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Your playlist on iTunes is such a mess. Some of your songs don't exist anymore or some are having duplicates. Perhaps, some tracks that you want are still there in your iTunes Library. In such case, you would want to clear iTunes Library and then rebuild the Library from scratch. Well! That's a good idea. And we are going to share the same in this article. So, if you've no idea on how to clear iTunes Library and start over, just have a look on this post and get your answers.
How to Clear iTunes Library and Start Over
Nov 29, 2018 Part 2: How to Delete iTunes Libray on Mac Step 1. Turn off iTunes on Mac and run Finder on Mac. Click on Go Now click on Home. Browse Music folder and click on iTunes. Find and delete these files: iTunes Library.itl and iTunes Music Library.xml.
Mac user library application support adobe camera raw settings. I assume that indeed they play a part in it.
As the heading states, this section will let you know about clearing your iTunes Library from Windows as well as Mac computers. So, now, you won't be any more wondering 'how do I clear my iTunes library and start over'. Just don't go any further to learn but scroll down and you will get what you want.
- 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.
- Dec 28, 2016 Question: Q: Deleting songs from Itunes Library & Hard Drive 12.5.4.42 How are you suppose to delete songs from both your iTunes library & hard drive at the same time? Only way I have managed to delete songs located in my hard drive is by 'Showing it in finder' and then deleting it there.
On Windows
On your Windows computer, open Windows Explorer. Now, hit on the 'Music' folder.
Go to 'iTunes' folder now and now you will be able to find two files i.e. 'iTunes Library .itl' and 'iTunes Music Library .xml'.
Now, remove the two files from this iTunes folder and this was how to clear iTunes library and start over
On Mac
Firstly, quit the iTunes in your computer and then hit on the 'Finder' menu to open it.
Now, choose the 'Go' menu and click 'Home' from the options that are appearing.
Hit on 'Music' and then choose 'iTunes' to open the folder.
The same files will be noticeable i.e. 'iTunes Library .itl' and 'iTunes Music Library .xml'. now, delete both the files to clear iTunes library and start over.
How to Rebuild iTunes Library
After learning how to clear iTunes library, let us now move on to get aware about how to rebuild iTunes Library from scratch. We will provide you two different ways by which you can carry out this method. Let's begin without any further ado.
These are the preferences that relate solely to macOS system programs, like the Dock and other Apple products like Final Cut Pro. This is my preferred method, and it grabs the most relevant stuff.Whichever you choose, drag and drop your selected files into the correct folder on your transfer media. Mac copy user library folder. ApplicationsCopying applications is tricky. Not all applications put their files in the same place, so you’ll usually need to rummage through your system to make sure you’ve got everything.
Way1: Easiest Way--Tenorshare iCareFone
One of the simplest ways to gain an understanding on how to rebuild iTunes Library is taking advantage of Tenorshare iCareFone. It is the most skilled software out there in the market which is designed to work as an ultimate iOS data manager.
With the help of iCareFone, one can get the benefit of transferring data between iOS device and computer without any need of iTunes. Also, you can import your files to iTunes without any complications via Tenorshare iCareFone. You can execute all these tasks securely as well as easily copy your files between your iOS device and PC. Moreover, it is completely compatible with Mac and Windows computer. What's more! It can also assist the users if they are stuck with common iOS issues. The tool can fix them all easily. Let us now understand the guide on rebuilding iTunes Library on Mac or Windows
Step 1 – Run iCareFone and then get your iOS device connected with the PC. Hit on 'File Manager' from the main interface.
Step 2 – Choose 'Music' now from the list of file types and your music list will be on the screen.
Step 3 – Pick out the preferred music and hit on 'Export'. Now, select the destination folder i.e. iTunes folder and save it.
Way2: Rebuild iTunes Library with XML
In order to rebuild iTunes library using an iTunes xml file you need to follow the step guide mentioned with care. So, here's what you need to do.
First, locate your iTunes folder on your Mac/Win PC. On Mac, you'll find it right in the Music Folder which is available in your Home fodler (the one with your name and house icon). On Windows (7/8/10), you'll find it in the 'My Music' folder located at: C:Users[your username]My Music.
Now, delete the already present iTunes Library (.xml and .itl both) file.
Next, launch the iTunes application, then tap on 'File', followed by 'Library', then 'Import Playlist'. You then need to locate the iTunes Music Library.xml or iTunes Library.xml file with which you wish to rebuild iTunes library.
Wait for a while now, iTunes will analyze the xml file and rebuild your iTunes library subsequently.
Ultimate Tool to Fix All iTunes Errors
While working with iTunes, it is highly possible to encounter some common errors regarding iTunes. For instance, iTunes install errors like error 7, 193, 1305 or iTunes sync errors like error -54, -69 or 8003. Well! You can't stop such error but yes, they can be fixed using a professional tool. We would like to introduce Tenorshare TunesCare for such problems. This tool is highly recommended because it resolves all major iTunes errors; boost iTunes performance as well as compatible with iTunes 12.7.
Conclusion
Winding up the topic, we hope that now you have learnt about clearing and rebuilding iTunes Library well. We have provided simple ways to accomplish the task. Now, you can rebuild iTunes Library or clear it anytime you wish to. However, we would like to recommend you to use Tenorshare iCareFone for the rebuilding purpose for its reliability. The tool not just helps you rebuilding your Library but fully takes care of security as well. Moreover, TunesCare will also be your savior whenever you stuck with any of the iTunes error. Please share your thoughts or any queries if you have. Thanks!
