Eek! Lost all my iTunes information

[cwp55]

I was transfering my iTunes music to an external hard drive, using the following link as a guide:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=305451

It didn't work, and I've lost everything in iTunes.

All the music files still exist, as well as the names of my playlists, so all is not lost, but, can anyone help me get it back up and running?

[psylichon]

You'll have to import the files back into iTunes from the file menu. If they're organized and all in one folder, just import that whole folder. Your playlists, I think, might be shot, but they may remap once you reimport. I've never really tried it.

[cwp55]

You were right. Always, always back things up.

I was able to re-import the folder. The playlists and everything returned.

In the meantime, I think I figured out my initial problem.

[Youngbinks]

Yeah I think everything will import back in with no problems but I'm pretty sure you're going to lose your playlist information. You might lose some of the album artwork and such as well.

[cwp55]

Fortunately, I didn't lose anything. Another problem has developed however.

I transfered my music to the external hard drive, and at some point during the night, the music folder DISAPPEARED.

My external hard drive is set to perform automatic backups. I had pulled my Music folder out of the iTunes file, so I'm wondering if the drive backed up exactly what it saw.

I still have the music files. My concern is how to use the external hard drive for music storage, which I can't seem to figure out.

[acosmichippo]

what software are you using for automated backups?

[jjvaldez]

i juat reformated the ole g4 laptop yesterday... [it was due] and i lost 15 items that i bought from itunes.. i dont get it... i have others that i have bought... but not these.... weird... now i have to buy it again..