Lost iTunes Data? Here is How You Bring it Back

Have you accidentally deleted entire iTunes library, play lists, downloaded content, albums or music files? If yes, you can try these methods to bring your data back:

Re-download Purchased Content

Load the iTunes Store using Ctrl + Shift + H key combinations/ shortcuts. Look for a link named ‘Purchased” at the right corner of your computer screen.

You’ll be prompted to enter Apple log-in information. Now you’ve four categories on your screen namely Apps, Books, Music and TV Shows. You’ll find the Music option is selected as default. As default, “All” link is selected that displays content stored on your local machine besides content you’ve bought from iTunes Store, yet not downloaded. Click the “Not in my Library” link so that you can re-download whatever you previously purchased.

First of all, make sure iTunes application is closed before performing the tasks. Go to the iTunes subfolder in Music folder under Library. There you’ve a file called Library.itl. Another file named iTunes Music Library.xml is located in the same directory. Drag and drop that file to a new location, preferably your Desktop. Now open up iTunes and locate the recently moved file from Import Playlists option in the Library main men.

Search iTunes Folder

It may be possible that the file name is merely removed from playlist, yet the original file still exists on your hard disk. Use the Windows Search feature by pressing F3 key of your keyboard after navigating below directory:

• C:\Users\XXX\Music\iTunes\iTunes Media

Restore Deleted File

Check the contents of your Recycle Bin and restore the file if it exists. Use the Search box on upper right corner of your screen.

Use an Undelete Program

Free file recovery tools offer an easy way to recover deleted iTunes music files. With the right tools, you can get back your deleted files instantly no matter whether they were deleted from primary hard drive or external hard drive.