iTunes Library damaged but all music,videos,podcasts are still in my iTunes folder

[smarciano1]

While I was downloading podcasts this evening, iTunes said the library was damaged. The iTunes library folders are now empty. My iPod classic 160Gb has everything in it and is current. I do not have a backup..yes, I know, lesson learned the hard way . I looked in the iTunes folder in my C drive and everything (music, videos, podcasts) is still there in MANY different folders. The audio is all MP3 files if that matters. I have about 14500 songs and numerous podacsts and videos and movies.

I noticed in other threads mention of .itl and .xml files. Is there a simple explanation of these files?

Is there a way to rebuild the iTunes library using the files located in my iTunes music folder?

I've read the threads on how to take the files from the iPod and put them back into iTunes. Sounds like the 3rd party programs would be easiest. Is there a recommended program if recovering my music comes to that? I'm running XP Pro and have no other computer issues.
Thanks in advance.
Sal

[smarciano1]

I forgot to mention that I am using iTunes 7.6.0.29 and my iPod's software is current.

[S2_Mac]

Coupla things you can try... First off, quit iTunes. Now move the "iTunes Library.itl" file and the "iTunes Music Library.xml" file (from C"\...\My Documents\My Music\iTunes\) onto the desktop. (The file might be named "iTunes Library (damaged).itl" or something like that.) Next, check the "iTunes" folder for a folder named "Previous iTunes Libraries" -- what's the most-recent iTunes Library file in there? If it's not too old, try using it -- copy it into the iTune folder, and launch iTunes...how's that look?

If a previous library isn't getting it done, you can import the old XML file. Again, quit iTunes. If you just tried using an old library file, you should [/i]delete[/i] the "iTunes Library.itl" and "iTunes Music Library.xml" files from the "iTunes" folder. Now launch iTunes and choose "Import" from the File menu; in the file dialog box that comes up, select the "iTunes Music Library.xml" file that you moved onto the desktop. Any better?

If neither of those work out, you can try reloading iTunes from the iPod, following the instructions/advice in this excellent iLounge article on copying content from iPod to computer. This could result in a huge number of duplicated files, however (since the software that will copy the files and/or playlists from the iPod won't have an up-to-date iTunes library to refer to), which is why I suggest trying the stuff above first.

Or, just re-add all your music to iTunes (and say goodbye to playlists, ratings, etc.)