Every problem seems distant and unlikely to happen until the moment it actually happens. iTunes library has been known to be unstable among its users – so learn how to fix a corrupt iTunes library when necessary by reading this guide.

How iTunes Library Can Become Corrupted

iTunes simply won’t start up, or  the files won’t open once the library (the files – music, videos, etc) inside it are corrupted. But you should still be able to “see” all your files – as in, you should still be able to see the names and locations of your files.

Files become corrupted because the files’ “index” structure (the structure that tells iTunes where the files are located in your computer) goes wrong due to a flaw in processing or coding, so that the files are assigned to the wrong index and become inaccessible or “corrupt”.

How to Fix a Corrupt iTunes Library

One way to fix this problem is to redo the indexing of all your files in order to fix any errors in the system. Follow these steps in iTunes in order to fix your corrupted library.

1. If you have iTunes open, close it and make sure it is closed. Use the Task Manager to ensure the iTunes program is shut down. The reason for this is that you will be making changes to the index itself – the index constantly changes while you are using iTunes.  If more than one change is made to a file at a time, the file could become unstable and corrupted.

2. Locate the iTunes folder in your computer. Although it varies depending on the operating system you are using, it is typically found under Users\(your username of your computer)\Music.

3. Drag (move) the iTunes folder and find the file called “iTunes Library.xml” or “iTunes Music Library.xml” to your desktop.

4. Delete the file called “iTunes Library.itl”.

5. Open iTunes without making any changes to your library through purchases, etc.

6. Go to File -> Library-> Import Playlist and choose the iTunes Library on the desktop.

The files in your iTunes Library should no longer be corrupt, and you should now be able to open and use iTunes.

Additional Help

If you feel like you need a professional help you fix your corrupted library files, TalkLocal will connect you with up to three local technicians who will be available to help you when you need them.

This entry was originally posted on Monday, January 28th, 2013 at 6:00 pm and is filed under Computer Repair. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.