file).
You should not lose your PC music files, but your Library database may be unreadable. This file contains Ratings, Play Cpounts, Playlists, and Last Played attributes.
Make sure you make a complete backup of your Library information. These are the files you need (not all may be useful in a downgrade, though):
1) All music files in their current folder structure (usually located in and under the ‘iTunes Music’ folder)
2) The Library database file: ‘iTunes Library.itl’ located in the ‘iTunes’ folder
3) The Library XML file: ‘iTunes Music Library.xml’ located in the ‘iTunes’ folder
4) Any XML playlist files you created for Playlist retention
5) The two iTunes.pref files (optional)
-- C:\Documents and Settings\<your username>\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iTunes.pref
-- C:\Documents and Settings\<your username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Apple Computer Inc\iTunes.pref
6) The XML file of Ratings, Play Counts and Last Played attributes saved from the main Library and created by Otto’s SaveRatings script (also optional, but recommended):
“Download this: http://ottodestruct.com/itunes/SaveRatings.zip . It's a program, just run it like any other program. Run it on the machine where you're copying the info from BEFORE you move the files to the new machine. Click the "Save Ratings" button and it'll create a ratings.xml file. Now when you move the files, move the program and this file as well. Then after you make your new iTunes library, run it again and click the "Restore Ratings" button. Voila, all your information is back in the Library. Well, most of it anyway, it's not perfect. It'll tell you what songs it couldn't figure out though, and there's usually not very many.”