Turned computer on. iTunes empty

[Ravich]

My iTunes library is on a separate drive, but it's never done this before. I have a mac pro so it's not like I could have removed the drive to screw anything up. I dont want to change the library location because I'm afraid that it will force me to delete a bunch of duplicates like iTunes always seems to do when I import -.-


Any idea what might have caused this?

 

[GGJstudios]

My iTunes library is on a separate drive, but it's never done this before. I have a mac pro so it's not like I could have removed the drive to screw anything up. I dont want to change the library location because I'm afraid that it will force me to delete a bunch of duplicates like iTunes always seems to do when I import -.-


Any idea what might have caused this?

If your library is stored on a separate drive and, for any reason, that drive wasn't available at the time you launch iTunes, it won't find your files. Make sure the drive is mounted and working properly, then relaunch iTunes.

 

[Ravich]

I have access to all of the files on the drive, but quitting iTunes and reopening yields the same result.

 

[GGJstudios]

I have access to all of the files on the drive, but quitting iTunes and reopening yields the same result.

Do you still have the iTunes Media library folder location set properly in iTunes > Preferences > Advanced?

 

[Phil A.]

I have access to all of the files on the drive, but quitting iTunes and reopening yields the same result.

iTunes is pretty hopeless in that regard: If you open it up and the drive you have your library on isn't available, it doesn't warn you or anything sensible like that, it just creates a new library in the default location and sets it as the default.
Unless you set it back manually, it will just continue to use the new blank library it has created

 

[swinneyn]

Any idea what might have caused this?

I'm in the same boat as you! It only happened since I upgraded to the latest version of itunes. I know what the other people are talking about the drive not being available, that's easy to fix, but this is like the library data is just missing...

 

[Ravich]

I changed the library location and it isnt automatically updating itself. What am I supposed to do?

 

[548827]

This happened to me last year... I just waited a week and after downloading a fresh update it was all there again. Good luck

 

[davids8477]

My iTunes library is on a separate drive, but it's never done this before. I have a mac pro so it's not like I could have removed the drive to screw anything up. I dont want to change the library location because I'm afraid that it will force me to delete a bunch of duplicates like iTunes always seems to do when I import -.-




Any idea what might have caused this?

Launch itunes while holding down the option key.

It will ask you to select a library.

Navigate to your library and you should be all set.

 

[Ravich]

I tried it, and unfortunately it is still blank.

 

[GGJstudios]

I tried it, and unfortunately it is still blank.

Then create a new iTunes library and add your music to the new library.

 

[Ravich]

Is there any way in particular to do this without creating duplicates? -.-

 

[GGJstudios]

Is there any way in particular to do this without creating duplicates? -.-

If you start with a clean library and you don't have duplicate files already, it's simple. Just uncheck these boxes in iTunes > Preferences > Advanced:

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Then open your new empty library and click File > Add to Library and select the folder that contains your music files.

 

[Ravich]

Excellent, that did the trick! What I'm wondering is how I add music to my library from now on, if iTunes wont do the organizing by itself.

I cant simply drag the files, can I? Do I have to put them directly in the iTunes media folder?

 

[Consultant]

Check the box to add music to library. So new music will be copied.

 

[GGJstudios]

Excellent, that did the trick! What I'm wondering is how I add music to my library from now on, if iTunes wont do the organizing by itself.

I cant simply drag the files, can I? Do I have to put them directly in the iTunes media folder?

The way I do it is to drag new music to the existing music folder, then Add to Library and select the folder just added. You don't have to re-check the box and have iTunes manage your music. You can continue to manage it yourself.