- Common iTunes Tips
- iTunes Backup/Restore Tips
- iTunes Library Tips
- iTunes Update Problems
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No matter what's the reason behind the corrupted iTunes Library, the moment you discover this you will get highly disappointed. However, if you're the one whose iTunes Library is corrupted, there's nothing to be worried about, you still get it fixed on your own. We are going to list some of the solutions through which you will be able to accomplish the fixing of this very issue easily. So, just begin to scroll down and read on how to fix iTunes Library.
Why iTunes Library Corrupted
Before moving to the fixing of iTunes Library, we want you to know why your iTunes Library gets corrupted. Firstly, please note that iTunes contains ITL file format unlike earlier when there used to be XML file format. The purpose of this is to keep all your data on your media library and maintaining the playlists straight. Now, if any sort of issue strikes to this file, your iTunes Library is likely to damage as well as you won't be able to open iTunes properly. For instance, virus or malware attacks, data corruption, crashing up of OS etc.
Also, the issue can also be related to permissions with your Home folder when you're on Admin account.
How to Fix iTunes Library? 4 Ways for You
Let us now move to the next section that will demonstrate you what to do when media library gets corrupted. We are going to list 4 different ways for you. Scroll down and master on it.
Way1: Ultimate Tool to Fix Corrupted iTunes Library
The first way and the best way to fix iTunes Library is to use Tenorshare TunesCare. This tool has the power to solve a wide range of iTunes errors. You can enhance the iTunes performance via TunesCare. Besides this, it fully supports iTunes 12.7 as well as both major operating systems i.e. Windows and Mac. Within just 3 simple steps, you'll be able to achieve the results and fix errors be it iTunes sync errors, install/updates errors or iTunes playing issues. Let's know the steps now.
Step 1 – Begin with launching the software after installing it. Now, connect your device to the PC.
Step 2 – Select 'Fix iTunes Sync Problems' now and start repairing the problem.
Step 3 – Now, wait for the repairing process to get completed and you will get notified that your iTunes Library is repaired now. You can now check your iTunes Library if it is not damaged anymore.
Way2: Rebuild Corrupted iTunes Library from Older Library File Manually
Make sure to close iTunes first and follow the path '/Users/username/Music/iTunes/iTunes Library.itl' for Mac and 'C:/Users//[User Name]/My Music/ iTunes/iTunes Library.itl' for Windows.
Now, find the iTunes Library damaged and rename it 'Damaged iTunes Library.itl'.
Next, in the iTunes folder, find the folder 'Previous iTunes Libraries' and hit on it.
You will now be able to notice a recent previous version of your library. You need to now copy it and paste it later where the 'Damaged iTunes Library.itl' locates. After that, rename it to the generic 'iTunes Librar.itl' making it recognizable by iTunes.
Itunes Library Damaged
Way3: Rebuild iTunes Library - Works for Windows and Mac
Get to the iTunes folder using the path – 'Users/Username/Music/iTunes' (for Mac) and 'C:/Users/[User Name]/My Music/iTunes' (for Windows).
Now, delete these files – 'iTunes Library.itl', 'iTunes Library Genius.itdb', 'sentinel' (ensure that the hidden files are displaying in Finder) and 'iTunes Library Extras.itdb'
If iCloud Music Library is enabled when opening iTunes, hit on 'File' and choose 'Add to Library'. Go to existing iTunes media folder then and highlight it. Select 'Open' now and your media files will be reimported by iTunes.
Also, if iCloud Music Library isn't enabled, you may get prompt by an error message to choose a folder for iTunes Library. You need to now choose your existing library folder and follow the above steps in order to re-add the media files.
Way4: Using Time Machine to Recover iTunes Library File - Works for Mac Only
To start, visit the iTunes media folder under 'Isers/Username/Music/iTunes' and do right click on 'iTunes Library.itl'. Hit 'Rename' and add the file with either 'old' or 'broken' followed by dragging it to the desktop.
Now, hit on 'Time Machine' icon from the menu bar and then select 'Enter Time Machine'.
After this, you will get a pop-up having timeline next to each backup. Now, go to the latest backup and get the library file highlighted. Lastly, click on 'Restore' and open iTunes to check the problem is gone.
