VIsta + Itunes = Damaged .itl file

After 2 months of flawless use of Itunes on Vista, I would open itunes and it said the library was damaged, spent 20 minutes correcting it them worked. Now after the 3rd time this has happened it now will not show me anything in the library of itunes at all. I tried changing back the damaged files to the correct namd for the file to force it to recover but it simply will not. Any ideas how to rename the old damaged file or get it to see them correctly without corrupting the .itl file again?

FYI the music is still on the PC unchanged and unmoved. I could let it rebuild the library by adding the file folder back but I do not believe I updated the files that i changed information on....

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ITunes automatically imports music after re-boots (damaged .itl file)

Every time I start ITunes after my computer has been re-booted, ITunes starts importing my music library and says I have a damaged Music Library file (itl). If I allow ITunes to import my music files then it works fine (all playlists and ratings intact) even if I exit & re-enter the Itunes Application. However, as soon as I reboot the system I get the same damaged file dialog box. Also, I've tried waiting after I have booted the system for a long time to make sure it isn't conflicting with startup processes.
I have a lot of songs and it takes ITunes a long time to import each time, and it is really frustrating. A temporary work-around is that I make a backup copy of the "itl" and "xml" files each time after I exit Itunes when I have made changes. Then after a reboot when I start Itunes, I stop it from importing the library, finding artwork, gapless scan, etc... I copy the previously saved "itl" & "xml" files into the ITunes folder and the ITunes program will then start up correctly with all my music files, ratings & playlists.
_*A. COMMENTS*_
1. Since the "itl" file I copy into itunes folder (as per my work-around)is an exact copy of the "itl" file that was originally in the ITunes folder after a reboot, I don't think the ITunes file is actually damaged, since ITunes will boot from this file after Itunes is started a 2nd time. This also shows me that it is not a path issue.
_*B. SETUP*_
1. Dell 3.4Ghz Pentium 4
2. MS Windows XP Home Edition (service pack 3)
3. Recently upgraded to ITunes 9.0.3.15 (did not resolve problem)
4. McAfee Security Center virus/firewall software
5. Ad-Aware spyware checker(resident)
6. Spy-bot Search and Destroy spyware checker(resident)
5. My Music files are located in C:\Documents and Settings\My Name\My Documents\My Music\ (itunes folder is also in same folder)
6. My Itunes Library .itl file is 2,842 KB
7. My Itunes Music Library .xml file is 16,580 KB
_*C. WHAT I HAVE TRIED SO FAR*_
1. I have re-installed ITunes
2. I ran scan disk (fixed errors & checked physical disk). It did say it repaired something with an "XML" extension, but I didn't write it down because I thought it fixed the issue, but I don't think it was the itunes xml file
3. I cleaned a bunch of junk files (internet cache, etc) and defragged
4. I completely un-installed ITunes and ran a registry cleaner to remove all references to Itunes, Then I installed ITunes. ITunes imported my library and lost all my ratings & playlists however it found all of my artwork (not just automatically created from internet) I re-used an old .itl file for ratings/playlists. However I did try with the newly imported "itl" file and the same problem was persistent
5. I tried restoring my computer to month ago when everything was working correctly
6. I tried for hours looking through multiple forums and the ones that I found that have the same problem (only after reboots) were never resolved. Most of the others just tell people how to get their library back
7. I tried to call Apple Itunes tech support on the phone and was told that Apple does not provide Itunes phone support for PC's. I did pay good money for 30Gb & 16Gb Iphones, so I am giving Apple Money. I would own a Mac however my profession uses software not supported by Apple.
_*D. QUESTIONS*_
1. Does anyone have any idea why this is happening? I'm going to try to figure out how to start in some sort of safe mode and log the processes to see if there are any conflicts, but I'm running out of options.
2. I did copy rather large 1200x12000 artwork from the internet into some of the CD's because I was printing them, however I later removed the artwork and replaced it with 300x300. I noticed the Album artwork Cache & Download folders seems rather large and convoluted. I was thinking about possibly deleting all artwork from my library and deleting these folders to see if there is something in there.
Please Help, I've spent far too many hours trying to resolve this issue. I just don't understand that after uninstalling, and cleaning registry that re-installing didn't fix this issue.

