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Question

Problem reinstalling itunes library.

Apr 26, 2015 5:26AM PDT

Whilst moving my itunes library folder on Windows 7 I deleted it and then emptied the recycle bin! - I know, not the done thing. A friend managed to find a back-up kept within my system at one of it's recent restore points and transferred the data to the new folder. The data was then transferred into itunes - all good up to this point and massive relieve by myself.
When I booted up itunes the albums seemed to be present but clicking into a lot of them I have found many with duplicate songs, tracks missing and an unknown folder full of rogue songs disassociated from their parent albums. In short I am relieved that the library is back but it is well and truly scrambled! Is there any way of rectifying this problem?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Have to go with no.
Apr 26, 2015 5:37AM PDT

It reads as if none of the articles about backup and restore of the iTunes library were followed so like taking your own adventurous path to parts unknown I don't see a clear fix other than to clean off iTunes altogether then reinstall iTunes and then restore from your last backup using Apple's documented procedure for restoring the iTunes library.

There are folk that never backup or blow up iTunes in new ways. Often they learn why we backup and follow the docs.
Bob

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PS. NEVER MOVE FOLDERS like that.
Apr 26, 2015 5:39AM PDT

Without a backup, NEVER EVER MOVE. COPY!!! That way you can check your work before you lose it all.

No backups means it was something we didn't need anyway.

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Indeed...
Apr 26, 2015 5:58AM PDT

I am wondering whether it is worth uninstalling itunes and then reinstalling it then uploading the library? I am just at a loss as to why itunes decides to scramble some of it?
Yes, like most who stare at the gallows I now am full of remorse of my stupidity in not backing up, but if I manage to save my library assured it will be forever backed up in the future.

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What is this upload the library?
Apr 26, 2015 6:08AM PDT

Apple documents backup and restore but "upload"? Are you using iRip or such?

There are tomes on the web about repairing the library, rebuilding the library so I didn't write or note those.
Bob

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He merely used the incorrect terminology
Apr 26, 2015 6:26AM PDT

You mean to tell me, with your experience in computer/tech related subjects you have never had someone peruse the incorrect list of terms? Happy

To the OP> Apple's discussion forums often have some useful tips, or lists of other tools/resources to peruse. See here:

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3991

What I didn't see in the above discussion is, whether or not you have an iDevice such as an iPod or iPad with the same music library? Bob's reference to iRip (and others via the link I just provided) might come in handy as such. Good luck rebuilding, in any case. Big, corrupt libraries can take some serious patience(!)

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Just what I was wondering!
Apr 26, 2015 6:57AM PDT
Happy Thank you Pepe. Perhaps I did use the incorrect terminology? I am no technohead hence the destroying of my library in the first place. I know the library and it's contents have all been thankfully restored albeit scrambled - which to be honest, though a massive headache is but a small thorn considering I thought them lost forever!
I was wondering whether the device which is an ipod classic as mercifully wasn't synced to the corrupted library could in fact be worked in reverse?

I expect the frowning on such a calamity as I too would have frowned if I hadn't have been so stupid as to try and short-cut apple's instructions on such an intricate operation.
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Yes, you can work in reverse.
Apr 26, 2015 7:13AM PDT

Google up IRIP and be sure to follow the directions. That's why I asked about uploading since if I use iRip I'd call that an upload.
Bob

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A thought...
Apr 26, 2015 8:18AM PDT

I am wondering if an ipod-pc transfer would keep all the songs correctly catagorised and in their correct albums if imported into a re-installed itunes?

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In a perfect world.
Apr 26, 2015 9:16AM PDT

You are dealing with trying to recover. I've lost count of discussions like this.
Bob

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That's what it is supposed to do, however...
Apr 26, 2015 1:54PM PDT

..with badly corrupted iTunes libraries, it's still a bit of a crap shoot IME. A regularly synced iPod has a better chance of getting the job done correctly IME. That said, if you are installing iTunes from scratch and importing from an external iDevice, you will likely do very well with only a little tweaking of playlists/etc. required IME.

Down the road I suggest you learn about two concepts- how to properly backup data, and how to create/save an image of your entire PC. The latter, especially when you automate the process, can really make all of this stuff trivial since we often don't alter our music/video/etc collections significantly. YMMV.

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Ipod-Itunes Transfer
Apr 26, 2015 9:41PM PDT

It seems like Podtrans for example can transfer back a library from a device to itunes. When I get in from work I'll take a closer look at it.

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Yes- also look at CopyTrans
Apr 27, 2015 12:57AM PDT

I have had good luck using that one too, although I don't see it listed on the apple discussion link above.

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Sorry, I have just seen....
Apr 27, 2015 6:02PM PDT

Sorry, I have just seen. Yes Floola appears to be freeware which is great! I must admit though I am a little hesitant just in case I wipe the data from mt device too!