The iTunes Library file cannot be saved. A file was specified instead of a folder.

What does this error message mean? "The iTunes Library file cannot be saved. A file was specified instead of a folder.

After trying a few other remedies, the tech at Apple Care suggested I reinstall Lion.
Here's the article:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.7/en/mchlp1599.html
I have not had the error message since, even after importing about a dozen CDs and burning a couple playlists.
This seems to be the fix.

Similar Messages

Uninstalled Itunes because of issue, reinstalled with newest version, now it won't read my library. Error message "The itunes library.itl cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of itunes"

Error message when opening itunes...The itunes library.itl cannot be read because it was created in a newer version of itunes... how do i fix, it will not open with any of my ipod, ipad, iphone.

I don't know why this error occurs, unless you have attempted to downgrade iTunes.
This method should get you up and running again.
Empty/corrupt library after upgrade/crash
Hopefully it's not been too long since you last upgraded iTunes, in fact if you get an empty/incomplete library immediately after upgrading then with the following steps you shouldn't lose a thing or need to do any further housekeeping. In the Previous iTunes Libraries folder should be a number of dated iTunes Library files. Take the most recent of these and copy it into the iTunes folder. Rename iTunes Library.itl as iTunes Library (Corrupt).itl and then rename the restored file as iTunes Library.itl. Start iTunes. Should all be good, bar any recent additions to or deletions from your library.
See iTunes Folder Watch for a tool to catch up with any changes since the backup file was created.
When you get it all working make a backup!
tt2

HT203175 the itunes library itl cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of itunes

looking for help i try to open my itunes and i get an error message..... the itunes litrary itl cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of itunes???

Unless you've recently attempted to downgrade iTunes this is probably a sign of a corrupt library file. See Empty/corrupt library after upgrade/crash.
tt2

So I updated the itunes and now it won't open it, it states a message "the itunes library.itl" cannot be open because it was created by a newer version of itunes, I have unistalled and re-installed newer and older version and still i get this message.

I updated and now i can't use the itunes. I have unistalled several times, installing newer and older versions but still i get this message. Is there anything i can do to fix this problem??

Try the following user tip with that one:
Empty/corrupt iTunes library after upgrade/crash

HT4528 I cannot sync my phone to my computer because I am getting the error message "The iTunes Library.itl cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes." I did not upgrade my iTunes. Any suggestions on how to proceed?

I am getting the above error message in the subject line and do not know how to proceed. Thanks.

See Empty/corrupt iTunes library after upgrade/crash.
tt2

I get the error message itunes library.itl cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of itunes

Hi,
I had my pc reformatted and win 7 64 bit installed. As I have come to put everything back on the pc I accidently installed the 32 bit version of iTunes. I realised this when certain functionality wasn't working.
So I uninstalled itunes and all the associated software, bonjour etc etc and have d/l the 64 bit version.
Now when I try to start up iTunes I get the "itunes library.itl cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of itunes" error message and the application will not load.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Dave

zepel has it, but perhaps some more detail will help.
Empty/corrupt library after upgrade/crash
Hopefully it's not been too long since you last upgraded iTunes, in fact if you get an empty/incomplete library immediately after upgrading then with the following steps you shouldn't lose a thing or need to do any further housekeeping. In the Previous iTunes Libraries folder should be a number of dated iTunes Library files. Take the most recent of these and copy it into the iTunes folder. Rename iTunes Library.itl as iTunes Library (Corrupt).itl and then rename the restored file as iTunes Library.itl. Start iTunes. Should all be good, bar any recent additions to or deletions from your library.
See iTunes Folder Watch for a tool to catch up with any changes since the backup file was created.
When you get it all working make a backup!
tt2

How do I fix "iTunes Library .itl cannot be read because it was created by a newer version"?

"iTunes Library .itl cannot be read because it was created by a newer version"?

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.