Followup:
The link you posted wasn't really any help, but I believe I have finally resolved the issue (after 2 consecutive reboots without problems -- knocks on wood). I wish I could single out exactly what resolved the issue, but I went crazy and did a lot of things last night/this morning (and didn't have the patience to reboot after each single change).
Here's a list of a few things I remember doing
1. Installed updated hardware drivers using Uniblue driver update software (a couple were bundles that affected quite a few things). I booted up this morning only to get a repeated "REFMONINITIALIZATIONFAILED" dialog with the blue screen of death. I wasn't worried as I did a complete backup of all my personal files last night, anticipating a full rebuild today. So the next time I rebooted I used the "last known good configuration".
2. I don't have any indexing programs (that I'm aware of), but I clicked the library file, xml files and all other files in the itunes library root directory and unchecked the "For fast searching, allow Indexing Service to index this file" box after right clicking and selecting "properties" and then "advanced"
3. I rolled back ALL Uniblue SpeedUPMYPC2009 system tweaks (except internet) that were automatically done when I ran the program on 1/10/10.
I have a strong inclination that one (or more) of the Uniblue system tweaks did something that prevented my library file from being accessed the first time after after a boot that I started ITunes. I apparently hadn't accessed ITunes for a couple weeks after I ran the Uniblue program, so it didn't register that it could have caused the issue. At some point in the future I'll try to pin down which tweak caused the problem, but for now I've wasted far too much dealing with this and don't care if my computer runs a few milliseconds slower.
Thank you for responding

ITunes Library .itl file is not updating

I want to move my 45,000 song 250Gb iTunes library from my old G5 desktop to my MacBook Pro, using the same external HD for the ITunes Media folder that I am already using with the G5.
I've looked at all the relevant tips and discussions I can find and have copied my iTunes folder from the old Mac to the new one, connected up the same HD, then started iTunes 11 on the MacBook with Alt held down and pointed it at the .itl file from the old machine.
(The old library is from iTunes version 10.6.3 and the G5 OS is 10.5.8)
It took a little while converting the library to work with iTunes 11 and the whole process worked as it should – but with just one problem, Nothing I added to the library after June 5, 2012 (more than 2,000 tracks) is showing up on the new computer.
Looking into the iTunes folder on the G5, June 5 , 2012, is in fact the Last Modified date on the ITunes Library.itl file. There are two XML files in there where there should be one. One is called iTunes Music Library.xml (16Mb) and the other is called iTunes Music Library.xml.xml (95Mb). Both have the correct modification date from when I last added content (earlier today).
There is also an ITunes Music Library (Damaged) of 89.5Mb which also has a date of June 5 last year. I don't recall having a specific iTunes problem then, although my G5 sometimes freezes and crashes for no apparent reason, usually while playing music.
The content I have added since last June shows up in the old library as it should and plays without a problem except for these very occasional freezes.
So I found this page – http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1451
Following the advice there, I'm now trying to reconstruct the .itl file on the G5 by starting a blank library in a new and separate iTunes folder, changing the media folder to the external drive, then importing iTunes Music Library.xml.xml (which I moved to the desktop) as a playlist.
It's been importing the file for nearly three hours now and I not feeling confident that it will ever end.
Any ideas that will be less trouble than reimporting the 2,000 tracks (all CD rips) from the external HD back into the iTunes window? I'd rather not lose the existing play counts and date added information if possible.

Usually when you get this problem in vista, it is to do with folder permissions.
The account you are using needs full control of the iTunes and iTunes Music folder.
Vista file folder permissions help
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/2464a180-e5dc-45d1-a2b8-3c8a 2b571e9d1033.mspx
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/05/25/how-to-take-ownership-and-grant-permiss ions-in-windows-vista/

ITunes Library .itl file cannot be found or created **Please Help**

I am running windows 7, and recently downloaded iTunes 10.7 Opened iTunes today for the first time since the download, and got the following message:
The iTunes Library .itl file cannot be found or created. The default locaton for this file is in the "iTunes" folder in the "Music" folder.
I uninstalled itunes completely, restarted my laptop and then reinstalled itunes again. Unfortunatley it is still not working. Please help, I need to sync my phone!!!
Any help?