Conclusion
Those were the four ways to resolve corrupt iTunes Library. We hope that the above mentioned steps were easily understandable to you. If you're still unable to figure out the best way, we would say using Tenorshare TunesCare will make sense for its simplicity and no technical requirements. Now, that you know what to do if your media library is corrupted, you can easily get the problem fixed without getting panic. We hope you like this post. So, please help us knowing how this post was, by commenting below.
iTunes library has a database that contains all the music and media that you add to iTunes. iTunes library comes with an '.itl' file that stores your media library data. If your iTunes Library.itl cannot be read, it displays a message on your screen that reads 'The file 'iTunes Library.itl' cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes'. This means that the Library.itl file has been damaged or corrupt.
If you unfortunately find yourself in this position, and you’ve tried searching for solutions only to end up with zero result. Do not fret yet as this article will help you fix iTunes Library problem. Here, we will show you different ways to help you get iTunes library repaired.
- Method 1: Repair iTunes Library by Replacing Corrupt 'iTunes Library.Itl' File with Older One
- Method 2: Repair iTunes Library by Using iMyFone TunesMate
Repair iTunes Library by Replacing Corrupt 'iTunes Library.Itl' File with Older One
You can easily get iTunes Library repaired by replacing the corrupted 'iTunes Library.itl' file with an older version using the following steps:
Step 1Exit iTunes completely and make sure it’s not running underground.
Step 2Locate the iTunes Library.itl file in your iTunes folder:
- MAC - Users > Username > Music > iTunes > iTunes Library.itl
- Windows Vista or later – C:Users > Username > Music > iTunes > iTunes Library.itl
- Windows XP – C:Documents and Settings > Username > My Documents > My Music > iTunes > iTunes Library.itl
Step 3Copy and paste the file somewhere else. Say your desktop or any other folder.
Step 4Rename the iTunes Library.itl file on your iTunes folder to 'fixing iTunes Library.itl'.
Step 5Still in the iTunes folder, click on the folder named 'Previous iTunes Libraries' and you'll find a recent version of your iTunes Library.itl file. Copy and paste to where 'fixing iTunes Library.itl' is and rename it to 'iTunes Library.itl'.
This should quickly fix your damaged and corrupted iTunes library. However, this method to rebuild iTunes library has many disadvantages:
- It does not recover changes you’ve made to your recent iTunes library which has been corrupted.
- It is less efficient to rebulid iTunes library.
- It might lead to the loss of some of your files.
- It only restores outdated iTunes library.
Taking all these disadvantages into consideration, it is reasonable and better to switch to a more appropriate method to have iTunes library recovered. With an iTunes alternative, things become much easier. Check out below to repair iTunes library with iMyFone TunesMate.
Repair iTunes Library by Using iMyFone TunesMate
Integrated with advanced technology, iMyFone TunesMate is designed to repair, rebuild, recover, and fix iTunes libraries, enabling users to well control their iTunes media files.
The iTunes alternative allows users to transfer unlimited files between iDevice and iTunes/PC without hassle. Having a corrupt iTunes library can be heartbreaking, but thanks to iMyFone TunesMate, recovering iTunes library is as simple as ABC.
iMyFone TunesMate iTunes Library Restorer
Key Features:
- Restore and rebuild crashed or damaged iTunes library without losing data.
- Enrich iTunes library from unlimited iPhones, iPads, and iPods, even in different Apple IDs.
- Merge different iTunes libraries together without any duplicates.
- Share iTunes library to different iDevices unlimitedly.
- Both free and paid iTunes media can be restored.
- Two-way free transfer media file between iOS devices and iTunes/computer.
Follow Step-by-Step Guide below to Recover iTunes Library with iMyFone TunesMate at Ease:
Step 1Click on iMyFone TunesMate to launch the software on your computer. Connect your iOS device to your PC , and TunesMate will detect your device and display it in the Home interface.
Step 2On the interface that displays click on 'Transfer iDevice Media to iTunes'.
Step 3Select all the files you want to restore by checking its individual check boxes. If you want to recover the entire library, select the entire Library and then click 'Transfer'.
Itunes Library File
Step 4Once it’s done, click 'OK' and your library will be successfully recovered.
Compared with the first method, repairing iTunes library with iMyFone TunesMate is better as we can gain many advantages:
- It easily rebuilds your entire iTunes library from your iDevices using previously synced data.
- It has the option to preview and select specific files you want to move to iTunes when trying to fix your iTunes library.
- It has the ability to copy data without overwriting, deleting or duplicating any previous files.
- It allows users to efficiently manage any iTunes library across all your devices in a professional way.
From practical perspective, the second method is much more useful. Most importantly, it won't erase any data on your iOS devices during iTunes library repairing.