Downgraded iTunes cannot read library

When Apple updates iTunes, often the update will require the iTunes library to be updated as well, which will happen on first launch. This enables new features to work properly; however, it also poses a problem if you want to downgrade to a previous version of iTunes.

Apple Discussion user "QuoteMe" writes:

"I had iTunes 7.8 and everything worked perfect. I kept getting informed of an updated iTunes 8.2 so I upgraded [and after experiencing problems with my iPod] I called Apple and they told me to uninstall the new iTunes and download the one I had previously. I did so, and now I'm back with 7.8. However, now when I try to open iTunes it immediately says, "The File 'iTunes Library' cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes."

If you decide to downgrade iTunes, there are several ways to get the iTunes library to load after you have installed the previous version of the application.

Fixes:

1. Use "Previous iTunes Libraries"

When Apple upgrades iTunes, the previous version of the library is backed up in a folder called "Previous iTunes Libraries," which is probably the simplest way to downgrade your library. Locate the iTunes library with the most recent date appended to its name, rename it as "iTunes Library," and move it to the parent "iTunes" folder, replacing duplicate files. Then launch the older version of iTunes.

2. Use a backup.

If you have Time Machine, you can invoke it in the finder with the "iTunes Music" folder open, and travel back in time to restore the latest version of the library before you upgraded iTunes.

NOTE: Songs added to the library since upgrading to the latest version of iTunes will not appear in the library if you downgrade, so you will have to add them manually by dragging them into the main iTunes window.

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