Hi Renee31,
If you are having issues with the library.itl file in iTunes, you may find the following articles helpful:
iTunes: What are the iTunes library files?
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1660
Apple Support: Removing and reinstalling iTunes and other software components for Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1923
Regards,
- Brenden

Itunes error message - the itunes library.itl file cannot be found or created

My itunes was working yesterday but today when i open it i get an error message saying "the itunes library.itl file cannot be found or created. the default location for this file in in the itunes folder in the music folder."
I have tried to reinstall itunes but still getting the same error when clicking on itunes
Please can you help?

Hold down the Shift key while trying to launch iTunes. You should see a dialog box asking you to Choose or Create a library. Click "Choose library"
Browse to the default location of your iTunes Library.itl file:
Windows XP: \Documents and Settings\username\My Documents\My Music\iTunes\
Windows Vista: \Users\username\Music\iTunes\
Windows 7: \Users\username\My Music\iTunes\
... and doubleclick the file.
Does your iTunes open for you now?

Itunes library.itl file cannot be found or created. The default location for this file is in the "iTunes" folder in the "Music" folder

itunes library.itl file cannot be found or created. The default location for this file is in the "iTunes" folder in the "Music" folder, I keep getting this message everytime I try to install Itunes after having to remove windows 8.1 and go back to windows 8. I have uninstalled and reinstalled and it keeps telling me the same thing. What do I do?

Hi Renee31,
If you are having issues with the library.itl file in iTunes, you may find the following articles helpful:
iTunes: What are the iTunes library files?
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1660
Apple Support: Removing and reinstalling iTunes and other software components for Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1923
Regards,
- Brenden

TS1717 iTunes will not open. I get a message that says, "The iTunes Library.itl file cannot be found or created. The default location for this file is in the "iTunes" folder in the music folder." How can I fixt this?

iTunes will not open. I get a message that says, "The iTunes Library.itl file cannot be found or created. The default location for this file is in the "iTunes" folder in the music folder". How can I fix this?

Hi pgarard1,
If you are having issues with launching iTunes after an update, you may want to take a look at the troubleshooting in the following article:
iTunes for Windows: Doesn't open after upgrading in Windows Vista or Windows 7
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2363
Regards,
- Brenden

I get an error message saying "The iTunes Library.itl file cannot be found or created" when I try to open iTunes on my computer and the program fails to open. How can I fix this?

When I try ot open iTunes on my computer I get an error message stating "The iTunes Library.itl file cannot be found or created" and the program fails to open. How can I fix this issue?

Hi pgarard1,
If you are having issues with launching iTunes after an update, you may want to take a look at the troubleshooting in the following article:
iTunes for Windows: Doesn't open after upgrading in Windows Vista or Windows 7
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2363
Regards,
- Brenden

Error"The iTunes Library.itl file is locked, on a locked disk, or ..."

does anyone realize that the only troubleshooting help for this error message is for windows xp?? is apple working on one for windows vista?? i am getting the same problem and tried the two different options mentioned (deleting the itune.itl file and then restoring, as well as holding down the shift key while opening itunes) and it DOES NOT WORK STILL!! i am extremely frustrated. please help--any suggestions are welcome. i have tried reinstalling, uninstalling, restoring, deleting, you name it. the suggested help on the one link is only for windows xp.

Make sure that you have closed all programs that might be using the iTunes library.itl file. I would hit CTRL + ALT + DEL buttons and enter the Task Manager - from there end any unnecessary program running in the background.
Next try to start iTunes again. If it fails, restart PC, do the same with Task Manager and try to open iTunes again.

Itunes library .itl file is locked when trying to upgrade to IOS5

Itunes library .itl file is locked when trying to download IOS5 upgrade. Can someone help?