I keep getting this message when I launch itunes: The file "itunes Library.itl" cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of itunes

Itunes was working fine until i plugged in my 6th gen shuffle. itunes wouldn't read the pod and it kept showing an error message telling me i needed to uninstall and reinstall itunes. So i did. Now, itunes won't open up. i keep getting the same message, " The file "itunes library.itl" cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of itunes. HELP!!!

Problem solved by doing the following:
Open PC/Mac and search for iTunes Library.
From the list, select the most recent version of iTunes Library. Save this to a folder.
Delete iTunes from your computer.
Install latest version of iTunes.
When I opened the new version of iTunes, everything was there as before.
I didn't need to import the saved version of iTunes Library. Maybe this happens automatically?????

I have the following error The file "iTunes library.itl" cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes

Can anyone help me with this problem. I tried updating the latest itunes and it caused an error MSVCR80.dll missing. I then tried fixing it after reading other people had the same problem and a solution was given about uninstaling itunes and the order in which to do that. I did that but now get the error "the files "itunes library.itl" cannot be read because it was created with a newer version of itunes. I see a solution has been given about this but I cannot find what is suggested to enable me to follow instructions. Can anyone please go through step by step (letting me know where I can find what is needed) to enable me to be able tio log into itues again. Thanks

Hi pussygalore,
If you are having issues with iTunes after an attempted update, you may find the following article helpful:
iTunes 11.1.4 for Windows: Unable to install or open
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS5376
You may want to make sure that in the last step (reinstalling iTunes) that you are installing the latest/newest available version, and not attempting a reinstall from an older file.
Regards,
- Brenden

TS3212 I just installed iTunes (from the apple site) on to my new laptop. When I click on the icon to open I get a pop up that says "The file iTunes Library.itl cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes". Now what do I do and ho

I just installed iTunes on my new laptop. When I click on the desktop icon I receive a pop up that says "The file iTunes Library.itl cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes". I have no idea what this means or what to do about it. I can't even find a file on my computer like the one referred to in the pop up. I am currently considering keeping my old laptop if it is the only way for me to continue to access iTunes. What should I do to fix this?

What version of iTunes are you using? An .itl file is something that Windows uses, or very old versions of iTunes on Mac. The library file on Macs is now .xml and has been since late iTunes 4.
Is iTunes running ok without any problems after you OK that message? If it is, then you may be able to ignore it if you can't account for why you're getting it. But make sure you take backups in case something happens in the future.

TS1424 I can't open iTunes. Get error message "the file iTunes library.itl cannot be opened because it was created by a newer version of iTunes"

I cannot open itunes. Getting error message: "the file iTunes library.itl cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes"
What do I need to do so I dont lose all my loaded music, etc.?
Thanks

If you still have an issue you may have to see about using the iTunes version (application) included with Snow Leopard 10.6 from the installer or an another one if available online, and see if that will install.
Sometimes you may have uninstall the bits left in your system by the earlier (or later) iTunes installers; as they all leave a trace and these can stop a different version of iTunes from being installed.
Not sure if the following site/link will tell the method...
•Apple - Support - iTunes - install & update:
http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/install/
•Troubleshooting iTunes installation on Mac OS X:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2311
Good luck & happy computing!
ps: i see you resolved this issue. it's magic!

TS1717 My itunes won't open and I get message that says "The file iTunes library.itl cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of itunes." I am unsure what this means, but I have uninstalled and reinstalled the itunes, and it still will not

I receive the message: The file "iTunes library.itl"cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of itunes. I do not know exactly what this means. I have Windows 7 on my computer and was able access itunes until just recently. I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling itunes multiple times and that does not work. Sometimes I can get in when immediately after installing, but then if I close it, i cannot get back in. Now, i can't get in at all.

