Restoring iTunes Library and Playlists
iTunes crashed on me recently, and corrupted my iTunes Library file. Argh! I had to manually add my music, etc back to the library, but all of my playlists, play counts, etc are still missing and, additionally, it screwed up some of my saved podcasts (your’s included). I had quite a few playlists and smart playlists, so it would take quite a while and be rather tedious to make them again. I was wondering if you knew of a way to restore the damaged file.
It’s important to back up your library often. If you don’t have a regular backup procedure, at least remember to backup BEFORE installing an iTunes update. That is when you’re most a risk.
To restore the library, make sure iTunes is closed, and open your iTunes folder. For Mac and Vista users, it’s in the Music folder. For XP users, it’s in My Documents/My Music folder. Drag the “iTunesMusicLibrary.xml” file to your desktop. Delete the “iTunes Library” file. Now open iTunes back up and click on File/Import. Browse to the “iTunesMusicLibrary.xml” file on your desktop and you’re on your way!
If you don’t have a backed up copy of your playlists, you can use a third party software to restore your playlists, play counts and ratings. This means you’ll need your playlists to still be in tact on your iPod. Two good applications for restoring your information are iPodRip (PC and Mac) and CopyTrans (PC only).
If you have your playlists backed up, and you don’t care about play counts, all you need to do is click on File/Import, and choose one of your backed up playlist files. Repeat for each playlist file.
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Cali, your post was very timely as my music suddenly disappeared from my PC (running XP). Since I am connected to a network in a corporate environment, my profile is saved to my network drive, not my local drive. So, once I found the file iTunesMusicLibrary.xml on my network drive, I did just what you suggested and it worked for me. I don’t care so much about the play counts and ratings. My playlists were restored except for the ones where I was holding music from the iTunes for future purchase. Those selections disappeared, but the playlists remain.
Your blog is very helpful and I enjoy your vlog too.
Thanks,
Dustin
Awesome! Glad the timing worked out! :)