Usually when you get this problem in vista, it is to do with folder permissions.
The account you are using needs full control of the iTunes and iTunes Music folder.
Vista file folder permissions help
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/2464a180-e5dc-45d1-a2b8-3c8a 2b571e9d1033.mspx
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/05/25/how-to-take-ownership-and-grant-permiss ions-in-windows-vista/

ITunes Library.itl file is locked, on a locked disk, or no write permission

"iTunes Library.itl file is locked, on a locked disk, or you do not have write permission for this file" shows up when attempting to start iTunes.
This is on Windows Vista 64bit, and I used the designated 64bit installer from Apple's website, v8.2.0.23.
There is another post in regards to a similar disk locked / not found error, but the solution noted there is only for windows XP, as it requires Tweak UI, which the article states does not work under Vista.
Does anyone know how to fix this in Vista?
thanks

Usually when you get this problem in vista, it is to do with folder permissions.
The account you are using needs full control of the iTunes and iTunes Music folder.
Vista file folder permissions help
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/2464a180-e5dc-45d1-a2b8-3c8a 2b571e9d1033.mspx
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/05/25/how-to-take-ownership-and-grant-permiss ions-in-windows-vista/

ITunes Library.itl file is unavailable

Anytime I try to open up iTunes or sync my iPod touch, I get an error message that says "The iTunes Library.itl file is locked, on a locked disk, or you do not have write permission for this file." I've tried uninstalling/reinstalling iTunes, changing the iTunes Library.itl file to a Read Me and unchanging it (per some help on other forums), and nothing has worked. It's been pretty frustrating, since I haven't been able to update my iPod or get new music for a few months now. Is there any way to fix this?

Usually when you get this problem in vista, it is to do with folder permissions.
The account you are using needs full control of the iTunes and iTunes Music folder.
Vista file folder permissions help
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/2464a180-e5dc-45d1-a2b8-3c8a 2b571e9d1033.mspx
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/05/25/how-to-take-ownership-and-grant-permiss ions-in-windows-vista/

After downloading latest version, keep getting error message "The iTunes Library .itl file cannont be found or created"? The file never moved from My Music. Repeated attempts to restore previous version result in same message. Help!!

Help!!

Hello Whit1erj,
It sounds like you are not able to access your iTunes library. With the error message you are receiving, you will want to first locate the iTunes Library.itl file. These are the default locations for this file on a Windows computer, but if you dont find them here, you may need to search for the file:
Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\username\My Documents\My Music\iTunes\
Windows Vista: C:\Users\username\Music\iTunes\
Windows 7: C:\Users\username\My Music\iTunes\
Windows 8: C:\Users\username\My Music\iTunes\
You can find the full article about iTunes file locations here:
Where are my iTunes files located?
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1391
Once you locate the iTunes Library.itl file, you can make iTunes point to it using these steps:
Steps to create or choose a different iTunes Library file
If iTunes is running, quit iTunes.
If you are using Windows, hold down the Shift key and from the Start menu and choose All Programs > iTunes > iTunes.
You should see one of the following screens:
Then you can select Choose Library and navigate to the location of the iTunes Library.itl file. You can find the full article here:
iTunes: How to open an alternate iTunes Library file or create a new one
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1589
Thank you for posting in the Apple Support Communities.
Best,
Sheila M.

When i double click itunes it doesn't open it just comes up with an error saying " The itunes library.itl file cannot be found or created. The default location for this file is in the 'itunes' folder in the 'music' folder". How can i fix this?

When i double click itunes it doesn't open it just comes up with an error saying " The itunes library.itl file cannot be found or created. The default location for this file is in the 'itunes' folder in the 'music' folder. How can i fix this problem?

Anyone can help to advice how to solve this issue ?

TS1717 unes, i have windows 8, i get the message, "the itunes Library .itl file is locked, on a locked disk, or you do not have write permission for this file. how did this happen, how do i fix this?

the message"The itun, library .itl file is locked, on a locked disk, or you do not have write permission for this file". i have windows 8. how why did this happen? how do i correct this and prevent another occurance? I am able to access itunes on my i5, ipad, and my old i4 that i use solely as my ipod now. At the time problem occurred, i was connected to ext hard drive that hold over 190GB music, to add to my library. I am now unable to add to my library using my laptop. any advise/help is greatly appreciated!!

I just had the same problem and was able to fix it after trying a couple of things I found after a search.
The solution that worked for me:
Find iTunes folder - it should be in C:\Program FIles (x86) or similar depending on your operating system
Right click the entire folder (no need to open it) and click properties
Click the security tab
Click edit and highlight the user name under which you logged in.
Click the box next to full in the allow column, which should check everything
Click apply
Open iTunes
This worked for me.

VIsta + Itunes = Damaged .itl file

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