That message is usually a sign that you tried to roll back to an earlier build of iTunes, but occasionally I've seen it connected to a new upgrade. This technique should fix things.
Empty/corrupt library after upgrade/crash
Hopefully it's not been too long since you last upgraded iTunes, in fact if you get an empty/incomplete library immediately after upgrading then with the following steps you shouldn't lose a thing or need to do any further housekeeping. In the Previous iTunes Libraries folder should be a number of dated iTunes Library files. Take the most recent of these and copy it into the iTunes folder. Rename iTunes Library.itl as iTunes Library (Corrupt).itl and then rename the restored file as iTunes Library.itl. Start iTunes. Should all be good, bar any recent additions to or deletions from your library.
See iTunes Folder Watch for a tool to catch up with any changes since the backup file was created.
When you get it all working make a backup!
tt2

TS1717 My Itunes won't open and I am getting message "the file "iTunes Library .itl" cannot be ready because it was created by a newer version of iTunes". Any suggestions?

My iTunes won't open and I am getting message "the file iTunes library .itl"cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes. Anyone have a suggestion?

I don't know why this error occurs, unless you have attempted to downgrade iTunes.
This method should get you up and running again.
Empty/corrupt library after upgrade/crash
Hopefully it's not been too long since you last upgraded iTunes, in fact if you get an empty/incomplete library immediately after upgrading then with the following steps you shouldn't lose a thing or need to do any further housekeeping. In the Previous iTunes Libraries folder should be a number of dated iTunes Library files. Take the most recent of these and copy it into the iTunes folder. Rename iTunes Library.itl as iTunes Library (Corrupt).itl and then rename the restored file as iTunes Library.itl. Start iTunes. Should all be good, bar any recent additions to or deletions from your library.
See iTunes Folder Watch for a tool to catch up with any changes since the backup file was created.
When you get it all working make a backup!
tt2

My iTunes won't open on my laptop. Error message says The file "iTunes Library.itl" cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes. Help Please!

My iTunes won't open on my laptop. Error message says The file "iTunes Library.itl" cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes. Help Please!

See Empty/corrupt iTunes library after upgrade/crash.
tt2

After upgrading recently I got this message: "The file 'iTunes Library.itl' cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes." The music/video files are still on my MacBook Pro. Is it because I'm still on 10.5.8? How do I fix this?

For your reference I’m using a MacBook Pro running 10.5.8. Several weeks ago on a Monday I received an upgrade for iTunes. When Tuesday arrived I attempted to log in so that I could download the latest freebie song(s). I was met w/this message: “The file ‘iTunes Library.itl’ cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes.”
The music/video files are still on my Mac (I’ve verified that via Searchlight), but I’m unable to open the program. Since I know that 10.5.8 is rapidly becoming prehistoric, could it be that the newest iTunes isn’t compatible w/this particular OS? I’d like to switch up, but understand that the newest OS won’t work on a Mac of this vintage (6 years old). In addition, my Adobe products (all CS2) won’t work w/anything newer than 10.5.8, so I’m reluctant to go to a newer OS (I just can’t afford the Adobe upgrade $$$ @ this point).
Is there any way to get a download of an “old” iTunes version? If there were, I’d simply refuse any future upgrades until my personal economy allows me to stop working as if it were 2006. Please advise, somebody!

I don't know how you received an upgrade for iTunes. You make it sound like it was sent to you. At most your computer will tell you of a new version and you tell it to download it and install it. However, a computer will not do this for a version which is incompatible. iTunes 10.7 came out a few weeks ago but your computer would not notify you and even if it did, 10.7 would refuse to install on your computer. So this part isn't making a lot of sense.
Two ways to get the 'newer version' message. One is to open your library on a computer running a newer version, and then try to open it with an older version. Usually happens when the library is on an external and used with multiple computers. The second way is if you have multiple versions of itunes installed on your computer.
The newest (and likely the last) iTunes for OSX 10.5.8 is iTunes 10.6.3 which has been out for quite a while.
iTunes 10.6.3.25 - http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1575

The iTunes Library file cannot be saved. A file was specified instead of a folder.

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