Beware of iTunes Media Organization
I saw this article on TUAW today, and, after reading it, decided to “organize” my iTunes library. This process simply moves files around so instead of everything being in your iTunes Music folder, your music goes in a Music subfolder, as do other media types. (My movies, TV shows and audiobooks were already in suchly named subfolders.)
Well, there was a problem. I had my media backup hard disk mounted when I ran this function, and after it was finished, I found that I couldn’t eject that disk, because iTunes was using it. I quit iTunes, ejected the disk, then relaunched iTunes. I found that all the files in my iTunes library were not found (there were the ! icons next to them). Even though the correct folder was selected in my preferences, it turns out that iTunes made the change on my backup disk, rather than on the correct disk which contains the actual iTunes Music folder.
So if you run this function, perhaps make sure you have no backup drive mounted. This is a very odd bug – it’s not a problem with the path to the iTunes Music folder, and I don’t understand how iTunes could make such a mistake.
Well, I re-ran the function with my backup disk unmounted, and what occurred was quite interesting. First, it was very fast; since it was only moving files on the same disk, rather than copying them to a new disk, it took about two minutes for 46,000 items to be organized. But the most interesting thing was what I saw after it was finished. My music was indeed put in a Music folder, but there were about 15 folders that were not moved. It turned out that these items were not in my iTunes library. Some were tracks I had upgraded to iTunes Plus (a bunch of Dylan, for example). Others were simply “orphaned” tracks that were still in my music folder even after I had removed them from my library.
I cleaned it up, checking for tracks that might have been forgotten, and only found duplicates or strange files, such as some files that were 0 KB, which seem to have been created by some supernatural power. After cleaning up this folder, my media is better organized in eight neat folders.
Beware, indeed! I started the “organize itunes music folders to media folders” process at 5 pm yesterday….17 hours later and it’s only about 70% done. There was no warning that the process could take a while and there’s no option for stopping or quitting the reorganization. My library is a little smaller than yours (about (40,000 tracks) and kept on an external drive.
Now I’m concerned that something is really wrong but I don’t want to interrupt the process (especially after Apple’s warning “are you sure you want to do this – you can’t go back to the old system once completed). Of course, everything is backed up, but I hope I haven’t gotten involved in something that’s going to take days to fix and get back to where I was.
Mine was quick, because I moved the music sub-folders manually, so iTunes only had to move a handful of things. Definitely _don’t_ interrupt it; you may totally destroy your library!
Hi,
I have been hesitant to let iTunes organize my music just for those reasons. I am still very curious if I shouldn’t give over the reins to someone who has put a lot more thought into it then me. I have a few questions if you would not mind answering. I am a windows user who is very close to going over to Apple. I rip my music to MP3 at 320kbs. is there a better way? I have heard the “loss less” is good but at 320 you still keep more sound in your music. I have a iPhone and a zune so i like to keep my options open.
I have not bought any music downloaded because no one tells you the bit rate that you are buying at, so strange? Or am I missing something?
Anyway, you input would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Paul
Lossless is better than any lossy compressed format (MP3 or AAC). However, most people won’t hear the difference between lossy files at decent bit rates and lossless or CDs. (I use 160 kbps AAC after carrying out a number of blind listening tests.)
Apple sells music in AAC format at 256 kbps. Every other site I’ve seen – with the exception of eMusic – clearly states what bit rate they use. You just may not find it on the front page; you may need to check their FAQs or help pages.