“I'm running iTunes 11 for Windows and JAWS 14 on an XP SP2 machine. I need to delete my current iTunes library and start a new one. I want to keep all my media files and just delete the library files. How do I do this? – applevis.com”
If after updating iTunes you started looking for your music files, videos or podcasts, then you need to learn how iTunes library files can be deleted while keeping all other media files at the same time. But most iTunes users just like our clients (Applevis.com) don’t know this trick. So, we shall be discussing ways/tricks to clear iTunes library and start over.
- Part 1: How to Clear iTunes Library and Start over
- Part 2: How to Rebuild iTunes Library
- Part 3: How to Clean iTunes Duplicates
How to Clear iTunes Library and Start over
#1. How to Clear iTunes Library and Start Over – on Windows
1.1 Easiest and Best Way
We’ve done much research on the issues faced by users of iTunes for Windows PC, and we found that many of them go through rigorous processes and yet never achieve their aim which is clearing iTunes library in order to start a fresh. However, we finally found this software: iMyFone TunesFix can clear iTunes library in just 1-click. Even you are poor with computer technology, you can use the software without any difficult.
Here are the steps to clear iTunes library and start over via TunesFix:
Step 1: Open iMyFone TunesFix, go to home interface, select 'Quick Clean' mode.
Step 2: Click 'Scan' to let the software scans your iTunes library. When the scan is done, your iTunes library will be showed by list.
Step 3: Check 'iTunes Media Files' and click 'Clean'.
Step 4: When the clean is done, your iTunes library will be cleared. Open your iTunes, it will automatically create new library.
Some key features of TuneFix:
- Selectively clean your iTunes library and much other data.
- Success rate up to 98%.
- Easy to use, even the beginners can handle it.
- 4 repair modes to fix lots of iTunes error issues.
1.2 Free Way
besides the way using iMyFone TunesFix, there is another ways to clear iTunes library, follow these steps mentioned below:
Step 1: Launch Windows Explorer, click on Music Folder, and then iTunes Folder. You will see two files: iTunes Library.itl and iTunes Music Library.xml.
Step 2: Delete both files from iTunes folder.
Step 3: Restart iTunes, and it will automatically create new library.
#2. How to Clear iTunes Library and Start over – on Mac
If you always use your MacBook to play audio files, podcasts, videos, and other iTunes library files, but unfortunately, your iTunes library got corrupted, you may have to clear iTunes library and start over again.
To delete iTunes library on Mac, follow these steps:
Step 2: From the Finder menu, click Go > Home; your MacBook home directory will be displayed.
Step 3: Double click Music > iTunes to open the iTunes folder.
Step 4: Drag the “iTunes Library.itl” file to the trashcan. Hold “Ctrl” and click the trashcan to empty it. This implies that your iTunes library files have been erased but your media files are still intact.
Step 5: Restart iTunes, and it will automatically create new library.
How to Rebuild iTunes Library
Easiest Way – iMyFone TunesMate
iMyFone TunesMate is the easiest way for iTunes clearing library and start over again, or rebuild your damaged iTunes library in 1-click. TunesMate is an iOS media file transfer tool that functions perfectly as an iTunes alternative. It has been used by iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users to transfer, clear and rebuild iTunes media library on Windows and Mac PCs.
Key Features:
- Easily bypass iTunes restrictions and unknown iTunes errors.
- Share iTunes music with family or friends, even with different Apple IDs.
- Restore lost, damaged or corrupted iTunes library by copying media files from your iPhone, iPad, iPod… up to unlimited devices.
- Transfer files including music, movies, playlists, podcasts, audiobooks, TV shows, iTunes U, photos, and 10+ more.
- Receives lots of positive reviews from Getintopc, Geekreply, etc.
The Steps to rebuild iTunes library:
Step 1: Run TunesMate on your computer, and connect your iOS device.
Step 2: Click “Transfer iDevice Media to iTunes” from the Home interface. TunesMate will scan all the media file in your iDevice and display them for you to preview.
Step 3: After previewing the files, you can unselect the files you don’t want to transfer by unchecking the boxes. Then click on “Start” to start transferring your files. Click the “Complete” button to complete the process.
Free Way - iTunes
Missing songs, changed playlists and disappeared songs in iTunes Library is a common problem, but you can still track such songs or files because they are still in your iTunes Media folder. Rebuilding iTunes library is a simple process, but it may take a while to complete especially if you have thousands of songs on your iTunes.
Step 1: Before rebuilding your iTunes library we advise you first backup your iTunes Media folder, just to be safe.
Step 2: Close iTunes, then find your iTunes Media folder.
- Mac: Click on Finder > Home > Double click the Music folder.
- Windows: Click on User > Username > My Music > iTunes
Step 3: Find iTunes Library.xml or iTunes Library.itl. Move the files to another folder.
Step 4: Launch iTunes and navigate to the folder where you moved the file by choosing File > Library > Import Playlist > iTunes Library.xml or iTunes Library.itl folder. Click on Choose (for Mac) or Open (for Windows).
Step 5: iTunes will find all your files, tracks, and playlists, and add them to your new iTunes Library.itl file. This may take over an hour to process.
How to Clean iTunes Duplicates
How To Delete Itunes Library Mac
Having duplicate songs in iTunes is annoying problem, but there is a way to erase, stop and prevent duplicates in iTunes in the future. If you are having the new version of iTunes, here are the steps for iTunes clean duplicates.
Step 1: Launch iTunes App.
Step 2: Click File > My Library > Show Duplicates
Step 3: Click “All” to view duplicates. Then arrange Names, Artists, and Albums so you can view them well in iTunes Music column. To do this, hold down the Control Key and click the iTunes column.
Step 4: Click the Name column to view duplicates files. Highlight the duplicate files and erase them by clicking Delete button on your keyboard.